For Dr. An's Class on Tuesday April 23, 2024, evening we will make a spinner to teach us about color theory.

Experiencing Color Theory Firsthand

Professor Samaras for Dr. Heejung An's Graduate Science/STEAM Education Class

April 23, 2024 WP University

What Is the Difference Between Additive and Subtractive Color Mixing? LINK

"Primary and secondary colors are things we learned about in grade school. Many of us can still remember the lesson on red, yellow and blue. We learned that they are the primary colors. But wait. Yellow isn’t a primary color to a graphic artist designing CGI images. What gives?"

"The relationships between primary, secondary and tertiary colors are important to the concept of color mixing. The science behind it accounts for both additive and subtractive color mixing. Understanding these two types of mixing explains why artists working with traditional media understand red, yellow and blue (RYB) as primary colors, while digital designers work with red, green and blue (RGB). A third color model used specifically for printing is called CMYK."

"Additive and subtractive color mixing are so named because of the way different colors are achieved. As you might have guessed, additive color mixing involves adding color. Subtractive mixing involves taking color away. This post will explain it all in detail." LINK

(LINK for making a spinner video)

1) A sharpened pencil approximately 3 inches long.

2) A ruler.

3) A scissors.

4) A jar or can or round object approximately 3 inches wide (for tracing).

5) A glue stick.

6) Paint and a paint brush. You will need the following colors: Red, Yellow, Blue, Green, Black, White. Acrylic or tempera works best. You can often find a small set of paints at Staples, CVS, Walmart and/or Amazon. You do not need large jars of paint.

Here is an example on Etsy: LINK

7) Cardboard, single ply. Please have enough to make at least 4 circles measuring three inches wide each.

8) One sheet of heavy duty white paper as a surface to paint on. Approximately 9 inches by 12 inches. (NOT Xerox/printing paper).

9) A smock if needed. Paper towels. A few small plastic cups for mixing you paint. One or two more small plastic cups for water.

10) A few popsicle sticks to stir the paint.

11) Old newspapers or a plastic bag to cover your tables with.