Color Studies

FOUN112 Color in Context | Fall 2026 | Prof. Courtney Miller Bellairs

This series of 14 color studies explored the fundamental principles of color theory through hands-on experimentation with acrylic paint. Limited to the three primary colors, students were challenged to develop a comprehensive understanding of color mixing by creating a range of hues, tints, tones, shades, and color schemes through careful observation and control of pigment relationships.

Each exercise focused on a different aspect of color interaction, encouraging students to investigate how colors can be manipulated to achieve variations in value, saturation, and visual harmony. Through the creation of monochromatic, analogous, complementary, triadic, and other color schemes, students developed a deeper understanding of how color influences perception, mood, emphasis, and composition.

The process required precision, patience, and consistent experimentation as students mixed paints to achieve specific color relationships without the use of premixed hues. By exploring the full potential of the primary colors, the project strengthened foundational knowledge of color theory and provided essential skills for future work in art, design, and visual communication.