Reviews (12)

For project boards & rendering
I bought this to help organize my project boards, which it is great for. The bonus is the information on rendering. There was better information here than in the other 2 books I own on color theory and rendering.

excellent resource
This book is an excellent resource for the interior design student. It's a book you should get as soon as you start studies. Great reference to compliment classroom lessons. I also recommended it to my Residencial Design teacher. It has basic information that will save you time.Great buy!!

good guide
good guide to lots of information. Good reference for any design library. It touches base on resumes, presentation, etc. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Architecture    2. Art    3. Color Theory    4. Design    5. Graphic Arts - General    6. Graphic arts    7. Interior Design    8. Interior Design - General    9. Interior decoration    10. Interior decoration rendering    11. Reference    12. Architecture / Interior Design   

Reviews (8)

For the Serious...
It's been difficult to give a balanced critique. On one hand, "Elements of Color" has a wealth of information, but on the other, it takes serious committment to fully understand and comprehensively apply the information Itten presents. There is much valuable data, but it's interspersed with almost stereotypic, outmoded "Teutonic" concepts; e.g. assigning "Blond Types" springtime, bright, vivid colored topics, while "Dark Types" should be assigned "Night, Burial and dark room" topics. There is much valuable, technical information, but it is like digging through hard stone to find the gold; overwrought and culturally centered, judgemental statements are very common ("red expresses intermediate degrees between the infernal and sublime"... what's this?!?!). Other statements seem value-laden, i.e., "sentimental blue", "angelic pink", "blue reigns supreme"... Some excuse may be found in realizing the concepts in this treatise may have been developed before the Post Modernist Age, which accepts cultural and ethnic diversity, that accepts art and the use of color as being open to various interpretations, that color is certainly relative and greatly subjective, that many statements about color are only opinions...and that there is no absolute truth as to what color is "right" or "wrong". Unless the reader is studious and very serious about trying to unearth the information contained in this book, he or she is much better served by studing Albers or others. Too bad there is no editing, no index, and no glossary. What would Itten think of the book, "Chromophobia"? ... Pablo Tellez

so you decided to learn the truth about colors...
Itten, himself is one of the greatest color theorist of our century, and the masterful mind behind the Bauhaus School.
Color from a master
Although witten for artists who mix colors for an effect, this small book has a wealth of information for fiber artists and quilters.How do translucent colors interact with other colors?Illusions in color? Which colors can be used in conjunction with other shades and tints? It is all here in this book.Many illustration,color plates,and well written text.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Art    2. Art & Art Instruction    3. Color Theory    4. Art / Color    5. Painting & paintings   

Reviews (47)

Great starting point
This book is a great place to start when you've jumped into a project and have no idea of what direction you're going to go with color.
My Best Friend
Any new project I have, this is the first book to come out. It's great for everything from inspiration to seeing colors put together to working with clients!
Outstanding Color Resource
The Pantone Guide to Communicating with Color presents a foundation of basic color theory and then moves on to explain how individual colors, and their combinations, can evoke different responeses from the viewer.There are many photos to serve as examples so that you see the effects for yourself.The book does an excellent job of giving enough information to be useful without bogging the reader down with a lot of dry academic theory that would be of little practical use.In addition, there are Pantone color codes given for all of the specific color combinations shown for ease of use if you will be using professional printing services.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Art    2. Art & Art Instruction    3. Color Theory    4. Design - Book    5. Graphic Arts - Use of Color    6. Graphic design    7. Theory of art   

Subjects:  1. Art    2. Art & Art Instruction    3. Careers - General    4. Color    5. Color Theory    6. Color in art    7. Color in design    8. Graphic Arts - General    9. Art / Graphic Arts    10. Industrial / Commercial Art & Design   

Reviews (13)

Now I get it...
I am not an artist, at least, that is not what I've gone to school for (I am a History professor).But Betty Edwards' books, over the past couple of decades, have helped me to draw like I know what I am doing. And now I know more about color and the art of mixing acrylics.
Not recommended.There are better books on color.
I admit it: I was suckered into buying this book on the strength of Dr. Edwards' classic, Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain.So how does one repeat the success of a classic?Well, this book sure isn't it!
Finally!I understand color!!
It is interesting to read the reviews on a book like this and then to finally get the book to decide its quality for myself.Sometimes, my opinion is so different from some of the reviews that I wonder if we were reading the same book!That is the case with this book.I think that it is outstanding!
Read more

Subjects:  1. Art    2. Art & Art Instruction    3. Color Theory    4. Color in art    5. Graphic Arts - Use of Color    6. Art / Study & Teaching    7. Art techniques & materials   

Reviews (5)

important tool for artists & designers, read his book first
Johannes Ittens is unarguably recognized as the master of color from the Bauhaus school of art. The color star is a valuable asset to any artist or designer that wants to become better with making color choices. However, as any good tool goes the color star by itself won't be much use to you unless you've studied the material presented in one of his books.

