Description:

This is a study of the nature of color, its physical properties and visual qualities. Basic theories, phenomena and their applications will be explored using pigment, colored paper and digital color systems. Working knowledge of Adobe Photoshop is required. 6 hrs. lecture and studio/wk.

Supplies: Refer to the instructor's course syllabus for details about any supplies that may be required.

Prerequisites: NONE

Textbook(s): NONE

Course Fees: NONE

Course Objectives:

Upon successful completion of this course the student should be able to:

1. Define and explain the physical nature of color and light including: a) Sources of color, b) Major color, c) theories, d) Color perception and phenomena, d) Basic color qualities and terminology.
2. Demonstrate proficiency with a specialized vocabulary that relates to the study of color.
3. Utilize traditional and digital color systems and examine the visual characteristics of color mixes and the comparison of color palettes and ranges.
4. Demonstrate through his/her work traditional and contemporary color theories relating to the objective and subject uses of color.
5. Manipulate and control color effects and understand how they affect the creation and perception of figures and forms.
6. Produce harmonious compositions.
7. Demonstrate a level of problem-solving skills that promote the identification and generation of alternative solutions to color design problems and assist in the selection of an appropriate course of completion.
8. Demonstrate knowledge and proficiency with the tools, materials and techniques necessary to the study of color in this course.
9. Recognize and demonstrate productive attitudes and work habits in the studio/lab.

Content Outline & Competencies:

I. Sources of Light and Color
   A. Define and explain the physical nature of color including
light/color sources.
      1. The light spectrum
         a. Sun
      2. Invisible light/energy
         a. Electric lights
         b. Fluorescent lamps
         c. Phosphorescence
         d. Luminescence
   B. Describe the similarities and differences of the following four
variations in illumination:
      1. Artificial light/daylight
      2. Brightness
      3. Lightness
      4. Shadow
   C. Define, compare and contrast light behavior and its resultant effect
on color and perception.
      1. Absorption/reflection of light from surfaces
      2. Transmission of light by
         a. Refraction (prism)
         b. Dispersion (scattering)
         c. Diffraction (point source)
         d. Interference (iridescence)
   D. Describe the physical mechanism for color perceptions.
      1. Eyesight/color blindness/color warning

II. Major Color Theories, Mixtures and Systems of Organization
   A. Define and describe the importance of three methods of logical color
arrangement:
      1. Color wheel
      2. Color system
      3. Color diagrams
   B. Define, compare and contrast additive, subtractive and partitive
color theories.
   C. Describe and explain the visual effects of color mixtures in prints,
pigment and dyes.
      1. Transparent
      2. Non-transparent
   D. Compare and contrast color theory utilized in photography, printing
and television.
   E. Identify, contrast, compare and  utilize the four following digital
color pallets:
      1. HSV
      2. RGB
      3. CMYK
      4. PANTONE

III. Basic Color Qualities
   A. Define and explain the color quality hue relating to color
organization, describe its use and explore in color exercises/projects.
      1. Definition
      2. The pigment spectrum
      3. The 12-color circle
         a. Primary triad
         b. Secondary triad
         c. Tertiary hues
   B. Define and explain the color quality value relating to color
organization, describe its use and explore in color exercises/projects.
      1. Definition
      2. “Normal” spectrum color values
      3. Used to define objects in three-dimensional space
      4. Light/pigment value variations
      5. As a compositional element
         a. Contrast and emphasis
         b. Balance
         c. Movement
         d. Structure
   C. Define and describe the color quality of intensity relating to color
organization, describe its use and explore in color exercises/projects.
      1. Definition
      2. Spectrum intensity, saturation or chroma
      3. Altering hue intensity
         a. Addition of black (shades)
         b. Addition of white (tints)
         c. Addition of achromatic neutral (grays)
         d. Addition of complement or other hue

IV. Color Perception and Phenomena
   A. Explain color perception and the phenomena of color illusion.
   B. Explain constancy theory.
   C. Describe and utilize various color illusions in color
exercises/projects
      1. After-images
      2. Vibrating boundaries
      3. The rule of simultaneous contrast
      4. The Purkinje phenomenon
      5. Synesthesia
      6. Spreading effect
   D. Explain and use simultaneous contrast with “see through quality”
in color exercises/projects.
      1. Transparency
      2. Translucency

V. Objective and Subjective Uses of Color to Demonstrate Color Principles
and Effects
   A. Explain and utilize in color exercises/projects to describe objects
using local color.
   B. Explain and utilize in color exercises/projects as a compositional
element.
      1. Plastic color
         a. Warm colors
         b. Cool colors
      2. Color balance (contrast of extension)
      3. Contrast and emphasis
   C. Explain and utilize in color exercises/projects to symbolize ideas.
   D. Explain and utilize in color exercises/projects to create moods and
express emotions.
      1. Psychological responses to color
      2. Emotive responses

VI. Color Relationships and Effects in Compositions
   A. Identify, describe and use in color mixing exercises/projects
traditional color schemes.
      1. Harmonious relationships: Monochromatic
      2. Harmonious relationships: Analogous
   B. Identify, describe and use in color mising excercises/projects
traditional schemes
      1. Contrasting relationships: Primary triad
      2. Contrasting relationships: Secondary triad
      3. Contrasting relationships: Complementary colors

VII. Attitudes and Work Habits
   A. Identify and develop positive attitudes toward tasks and colleagues,
appropriate to a  professional designer and the workplace including giving
and accepting criticism and praise.
   B. Identify and develop productive work habits appropriate to the
professional designer and the workplace including: the ability to follow
verbal and written instructions, good organizational skills, attention to
detail, adherence to schedules and deadlines, completion of tasks and
maintaining good attendance and punctuality. 
   C. Identify and develop individual or collaborative/teamwork skills
including: solving problems independently by working alone or in groups,
building consensus and responding to supervision.

Methods of Evaluation of Competencies:

Evaluation of student mastery of course competencies will be accomplished using the following methods:

Projects and tests:   60 - 85% of grade
Studio performance:   15 - 40% of grade
  Total:                100%   
                      
Grades for projects will be based on project objectives and competencies
evaluated in class critiques, evaluation forms and individual
conferences.

Studio performance grade is based on the student's attendance record,
degree of productivity, ability to work independently and level of
participation in class critiques. 

Grade Scale:
  4.0     = A
  3.75    = A-
  3.25    = B+
  3.0     = B
  2.75    = B-
  2.25    = C+
  2.0     = C
  1.75    = C-
  1.25    = D+
  1.0     = D
Below 1.0 = F

Semester Grade: total grade averaged to A, B, C, D, or F.

Caveats:

1. Working knowledge of Adobe Illustrator is required.

Disabilities:

If you are a student with a disability, and if you will be requesting accommodations, it is your responsibility to contact Access Services. Access Services will recommend any appropriate accommodations to your professor and his/her director. The professor and director will identify for you which accommodations will be arranged.

JCCC provides a range of services to allow persons with disabilities to participate in educational programs and activities. If you desire support services, contact the office of Access Services for Students With Disabilities (913) 469-8500, ext. 3521 or TDD (913) 469-3885. The Access Services office is located in the Success Center on the second floor of the Student Center.