We normally paint a color wheel early in the school year, but I decided to try a more creative approach to learning about color mixing and painting. We looked at the art work of Robert and Sonia Delaunay and created original paintings in the style or "inspired by Delaunay. Students used a compass to create half circles and semi-circular shapes, which they then painted with acrylic paints. We spent a few days learning how to create design ideas and creating small thumbnail ideas. Students then then transferred their design to a larger sheet of paper and began painting. Because this was a color unit, students had to include primary colors, secondary and tertiary colors, complementary colors, tints and shades, neutral colors and some tones. Students used red, blue, yellow, white and black and had to mix all of the other colors that you see.

Robert Delaunay (1885-1941) and his wife Sonia Delaunay were French artists working in the early 1900s. Art was changing a lot during this time as some artist began to experiment with color and subject matter. We also begin to see the emergence of Abstract Art. Artist begin to feel that shapes and colors by themselves can be works of art. Delaunay’s artwork changed quite a bit throughout his life. By the 1930’s his work became completely abstract with large paintings of circular forms in various colors. His wife, Sonia, also did similar paintings.

Robert Delaunay Painting (left image)