Please note! Course description is confirmed for two academic years, which means that in general, e.g. Learning outcomes, assessment methods and key content stays unchanged. However, via course syllabus, it is possible to specify or change the course execution in each realization of the course, such as how the contact sessions are organized, assessment methods weighted or materials used.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
By completing the course you will gain a deeper understanding and sensibility to colour as a visual element in art works, design objects and media. You will understand the basics of the mechanisms of visual perception, the modes of appearance of colour and their use in art, media and design. You will be better equipped to utilize colour in your own work and will understand methods of identifying and classifying colours.
Credits: 4
Schedule: 08.09.2020 - 21.10.2020
Teacher in charge (valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022): Sini Vihma
Teacher in charge (applies in this implementation): Sini Vihma
Contact information for the course (valid 17.08.2020-21.12.2112):
Sini Vihma
E-mail: sini.vihma@aalto.fi
CEFR level (applies in this implementation):
Language of instruction and studies (valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022):
Teaching language: English
Languages of study attainment: English
CONTENT, ASSESSMENT AND WORKLOAD
Content
Valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022:
This course combines theory and practice. Exploration of colours' aesthetic and functional potential by experimental means. Lectures on perception and use of colour in art and design. Exercises on colour interaction and aesthetics (colour induction, spatial effects of colour, colour as sign, code and signal, colour harmony and expression). Brief introduction to colour order systems. Hands-on exercises and experiments in colour composition (executed mainly in colour paper collage) alternate with introductions to theory of visual perception and the relationship of colour, light and space.
Assessment Methods and Criteria
Valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022:
Assignments, lectures, demonstrations and excursions. Assessment criteria: Attendance, active participation, course portfolio (assignments and lecture notes), the student's own progress and ability utilize and express what he/she has learned.
Workload
Valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022:
Lectures, classroom exercises and critiques 56 h
Indenpendent work, work on individual assignment and portfolio 52h
DETAILS
Study Material
Valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022:
Arnkil, H., Colours in the Visual World (2013)
(Further reading)
Arnkil, H. (ed.), Colour and Light Concepts and confusions (2012)
Albers, J., Interaction of Color (1975)
Gregory, R., Eye and Brain, The Psychology of Seeing, (1998)
Livingstone, M., Vision and Art: the biology of seeing, (2002)
Zwimpfer, M., Color: Light, Sight, Sense (1988)Applies in this implementation:
Required materials and equipment: A3 drawing paper, pencils, Color-Aid papers (supplied by the department), hobby knife, (metal) ruler, paper glue, scissors (optional).
Substitutes for Courses
Valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022:
01291 Colour and perception
Prerequisites
Valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022:
No prerequisites.
SDG: Sustainable Development Goals
5 Gender Equality
12 Responsible Production and Consumption
FURTHER INFORMATION
Details on the schedule
Applies in this implementation:
The course will be arranged remotely. Please find daily program in detail in mycourses pages:
https://mycourses.aalto.fi/course/view.php?id=27878
Schedule:
8 Sep 9.15–17
AM Introduction
Colour variables
Modes of appearance of colour
PM Relativity and constancy of colour I: Colour and light
Lightness constancy (lightness and brightness)
Hue constancy (colour and illumination)
Assignments:
1. Simultaneus contrasts, one colour looks like two different colours
5. Colours of light and shadow, start of the image diary
15 Sep 9.15–17
Relativity and constancy of colour II: Contrast
Light-dark, contrast of hue
Assignments:
2.a) Three colours look like two: a colour loses its identity and becomes identified with its adjacent backgrounds.
2.b) Colour induction: Two different colours look the same, two colours look like one
22 Sep 9.15–17
Categorising and ordering colours
Brief introduction to colour order systems
Aesthetics of colour: harmony and expression
Concepts of colour harmony: visual comfort and balance, unity of colour variables, etc.
Assignments:
3. a)-f) Analogous colours – visual unity
29 Sep 9.15–17
Colour and space
Binocular and monocular cues
Assignments:
4.a)-b) Spatial effect and spatial illusion
6. Colour design
6 Oct 9.15–17
AM Lecture, Tarja Peromaa
PM Presentations of assignment 4.a)-b)
Work on assignment 6. Colour design
20 Oct 9.15–17
AM Presentations of assignment 5. Colours of light and shadow
PM Work on assignments 6. Colour design
21 Oct 9.15–17
AM Work on assignment 6. Colour design
PM Presentations Colour designs
Wrap up - discussion
Course literature
Arnkil, H., Colours in the Visual World (2013)
Further reading
Arnkil, H. (ed.), Colour and Light – Concepts and confusions (2012)
Albers, J., Interaction of Color (1975)
Gregory, R., Eye and Brain, The Psychology of Seeing, (1998)
Livingstone, M., Vision and Art: the biology of seeing, (2002)
Zwimpfer, M., Color: Light, Sight, Sense (1988)
The course consists of theory/lectures/discussions and practical exercises. All the assignments must be uploaded in mycourses.
Required materials and equipment: A3 drawing paper, pencils, Color-Aid papers (supplied by the department), hobby knife, (metal) ruler, paper glue, scissors (optional).