Colour Theory Introduction

Year Level

Year 7 Visual Arts (Australian Curriculum v9)

Unit

Aussie Christmas Creations
Lesson 4 of 9: Introduction to Colour Theory

Duration

50 minutes
Class size: 7 students

Learning Intention

Students will understand the basics of colour theory including primary, secondary and complementary colours. They will apply this knowledge by experimenting with colour mixing to create palettes inspired by the Australian summer and their chosen themes for placemats.

Success Criteria

I can identify and explain primary, secondary, and complementary colours.
I can mix colours to create a palette that represents the Australian summer.
I can reflect on how my choices of colour express the theme I have selected for my placemat design.

Australian Curriculum Alignment

Content Descriptions

AC9AVA8D01: Experiment with visual conventions, visual arts processes and materials to develop skills (focus on colour mixing and theory)【8:AC9AVA8D01.md】
AC9AVA8C02: Select and manipulate visual conventions, visual arts processes and/or materials to create artworks that represent ideas, perspectives and/or meaning (applying colour theory to personal artwork)【10:AC9AVA8C02.md】

General Capabilities

Literacy: Discussing and describing colour theory vocabulary
Critical and Creative Thinking: Mixing colours and making decisions reflecting thematic choices
Personal and Social Capability: Expressing personal ideas and respecting peers' colour palettes and choices

Resources

Colour wheels (printed or digital)
Paints: Acrylic or poster paints in red, yellow, blue (primary), plus white and black
Brushes, palettes, water containers
Paper sheets for practice mixing
Placemat paper or template for final application
Images/photos of Australian summer themes (beaches, native flora, summer festivals)
Whiteboard and markers

Lesson Stages

1. Introduction & Engage (10 minutes)

Teacher Modelled Learning

Begin with a brief interactive discussion introducing the concept of colour theory: primary colours (red, yellow, blue), secondary colours (green, orange, purple formed by mixing primaries), and complementary colours (pairs opposite each other on the colour wheel, e.g., red & green).
Show a large colour wheel and explain terminology.
Show examples of artworks or images that use colour schemes reflecting the Australian summer (vibrant warm colours, coastal blues and greens).
Discuss briefly how colour choices can convey mood and theme — e.g., summer warmth, festive vibes.

Check for Understanding

Ask students to name primary and secondary colours.
Invite them to identify complementary pairs on the colour wheel.

2. Guided Practice (15 minutes)

Teacher Guided Learning

Demonstrate how to mix primary colours to make secondary colours on palette and paper.
Show how to mix complementary colours to create contrast effects or neutral tones.
Provide students with paint, brushes, and palettes. Guide them step-by-step to:
- Mix red, yellow and blue individually.
- Combine pairs to create secondary colours.
- Experiment with mixing complementary colours.

Differentiation:

For Lower Potential learners: Provide pre-mixed paints and support mixing technique with scaffolded steps.
For Middle learners: Allow experimentation with tones by adding white or black to create tints and shades.
For High Potential/Gifted: Challenge students to create intermediate tertiary colours or explore colour harmony and contrast effects.

Success Check

Circulate, providing feedback, confirming students can produce the correct secondary colours and identify complementary pairs.

3. Independent Practice (15 minutes)

Independent Learning

Students create and label their own colour palette on paper, inspired by the Australian summer theme using the colours mixed.
Encourage students to think about how their colour palette reflects elements of their placemat design theme (e.g., beach, bush, festive Australian flora).
Students reflect on why they chose particular colours and how these represent their summer theme.

Extension Activity for advanced students:

Create a mini artwork incorporating complementary colour schemes or explore colour temperature contrasts (warm vs cool).
Begin simple sketches for their placemat design using the palette created.

4. Sharing & Reflection (10 minutes)

Whole Group Sharing

Students share their palettes and explain their choices linked to their themes.
Teacher facilitates peer feedback focusing on use of colour theory vocabulary and thematic connections.
Briefly discuss how to use the palette in their placemat artworks moving forward.

Reflection Questions:

Which colours did you enjoy mixing and why?
How do your colours express the Australian summer?
How will these colours help your placemat design?

Assessment & Feedback

Observe practical mixing skills during guided time for formative assessment.
Evaluate individual palettes and reflections for understanding of colour relationships and theme connection.
Use questioning and peer discussion to assess vocabulary and conceptual grasp.

Differentiation Summary

Learner Group	Strategies	Extension Activity
Lower Potential	Provide pre-mixed colours, step-by-step assistance with mixing	Colour matching and simple tints creation
Middle Potential	Scaffolded demonstrations, encourage experimentation with tints and complementary colours	Begin detailed colour notes on thematic palette
High Potential/Gifted	Challenge with tertiary colour mixing, colour harmonies, temperature contrasts	Create a mini complementary colour artwork sketch

This lesson plan ensures students actively engage with colour theory within the context of their Aussie Christmas Creations unit, using knowledge to enhance their placemat art with Australian summer inspired palettes. It aligns with the Australian Curriculum v9 Visual Arts codes AC9AVA8D01 and AC9AVA8C02 for Years 7 and 8, incorporating modelled, guided, and independent learning phases alongside differentiation and success criteria for all learners【8:AC9AVA8D01.md】【10:AC9AVA8C02.md】.

Teaching Instructions