One approach to exploring a color is to start with a primary source. Examples include:
Examine the painting to the right and identify how this image could be used to identify different perspectives on the color yellow. What questions might an artist ask? A psychologist? A scientist?
Here's the information about the painting:
Artist: Vincent Van Gogh
Title: Sunflowers
Date: 1888
Materials: Oil on canvas
Examples of questions from different disciplinary perspectives:
How do we see yellow? Why does yellow stand out as a color?
Why are sunflowers yellow?
What are the moods and meanings that yellow conveys?
How did Van Gogh achieve his bright yellow?
Why was Van Gogh fascinated with bright yellows in his painting? Was it used to alleviate his melancholy? Did he use it to capture light?
How is yellow used as a color of artistic expression?
Chapman, Mark A., et al. "Genetic Analysis Of Floral Symmetry In Van Gogh's Sunflowers Reveals Independent Recruitment Of CYCLOIDEA Genes In The Asteraceae." Plos Genetics 8.3 (2012): 1-10
Monico, Letizia, et al. "Evidence For Degradation Of The Chrome Yellows In Van Gogh's Sunflowers: A Study Using Noninvasive In Situ Methods And Synchrotron-Radiation-Based X-Ray Techniques." Angewandte Chemie (International Ed. In English) 54.47 (2015): 13923-13927.
McDonnell, Peter J. "Seeing yellow." Ophthalmology Times 15 Jan. 2012: 4
Borges, Renee M. "Pictures At An Exhibition: Bees View Van Gogh's Sunflowers." Journal Of Biosciences 31.5 (2006): 503-505
Walsh, Meeka. "Where The Use Of Yellow—." Border Crossings 21.1 (2002): 6-7.
Strasnick, Stephanie. "How Many Light Bulbs Does It Take To Discolor A Van Gogh?." Artnews 112.4 (2013): 63
