56-1224 Chemistry of Art and Color

Course deals with atoms and molecules and how they create color or light and reflect and absorb light (dyes and pigments). Topics include additive and subtractive color mixing; interference, or iridescence, which is demonstrated through niobium anodizing; history and chemistry of pigments; and various paint media, including encaustic (or wax), egg tempura, linseed oil, gouache (or gum Arabic), fresco, calcium compounds, and oriental lacquers. The chemical reactions that set these paints are discussed.

4 Credits
SL