Exploring Color Theory Through the Color Wheel

Description for Parents & Students:

In today’s art lesson, we studied the history and purpose of the color wheel, beginning with Sir Isaac Newton’s discovery in the 17th century. Newton proved that light itself contains color, and by arranging the spectrum into a circle, he gave the world a lasting framework for understanding how colors relate to one another.

Students reviewed the structure of the traditional 12-color wheel (primary, secondary, and tertiary colors) and connected this to the four qualities of color:

• Hue - position around the wheel.
• Saturation - how vibrant or dull a color appears.
• Value - how light or dark a color can be.
• Temperature - whether a color leans warm or cool.

The class discussed how these elements guide artists in creating harmony, contrast, and mood in their work.

In-Class Project:

Using tempera paints, students constructed their own full 12-part color wheels, practicing precision in color mixing and application. This exercise builds artistic skill, but also reflects the classical pursuit of understanding beauty, order, and proportion in the created world.

Optional Questions for Parents to Ask at Home:

• How does understanding the color wheel help an artist make intentional choices in their work?
• Do you think colors can communicate ideas or emotions even without words? Can you give an example?
• What connections can you see between the study of light, order, and beauty in art and the way we experience creation in everyday life?

*Our reading material .pdf from the day is attached to this assignment.