1. Design Fundamentals de
Beaufort
The Twelve Step Color Wheel
Assignment:
In re-creating the 12 step color wheel originally conceived by Johannes Itten, we will attempt to
create a meaningful organizational system that will allow us to conceive the highly subjective
qualities of color. Specifically we will be examining hue , and creating an organizational system
that describes relationships between specific hues that will become the basis for further color
schemes and analysis.
Directions:
1. Using a compass create a circle in the middle of your illustration board. Follow the in-class
demonstration and divide the circumference of the circle into 12 sections. Repeat this process
with a smaller circle half-way towards the center point. Using a ruler, subdivide the color wheel in
12 equally shaped and regular pieces.
2. First using your primary colors, paint in the blocks corresponding to red(magenta), yellow,
and blue(cyan). Remember to use your drafting tape to create crisp edges by employing the no-
bleed technique I introduced in class. Paint evenly and without streaking, mix with minimal water,
but keep your paint dry by spritzing occasionally with a fine mist.
3. Mix the secondary colors by combining your primaries in appropriate amounts. It would be a
good idea to utilize a "test" scrap in order to best gauge the correct mixture of the two paints.
Remember that light value hues (yellow) are weaker in the mixture and should be added to in
minute amounts very slowly. It is a good idea to use a blow dryer to make sure that your paint is
dry before moving to the next color.
4. Mix the tertiary colors using the secondary you have just created with the primary out of the
jar. Again, use a scrap sheet to make sure it is gauged correctly and evenly balanced between
the secondary and primary hue. Continue to use drafting tape to keep your lines clean, but
remember the paint must be completely dried before you can apply tape to it.
5. Check for any lingering pencil marks and paint over any mistakes with white. Label "12 step
color wheel" at the bottom.
Student Learning Objectives:
1. Color: By creating a color wheel, students will demonstrate a working knowledge of the core
concepts of color hue. Specifically students mix and organize primary, secondary, and
tertiary colors into their appropriate spot. Relationships implied by the color wheel including

2. complementary, split complementary, dual complementary, analogous, triadic, and
tetradic will all be explored using this color system.
2. Design: Students utilize basic tools in order to create a radial symmetric graphic system.
Grading Rubric:
HUE (40 pts) : All color hues are appropriately mixed and evenly differentiated. There are no
obvious jumps from one hue to the next that seem abrupt. Each hue is highly saturated and the
whole piece is visually appealing with a beautiful shift across the spectrum.
CONCEPT (30pts): Each hue is placed in it's proper location and is directly across from it's
complement. There are a correct number of color bands and each one is evenly spaced.
CRAFT/PROFESSIONALISM (30pts): The project is neat and precise, there are no
blemishes, spills, errant marks, bleed -unders, or scuffs that distract the viewer. The paint is
evenly applied and does not appear streaky or splotchy.
100 points total