Colour Theory Art Lessons for Teaching Colour Theory

Colour Theory Art Lessons

How do you teach colour theory?  It’s a big question and one all art teachers need to know the answer to. There are so many different ways to do it. This blog post features all the colour art resources available on The Arty Teacher.  Note that each resource always comes with two versions.  One with the spelling ‘colour’ and another with the spelling ‘color’.

First up is this free colour wheel.  The outside wheel has 12 sections which is essential for teaching color theory.  It labels primary, secondary and tertiary colours.  I laminate these so I can use them again and again.

The colour schemes art lesson below asks your students to colour the patterned circles using harmonious or analogous, complementary and monochromatic colours.  It’s a great way to instill this knowledge in your students and makes a striking page in a sketchbook.

There is something very satisfying about collage. The download below asks students to collage the sections of a 12-section colour wheel. This would fit in well with your recycled projects.

Colour Theory Art Lessons

Each download comes with a version with the spelling ‘colour’ and a second with the spelling ‘color’.

The colour wheel pattern resource below is a different and interesting way to teach students about the colour wheel and colour theory.  Students can simply colour the colour wheel or you can teach them about gradation.  This comes with the good example that you can see below.

The complementary colors worksheet (below) which includes a small 12 sections color wheel asks students to colour in the shapes using only complementary colors.  It makes a really attractive sketchbook page or display.  It comes with a lesson plan in case you want to use it as a sub lesson.

‘Analogous Colors’ worksheet and below, ‘Harmonious Colours’ worksheet, asks students to use these color schemes to color in the shapes.  Both come with a lesson plan should you wish to use this as a sub lesson.

Three Ways to Teach Tints and Shades

Click an image to learn more.

Colour theory art exam!

Below is an editable colour theory art lesson in the form of test. Now you can test your students understanding of all your have taught them about colour theory!

If you want lots of the resources above, why not consider a subscription?  Learn more about subscribing here.

Click the image below to go to a free color game that you could use with your students.  It makes a great extension activity if your students have access to a computer or iPad.