Exploring Color

In previous sessions on repetition and rhythm, we focused primarily on working with visual elements of lines, shapes and textures. Now, in honor of spring, we're breaking out a challenge to work with color in the same expressive ways.

While color may simply seem to be part of the fabric of a painting or drawing, it sometimes helps to investigate how color is used, in our own work and the work of other artists. This exercise will help you explore the different properties of color.

What You'll Need

• A number of drawing surfaces, size and material of your choosing

• Drawing tools of your choosing, with an emphasis on new approaches to color materials, such as acrylic paint, watercolor, crayons and pastels.

What You'll Do

Develop a series of drawings in which the appearance of one color dominates while a contrasting color or colors play supportive roles. The recurrence of one dominant color will unify your drawing while contrasting color/colors will enliven and enrich the arrangement.

For purposes of this lesson, I've selected red as my main color, but you can chose any color you'd like to work with to explore an infinite variety of color relationships. 

Next: Let's get down to work with color. >>