May 18: Let's learn to use color like Barbara Sansoni

Exploring Color, Texture & Composition through Painted Paper Strips

Assigned Teachers: Suren, Piyumika, Liteira

Intro: Who Was Barbara Sansoni?

Barbara Sansoni was a Sri Lankan artist and designer known for her joyful use of color, texture, and rhythm in textile design. Her works—especially her handwoven panels—were inspired by architecture, nature, and daily life in Sri Lanka. She used color the way musicians use sound: with harmony, contrast, rhythm, and feeling.

What Is Color Theory? An Overview

Before we create our own Sansoni-inspired artwork, let’s learn a little about color theory.

The Color Wheel:


  • Primary Colors: Red, Yellow, Blue

  • Secondary Colors (created by mixing primaries): Orange, Green, Purple

  • Complementary Colors: Opposites on the wheel (e.g., blue & orange)

  • Warm Colors: Red, orange, yellow

  • Cool Colors: Blue, green, purple

Discussion Prompts:

  • Which color combinations do you like most?

  • How do colors make you feel?

Research Sources for Volunteers:

https://color-wheel-artist.com/printable-color-wheels.html

You Will Need:

  • Strips of thick paper in various lengths and widths - you can also use Bristol board.

  • A blank A3 sheet per student for the final composition

  • One small sheet or corner of paper for color wheel

  • Paint (tempera, watercolor, or acrylic)

  • Brushes, palettes, water, cloths

  • Glue

  • Scissors

Step 1: Mix and Paint – Color Wheel + Painted Strips

Part A: Paint a Mini Color Wheel

  • Use paint to create a handmade color wheel:

    • Start with red, yellow, blue (primary).

    • Mix to create orange, green, purple (secondary).

    • Place the colors in a circle—like a pie chart.

    • Optional: mark warm and cool zones.

This becomes a reference tool for your own choices later.

Part B: Paint Paper Strips

  • Paint your paper strips using a selected palette:

    • Choose warm, cool, or complementary themes—or just experiment!

    • Use solid colors, gradients, or patterns like stripes, dots, or washes.

    • Aim for at least 5–8 painted strips per student.

Let the strips dry as you set up the next step.

Step 2: Build Your Textile-Inspired Composition

Once dry, layer and glue your strips onto a background sheet.

Try:

  • Overlapping, crossing, or cascading patterns

  • Using different directions—vertical, horizontal, diagonal

  • Playing with transparency or gaps (leaving white space)

  • Creating rhythm or contrast like in a woven design

Encourage freedom: there’s no right or wrong!

Step 3: Share and Reflect

Have a group share circle or a mini gallery walk. Ask:

  • What colors did you enjoy using the most?

  • Did you try to balance your colors or make something bold?

  • How does your work relate to Barbara Sansoni’s style?

Optional Extension (maybe for exhibition!)

  • Display all works together like a installation of tapestries.

Building CommunityRanitri WeerasuriyaMay 2025, Barbara Sansoni, ColorComment