color UNIT V: Color Schemes

Project VB Propaganda Poster
Objectives

Studio Fundamentals: To understand, identify, and apply common color schemes

Thematic Concept: To explore how color choices and text can alter the "meaning" of an image or message

Project Overview You will alter the original color scheme, text, and ultimately, the message of an old propaganda poster.
References
Vocabulary monochromatic, achromatic, analogous, complementary, triadic, split complementary, double complementary, warm, cool, limited palette
Materials 11” x 14” or 15" x 20" bristol board or illustration board. Color media open.
Process

Preliminary:

Before coming to class, review the thematic concept of Protest and Persuasion as found on the website. Also, read the discussion on Color Schemes for Unit V. Review the Project References and Vocabulary above.

Activity:

1. Find an existing World War II propaganda poster and photocopy it.

2. Determine a conceptual change – in other words, change the poster’s meaning by altering text and image.

3. Make thumb nails (about 3” x 4”) of the poster using the following six color schemes: Achromatic, Monochromatic, Analogous, Complementary, Triadic, Split Complementary. Label your thumbnails.

4. Choose the color scheme that works best in conveying your message. Lightly transfer your photo-copied poster or hand-rendered interpretation onto your piece of Bristol Board or Illustration Board.

5. Commence painting!

6. Turn in your scanned/photocopied “original” poster, your thumbnails, and your new version.

Discussion and Critique Ideas

When you have completed your composition, divide into small groups and exchange artworks with another group from the class. Within your group, work together to respond to each painting in turn. Consider the following:

  • Describe the color palettes your fellow artists used and discuss how various color effects were achieved.
  • In the context of the composition, point out any specific colors or shapes that the artist used to indicate a particular meaning or mood.
  • Discuss the intentions of the artist who created the original work versus the "altered" meanings of the new artwork.
  • After some sharing of interpretations, attempt to state the message of the composition in one sentence. (This artwork is about. . .)
  • Explain how the shapes, symbols, or other elements of the composition support its message.

The final critique consists of a series of preliminary written judgments by fellow classmates, followed by an oral statement by the artist, and concluding with a comparison of the audience's interpretations and the artist's intention related to color schemes.

From a problem by Steve Johnson, copyright 2005

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