Course Content and Outcomes Guides (CCOG)

CCOG for ART 116 Winter 2025


Course Number:
ART 116
Course Title:
Basic Design: Color Foundations
Credit Hours:
4
Lecture Hours:
20
Lecture/Lab Hours:
40
Lab Hours:
0

Course Description

Introduces foundational color design aesthetic knowledge and skills. Investigates a broad range of color theory, techniques, materials, and color strategies. Explores design concepts through creative problem solving with consideration to historical and contemporary perspectives. Audit available.

Addendum to Course Description

Course may include demonstrations, slides, lectures, readings, written assignments, group work, collaborations, films, and field trips. Basic Design series 115, 116, 117 and 119 may be taken in any sequence. 

Intended Outcomes for the course

Upon completion of the course students should be able to:

  1. Solve design problems using color theory.
  2. Solve aesthetic and material problems through appropriate use of the Elements and Principles of Design.
  3. Express connections to personal and cultural experience through color-based artwork.
  4. Assess the value and quality of personal work in relation to the practices and standards of design. 
  5. Communicate through design vocabulary in order to engage in critical conversations about art and design.

Integrative Learning

Students completing an associate degree at Portland Community College will be able to reflect on one’s work or competencies to make connections between course content and lived experience.

General education philosophy statement

The study of Visual Arts is essential to the development of the individual and one’s meaningful participation in society. At the heart of artistic practice is the ability to organize experience and recognize its meaning. The creation of artwork and appreciation of aesthetics is a source of great pleasure and also a valuable means to effective visual communication. Participating in Visual Arts is an important way for individuals to connect to the past and respond to the present with a stronger sense of engagement with culture and society.

Outcome Assessment Strategies

  • Create appropriately crafted, challenging solutions to assigned projects
  • Develop ideas through creative research and preparatory studies
  • Evaluate design through written responses to artwork
  • Participate in class critiques and discussions

Course Content (Themes, Concepts, Issues and Skills)

Themes

  • Visual literacy
  • Contextual awareness
  • Color theory
  • Historic and contemporary cultural color perspectives in design

Concepts

  • Composition utilizing the Elements and Principles of Design

·       Elements: Line, Shape, Value, Color, Texture

·       Principles: Rhythm/Repetition, Focal Point/Emphasis, Movement, Proportion/Scale, Form/Space (Illusionistic), Unity/Harmony, Variety/Contrast, Balance

  • Form and content
  • Craft, technique, and material choices
  • The Three Properties of Color: Hue, Value, Saturation/Intensity
  • The Color Wheel: Primary, Secondary, and Tertiary Colors
  • Complementary color theory
  • Color relativity
  • Color palettes/schemes

Issues

  • Compositional problem solving
  • Process and material limitations and possibilities
  • Understanding of aesthetic choices in relation to artistic intent
  • Handle art materials with environmental awareness and responsibility

Skills

  • Applicable knowledge of Elements and Principles of Design
  • Proficiency with Color Theory 
  • Critique and self-reflection strategies employing two-dimensional design and color design vocabulary
  • Introduction to a variety of art making materials and tools