Docent Training
AAYF 2025-2026 Poster
A Walk Through Color Fields
Roaring Rothko
Created by Robin Jack Sarner
November 2025
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
Using chalk pastels applied and blended in color fields, students will emulate the work of Abstract Expressionist Mark Rothko while learning the basic tenets of color theory.
OBJECTIVES
1. Students will understand Abstract Expressionism as an art style.
2. Students will recognize the impact of the work of Mark Rothko on the American art scene of the 20th Century.
3. Students will learn the essential elements of composition and color theory.
4. Students will be introduced to the links between color and emotion.
SUPPLIES (Per student)
● Chalk pastels – 12 colors
● 12”x18” black heavy stock paper – must be placed in a VERTICAL position
● AAYF label
● Pencil
SUPPLIES (Shared)
● Painter’s tape
● Hair Spray or Fixative
● Wet Wipes or damp paper towels from the classroom
● Color Wheel
ART VOCABULARY
Emotional Response: A reaction to a particular intrapsychic feeling or feelings, accompanied by physiologic changes that may or may not be outwardly manifested but that motivate or precipitate some action or behavioral response.
Organic Shapes: Pertaining to the shapes or forms in a work of art that are of irregular contour.
Self-Expression: The expression of your thoughts or feelings especially through artistic activities (such as painting, writing, dancing, etc.)
Line: An area or border that separates two places.
Abstract: Expressing ideas and emotions by using elements such as colors and lines without attempting to create a realistic picture.
Abstract Expressionism: An artistic movement of the mid-20th century comprising of diverse styles and techniques and emphasizing especially an artist’s liberty to convey attitudes and emotions through nontraditional and usually non-representational means. Simply, it means NO subject matter.
Color Field: Abstract painting in which color is emphasized and form and surface are correspondingly de-emphasized.
Composition: The way in which something is put together or arranged. The combination of parts of elements that make up something.
Surrealism: 20th century art form in which an artist or writer combines unrelated images or events in a very strange and dreamlike way.
Color Theory: A body of practical guidance to color mixing and the visual effects of a specific color combination. There are also definitions (or categories) of colors based on the color wheel: primary color, secondary color, and tertiary color.
DOWNLOAD
TEACHERS/PARENTS RESOURCES
Distance Learning Tips – Suggestions to help make this experience enjoyable for all.
Elements of Art – Resource sheet with vocabulary used by artists.
