Henri Matisse and the Brilliance of Color

A biographical profile of Henri Matisse emphasizes his innovative approach to color and serves here as launchpad for a series of imaginative lesson-projects presented by Carolyn Lebo (whose teaching techniques are wonderful). From learning about the color wheel, value and intensity, to my favorite, painting a portrait, Matisse-style, Lebo takes viewers through each project: planning, assembling materials, and executing the work, providing helpful tips along the way. The program concludes with a segment on science and color, which is far less effective. Here, instructor Mary White rushes through a series of experiments demonstrating the properties of color and how we perceive it with our eyes. Most of the demonstrations are confusing, either because the steps are not sufficiently explained, the procedures aren't completed, or the experiment fails to produce the intended result. Although an elaborate teacher's guide fills in the gaps, the visual instruction here doesn't match the art lessons which make up the body of the program. A similar, but smaller-scaled program by Lebo, It's All Greek to Me (VL-7/98), worked much better; still this is a worthwhile purchase. Recommended. Aud: I, J. (J. Reed)