Exploring Color Theory

Make any color from just three!

All colors are created from three primary colors- red, yellow, and blue. Primary colors exist on their own meaning they cannot be created by mixing any other colors together. By combining primary colors in different ways, we are able to create secondary colors- orange, green, and purple. The understanding of how colors can be mixed and manipulated is called color theory. This activity will introduce students to color theory through pictures, videos, and an interactive activity!

This activity was created exclusively for STEAMfest by Layne Kennedy, Woodlawn Art Teacher.

Take a look at the photo below. This is a famous painting created by Vincent Van Gogh called Two Cut Sunflowers. What colors do you think the artist used the most?

Now, take a look at the second photo. This painting was also created by Van Gogh and is called Wheatfields and Mountains. What colors do you think the artist used the most in this painting?

Wheatfield with Mountains in the Background, 1889

What if I told you that these two paintings could be created using the same three colors? In this activity, you will learn how to mix colors in different ways to create new colors!

Step 1 : Watch video

Step 2 : Make A Color Wheel

Now that we understand how colors can be mixed, let’s create our own color wheels! Download and print two copies of the Color Wheel Template linked in the Downloads section above. You can use colored pencils or watercolor paints to make your color wheel.

a. Fill in the three primary colors (red, yellow and blue) as shown in the video.

b. Now fill in the secondary colors (orange, green, purple). Now you have a color wheel!

c. Try again on the second template but this time make the secondary colors by mixing the primary colors:

red + yellow = orange
yellow + blue = green
blue + red = purple

Step 3 : Make Your Own Art

Now that you have had some practice mixing colors, try creating an art piece using primary colors. Challenge yourself to create a painting or drawing using only red, yellow, and blue. Ask yourself, “How can I mix these colors in different ways to create a work of art?”