Color Temperature
Today, I embarked on a colorful journey with my elementary students, introducing the basic concept of color temperature through the lens of art, with a simple fish drawing as an example, inspired by Miriam Paternoster.
As the young artists sketched their fish, we explored the magic of waving lines that intersected with the aquatic form, providing distinct zones on the paper ready to be brought to life with a vibrant spectrum of colors. The key was to embrace the warmth within the fish using fiery hues while enveloping the aquatic scene with cool, calming tones.
But what is color temperature? How do we know if a color is warm or cool?
The color temperature is the way our brain associates colors. When you look at a fireplace, your eyes see a range of reds, oranges, and yellows while your body feels warm. When you see an igloo, your eyes catch a range of blues, and your body feels cold.
Consider this: Walk into a room adorned with walls painted in rich reds and warm oranges, and you'll sense a comforting warmth enveloping you. Now, imagine the same space with walls bathed in serene blues and greens—the atmosphere instantly takes on a cooler, more tranquil vibe.
In our creative escapade, we not only painted with colors but also painted with sensations, teaching our young minds to feel the temperature of art.
Warm colors are reds, oranges, and yellows.
Cool Colors are blues, purple, and greens.
The best to visualize this is by splitting the color wheel in half.
In essence, color temperature is the silent conductor orchestrating the symphony of our visual experiences. Today, my students not only captured the importance of this concept on paper but also felt its impact as they breathed life into their vibrant fish creations. Like that of color, the world of art continues to unfold its wonders before our eager eyes.
