Class 27 | 12.07.09 | Tonal Progression

Critique

Discussion

Color Harmony: Tonal Progression

  • Grayscale: progression from black to white in the absence of hue
  • Shade: progression of a hue produced by the addition of black
  • Tint: progression of a hue produced by the addition of white
  • Complements: progression of a hue produced by the addition of its complement

References:

LAB

In the computer lab, using the files provided, complete the following Progression Studies
* NOTE: It might be helpful to turn on Guides. View > Show > Guides

  • Shades (shades_progression.psd): In the Layers Palette, turn down the arrow next to the Shades folder. Select the layer name Shade Step 1. Choose the Paint Bucket tool from the Tool Palette and double click on the Foreground Color Square (also in the Tool Palette). In the Color Picker, choose the Radio Button [B] and select a hue along the top edge of the color ramp. Click OK. Then apply the color with the Paint Bucket tool to the Shade Step 1 object. Repeat this process with each Shade Step layer, adding more black at each step. Your goal is to create 7 evenly graduated steps, based on your visual perception, not the computer’s measurement.
  • Tints (tints_progression.psd): In the Layers Palette, hide the Shades Folder by clicking on the eye. Then turn down the arrow next to the Tints folder. Select the layer name Tint Step 1. Choose the Paint Bucket tool from the Tool Palette and double click on the Foreground Color Square (also in the Tool Palette). In the Color Picker, choose the Radio Button [S] and select a hue along the top edge of the color ramp. Click OK. Then apply the color with the Paint Bucket tool to the Tint Step 1 object. Repeat this process with each Tint Step layer, adding more white at each step. Your goal is to create 7 graduated steps.
  • Complements (complements_progression.ai): In Illustrator, choose the Selection Tool from the Tools Palette and Color Guide from the Window Menu. Click on one of the rectangles with the Selection Tool. In the Color Guide Palette, select Complementary from the pull-down menu and Show Tints/Shades from the little arrow in the upper right corner. Click on the Color Wheel icon in the lower right-hand corner to open the Live Color Palette. Click on the Edit button and then on the Segmented Color Wheel icon. Drag the circles around the color wheel, making sure you keep them equidistant from each other. Experiment with increasing and decreasing the percentage of black and white. Repeat this process for all three progression blends.
  • Save all files to your Flash Drive.

Back in the classroom, complete the following Painted Progression in gouache:

  • Based on the digital studies above, choose two complementary paint colors. Mix these in various amounts increasing and decreasing the saturation of the original color by adding more or less of the complement. Create a series of dots or squares of various sizes on bristol. You will use a hole punch or scissors to cut out each shape, so don’t worry about making perfect edges in paint. Create a progression from 1 color to its complement, for example: Yellow and Violet
  • Mix the two colors in varying amounts until you have created at least 7 steps. Consult your color wheel to make sure you working with accurate complements (red-violet complements yellow-green, but not green).
  • Once you have a full 9×12″ page of dots/shapes, cut or punch out each and assemble a new composition on a fresh piece of bristol. Your composition should demonstrate an obvious tonal progression from one color to its complement. Experiment with creating a progression of proportions as well– such as a progression of shape (small to large) and interval (variety of space between shapes from broad and tight).

Homework

Bring to class:

  • Finished Tonal Progressions.
  • An example of harmonious color combination (your favorite sweater or household object, an advertisement, photograph, book, etc.)
  • Your full set of paints (buy more if you are running low), and related materials
  • Flashdrive or CD