How did Wassily Kandinsky experiment with colour?
Sarah Cherry
Published Feb 15, 2026
How did Wassily Kandinsky experiment with colour?
Some theorize that Kandinsky experienced synesthesia, meaning he was able to experience two senses at once, like colors producing music or seeing colors when he heard music. These experiences were reflected in his paintings, and he often titled his works after music terms.
What are Kandinsky Circles?
Kandinsky “Squares with Concentric Circles” Expressionists wanted to use art to express their feelings and emotions, usually through bold us of line and color. He felt that color could convey emotion even without showing any particular object or figure. Color on its own could tell the story of his art.
Why did Kandinsky use circles?
The circle as propositioned by Kandinsky is the fusion of the two greatest opposites, that of the concentric and of the eccentric in a single form and in equilibrium. By limiting Several Circles to only one form, the circle, Kandinsky could focus instead on colour, mass and the relative positions of the circles.
What is a concentric ring?
Concentric rings are a series of rings, each of a larger diameter, that radiate out of the same point or feature. Concentric objects share the same center, axis, or origin with one inside the other.
Where is color study squares with concentric circles?
Munich , Germany
Summary
| Lenbachhaus | |
|---|---|
| Location | Munich , Germany |
| Coordinates | 48° 08′ 49″ N, 11° 33′ 49″ E |
| Established | 1929 |
| Web page |
What is a color study?
A color study is usually a small painting or drawing which focuses almost entirely on color arrangements. The goal of a color study is not to create a beautiful painting, but rather to explore and test different arrangements of color. It is often done as a lead-up to a more serious painting.
What is a concentric circle?
Concentric circles are circles with a common center. The region between two concentric circles of different radii is called an annulus.
Where was color study squares with concentric circles made?
What kind of art did Kandinsky do with concentric circles?
Squares with Concentric Circles. Squares with Concentric Circles (Farbstudie – Quadrate und konzentrische Ringe), perhaps, Kandinsky’s most recognizable work, is not actually a full-fledged picture. This drawing is a small study on how different colour combinations are perceived that the painter used in his creative process as a support material.
How do you make Kandinsky Circle Art for kids?
Simply paint one circle each and then glue the circles down next to one another on a piece of cardstock. The completed circle painting will be really effective, especially if created with a large group of children. Scroll down for more examples of Kandinsky circle art made by children.
What can we learn from Kandinsky’s art?
One of Kandinsky’s most well-know images is not a painting intended to be displayed as an art work, but rather a set of images he used as a colour study, trying out combinations of colours together. Click here to see this image, which we will use as the inspiration for our own art: Colour Study, Squares with Concentric Circles, 1913
What can I do with concentric circles?
In addition to gluing squares in place, kids can also just paint their concentric circles and mix colors like Kandinksy did. My 9 year old daughter used watercolors to mix colors and design her circle art.
