“COLOR”

(Reviewed theme):

    In God’s majestic design and order, there are 6 basic elements that encompass perfect beauty, or what we are more familiar with, the fine arts. These elements of design are: value, color, space, shape, line and texture. Art can not be accomplished without these things.

    Just like any other subject we teach our children, once the foundations are understood, and the applications tried, a final work can be accomplished. The foundations in the fine arts are the basic elements that God has created. Once these are learned and practiced, anyone can enjoy art in their life, and ultimately appreciate the beauty of God all around him.

    Since it is God Who created each one of the elements of perfect beauty, no man in the truest sense can be called a “master” artist. Artists, who have understood God’s elements of design and have mastered their uses and application, are referred to as ‘master’ artists. By observing the masterpieces they have achieved, we can glean better insight into the incredible harmony of God’s elements of design and, ultimately, HIS beauty.

 Introduction to Color 

“And God said, Let there be light: and there was light.” (Gen. 1:3)

“…I am the Light of the world…” (John 8:12)  

Definition of Color:  A property or quality, associated with light. 

 Some facts regarding color can help better explain its meaning:

        • The sun is the purest source of light.

        • Color variations depend on the light source.

        • Colors are revealed when light rays are bent, or broken up. The longest rays produce red, the   
                shortest produce violet.

        • When all the colors are mixed quickly together (the speed of light), they produce white.

        • Primary colors are those colors that can not be made by mixing any other color. They are red,
          yellow and blue.

        • Secondary colors are the colors achieved when 2 primary colors are mixed together. They are
           green, orange and violet.

        • Complimentary colors are those colors that are opposite on the color wheel. They are red &
           green, yellow & violet, and blue & orange.

Explain to Students:

The Hebrew word for light includes “beauty” in its definition. Color makes all things beautiful! When light rays are diffused, or redirected, colors are seen. Jesus is The Light of the world! The beauty of the Lord (His Light’s reflection) can be seen all over the world when we see through eyes of faith.

Observation:

1) Using a prism, demonstrate how light rays create a rainbow.

Notice that black and white are not displayed in a prism, therefore, they are not considered “colors”, but are “neutral”.

    A white substance is reflecting the rays of the light without separating them.

    A black substance is absorbing all or most of the rays, rather than reflecting them.

 2) Ask students what color they think they will see when spinning a colorful spinning wheel. They will discover that the “color” will be white The rays of colors from the spinning wheel have been fused together with the speed of the motion.  

Application

(lesson suggestions)

All ages love to make color wheels. They could be as simple as the three primary colors (for very young) to the secondary and tertiary (when secondary colors are mixed together). Color wheels do NOT have to be “wheels”! Colors can be created on pictures of snakes, ice-cream cones, leaves, caterpillars, raindrops, or anything their creative minds may take them. 

I believe it is important for the students (if they haven’t already) to be given time to just explore with colors before assigning a picture or composition project to work on. The important thing with this lesson is that students become comfortable with color usage, not the style or accuracy of the subject matter of their picture.