1. Design Fundamentals de
Beaufort
The Creative Color Wheel
Assignment:
In creatively re-creating the 12 step color wheel originally conceived by Johannes Itten, we will
attempt to create a meaningful organizational system that will allow us to conceive the highly
subjective qualities of color. Specifically we will be examining hue, and creating an organizational
system that describes relationships between specific hues that will become the basis for further
color schemes and analysis.
Directions:
1. For BASIC COLOR WHEEL: Using a compass create a circle in the middle of your illustration
board. Follow the in-class demonstration and divide the circumference of the circle into 12
sections. Repeat this process with a smaller circle half-way towards the center point. Using a
ruler, subdivide the color wheel in 12 equally shaped and regular pieces.
2. First using your primary colors, paint in the blocks corresponding to red(magenta), yellow,
and blue(cyan). Remember to use your drafting tape to create crisp edges by employing the no-
bleed technique I introduced in class. Paint evenly and without streaking, mix with minimal water,
but keep your paint dry by spritzing occasionally with a fine mist.
3. Mix the secondary colors by combining your primaries in appropriate amounts. It would be a
good idea to utilize a "test" scrap in order to best gauge the correct mixture of the two paints.
Remember that light value hues (yellow) are weaker in the mixture and should be added to in
minute amounts very slowly. It is a good idea to use a blow dryer to make sure that your paint is
dry before moving to the next color.
4. Mix the tertiary colors using the secondary you have just created with the primary out of the
jar. Again, use a scrap sheet to make sure it is gauged correctly and evenly balanced between
the secondary and primary hue. Continue to use drafting tape to keep your lines clean, but
remember the paint must be completely dried before you can apply tape to it.
5. Check for any lingering pencil marks and paint over any mistakes with white. Label "12 step
color wheel" at the bottom.
THE CREATIVE COLOR WHEEL
Using the same process for the basic color wheel, construct a re-interpretation by imagining the
color wheel in an alternate way. You may chose an unusual shape, layout-etc just as long as all
the 12 colors are re-produced in correct hues. You might consider painting on cardstock and then
cutting the shapes from there to glue directly on to your illustration board. Any method is
acceptable so long as the work is well-crafted.
Student Learning Objectives:
1. Color: By creating a color wheel, students will demonstrate a working knowledge of the core

2. concepts of color hue. Specifically students mix and organize primary, secondary, and
tertiary colors into their appropriate spot. Relationships implied by the color wheel including
complementary, split complementary, dual complementary, analogous, triadic, and
tetradic will all be explored using this color system.
2. Design: Students utilize basic tools in order to create a radial symmetric graphic system.
Clear and concise visual display is emphasized as well as graphic interpretation.
Grading Rubric:
CONCEPT (40pts): All color hues are appropriately mixed and evenly differentiated. There are
no obvious jumps from one hue to the next that seem abrupt. Each hue is highly saturated and
the whole piece is visually appealing with a beautiful shift across the spectrum.
PROFESSIONALISM (40pts): The project is neat and precise, there are no blemishes, spills,
errant marks, bleed -unders, or scuffs that distract the viewer. The paint is evenly applied and
does not appear streaky or splotchy.
ORIGINALITY (20pts): Your interpretation is fresh and unique and causes the viewer to
consider the color wheel in another way.
100 points total