• To explore color theory and the illusion and relativity of color
• To  understand color value (light and Dark) as it applies to different colors and explore the emotional potential of color
• To use Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop tools to explore color
• To explore the form of Assemblage, the use and meaning of found objects 
• To continue to explore the compositional possibilities of the basic shapes: circle, rectangle and triangle.

Interaction of Color App - intro

Joseph Albers on color - audio lecture

Is your red the same as my red?

Using ONE image from your previous project as a beginning, add some color fill layers using the three primary colors and black. Try multiple variations by adjusting the opacity of the individual layers. Explore the possibilities and how the background layer colors change the look of the composition - Post six different examples. 

Watch the video to understand this activity.

Four Color Worlds

For your project you will use a 9x12" sheet of white drawing paper.

Select four colors to use (found in magazines etc).

Use one or two shapes.

Follow the procedure in the video.

This activity will also be done on the computer using Illustrator.

I will demonstrate the technique.

This activity will be done on the computer using Photoshop and Illustrator.

I will demonstrate the technique.

Colors have three different attributes: Hue (color name i.e. red, blue etc); Saturation (the intensity or purity of the color) and Value, its lightness or darkness. In this project you will explore these attributes with the primary colors using the form of the collage.

The Screen shot above is that of the color picker in Adobe illustrator. What it represents is the total range of color possibilities of one Hue (the color red). This is referred to as a monochromatic scale.

The word monochromatic means one color. However, even using just one color can result in an interesting and dynamic composition. Just as a grayscale (achromatic- meaning no color) has an infinite number of gradations (although we usually represent only a few), a monochromatic scale does as well. 

Confused about color?

This is the most sensible explanation of how we see color. 

How we see color - video

A good short series on understanding color

Some Additional Resources

Another color wheel

Color Theory overview

Interactive Color Wheel

Additive and Subtractive Color Mixing

Color Relationships with examples

Using the Photoshop Color Picker

"Somewhere in the city of New York there are four or five still-unknown objects that belong together.Once together they'll make a work of art. That's Cornell's premise, his metaphysics, and his religion, which I wish to understand.

He sets out from his home on Utopia parkway without knowing what he is looking for or what he will find. Today it could be something as ordinary and interesting as am old thimble. Years may pass before it has company. In the meantime, Cornell walks and looks. The city has an infinite number of interesting objects in an infinite number of unlikely places."

Charles Simic, Dime-Store Alchemy: The Art of Joseph Cornell

A bit of Semiotics Theory

Joseph Cornell Presentation

Collage Presentation

Collage, which you were introduced to in the last unit, can involve not just found flat images, but actual 3d objects. When actual objects and material are involved the form is referred to as Assemblage. The objects and/or materials are glued or otherwise attached to the base or ground. 

Found objects are interesting to work with because in addition to their shape and color, they also have the potential to tell stories - they are the repository of memory and experience.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION:

This project is inspired by the work of Joesph Cornell and others working in the genre of Assemblage. In addition to the formal elements of your composition, in this project we are also striving to create some kind of meaning or narrative. So we are adding meaning into the mix You will create a total of 3 compositions as outlined below.

Composition#1 - Create a collage using materials and objects that show a range- from dark to light and variations of a blue or green hue.

Composition #2 - Create a collage using materials and objects that show a range - from dark to light and variations of a yellow or orange hue.

Composition #3 - Create a collage using materials and objects that show a range  - from dark to light and variations of a red or purple hue.

They must be glued onto a rigid backing that is 10x10" foam board. This backing may be white, black or the hue in which you are working.

The objects and materials must be predominantly monochromatic (one color)

The objects and materials should be appropriately sized for the 10x10" format.

The objects and materials must show a range from dark to light.

The objects and materials can also show other variations in hue.

The objects and materials should provide a range of textures and finishes.

You must use found objects and materials

Your composition must include all three basic shapes (circle, square triangle) and ideally, should fall into one of those shape categories without altering them. However, you may slightly alter SOME of your objects to become the basic shapes.

• Gather all of your materials and objects. 
• Arrange them by shape and by hue.
• Begin working with your different shapes. Document your process as you go. Consult with a peer about your progress, then when you think you have reached the final and best version glue it down, photograph and post your documentation and your final to your e-portfolio. As in the previous projects, with a short commentary explaining your choice (use the thoughts listed below to guide the writing of your statements).

While composing your works consider the following:

Explore the full range of color variations 

Unity of form

Contrast of size and shape

Contrast of texture

Visual hierarchy: where does your eye go first - How does it move around the composition? 

Did you successfully use both negative and positive shapes in your compositions?

Does your assemblage create some distinct feeling or concept in the eyes of the viewer. Does it have a narrative or story?

Write a short reflection which describes your work process and explains your compositional choices. You may write one paragraph for all 3 works. Please refer to the general information provided above and the criteria directly above when you write your reflection.