Behind the Color Wheel: Using Color in Art and Design

Gr 9 Up—This introduction to the use of color in art and design is a good way to spark discussion and projects. The first chapter introduces the color wheel, looks at the science behind color, and explains how color is reproduced in both print and digital media. The next section utilizes the color wheel to demonstrate monochromatic, analogous, complementary, and triadic color schemes. The third part offers pointers on how to keep color schemes harmonious. The presentation is visually rich, utilizing copious amounts of highly saturated color in provocative combinations, often offset by bright white space and bold black lines. The pace is quite rapid, often moving too quickly for viewers to appreciate the effect of various color schemes, but the brief glimpses may be enough to get students thinking. A comprehensive resource guide for educators provides talking points, a graphic organizer for students, quizzes, and project examples. While this will be a useful tool for introductory courses in graphic, fashion, and interior design, students in the fine arts are likely to find this formulaic approach somewhat lacking.—Cary Frostick, Mary Riley Styles Public Library, Falls Church, VA