Just a set of wheels
Very disappointed by the "book", which actually consists of a set of wheels, The color star
The black cut outs aren't cut acurately.I'd like to return this item to you and exchange it. A group of us purchased it for a class and I DON'T KNOW the account number. So how do i get it back into the mail and maybe get one that has been cut acurately?Thank you ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Art    2. Art & Art Instruction    3. Color Theory    4. Graphic Arts - Use of Color    5. Techniques - General    6. Art / Color    7. Art techniques & materials    8. Industrial / Commercial Art & Design   

Reviews (4)

Mystery of Color Solved For Me!
This book was required text for a color theory class I took recently.For years I've been looking for information on color but could not find anything beyond the basics, usually associated with painting/art books.This book is all- encompassing:information about various color theories, perceptions of color, color and light, color in printing and more.It is full of examples, pictures, graphs, charts.I came away with the information that I knew must be out there!I would recommend this book to any color student.Mine is dog-eared!

Brilliant book on Color Theory!
This book is a must read for anyone studying the visual arts.
Color, 3rd Ed.
Excellent source for artists, archietcts, or designers who want to push the envelope with color. Definite must for students in any Art and Design school! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Art    2. Art & Art Instruction    3. Color In Art Media    4. Color Theory    5. Criticism    6. Fine Arts    7. General    8. History - General    9. Art / General    10. Theory of art   

Reviews (9)

Awsome art technique book, widely applicable
Wow!"Exploring Color" lived up to all of the 5-star reviews, and surpassed them all.I've never been able to say that about a book before.This book focuses mainly on the use of color in artwork -- why some color schemes work, and why others fail.Many other topics are covered and related to back to the use of color, such as composition, presentation, design and types of contrast.Example pictures are taken from a wide range of artwork in different mediums by various artists -- simply wonderful!After each description, the author inserts an exercise for the reader, to help you understand and apply the principle presented.These exercises can be done in any medium (watercolor, oil, pastel, cloth, etc.), and far surpass the "paint by number/follow me" exercises in books aimed at nervous beginners.
this book changed the way I look at color
I think every artist should read this book. it immediately changed the way I look at color. just ONE part of the book saved me a lot of headaches and explained a lot of the reason I was having so many problems working with color.

Practical advice on color usage
It is worthwhile to put the time and effort into learning color theory for any artist or artisan as a sound knowledge of the subject will increase his/her capabilities and give more satisfactory results. This book extensively covers not only the theory aspect but puts it into practice for the reader by giving specific projects to illustrate the point being discussed. It is chock full of photos of art on every page.Read more

Subjects:  1. Art    2. Art & Art Instruction    3. Color In Art Media    4. Color Theory    5. Color in art    6. Graphic Arts - Use of Color    7. Techniques - General    8. Art techniques & principles    9. Painting & paintings   

Reviews (32)

Best all round book on color & design!
I have been painting for many years and keep on referring back to this book over and over, because the principles therein are so helpful. Clearly presented, basic "truths" about color and design that will lift the caliber of what you produce--why? Because you will paint with knowledge and the confidence that accompanies knowledge. I've read most of the books out there on watercolor, but this one is Queen of them all! Happy painting!

This is One Book You Will Not Want To Lend To A Friend or Foe!
MAKING COLOR SING is a workshop in watercolor. Jeanne Dobie, AWS, is a watercolor master of international fame and recipient of many prestigious awards. From the contents of this book we can also vouch for her generosity for sharing her knowledge and secrets with us.
Making Color Sing by Jeanne Dobie
I have been a student of water color for just over 12 months.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Art    2. Art & Art Instruction    3. Color In Art Media    4. Color Theory    5. Study & Teaching    6. Techniques - Painting    7. Art techniques & principles    8. Watercolours   

Reviews (4)

Enjoyable
I enjoyed this book very much. It was simple to understand and quite interesting. I'm sure it's not the end all in color mixing books, but it is not a bad one at all.

A great book to start with
I've just started oil painting, and this book proved invaluable inhelping me sort out the many, many different kinds of paint with their exotic names out there.I generally like to jump in and just experiment, but when I discovered the high price of good oil paints, I decided I needed a little book knowledge first.This book costs about the same as a good tube of paint, and saved me from buying many colors that, before reading the book, I didn't realize I wouldn't really need (at least to start with).It's one of clearest, most concise books I've read (on any subject).Every word is one of wisdom.If you're new to mixing paint, or having trouble figuring it out, get this book (it doesn't really cover HOW to paint though).

A True Labor Saving Book
The first thing I always did with a new set of paints was create color swatches and mixes.Now that my paint sets are more expensive I hate to waste paint on swatches that I'll probably put in some "safe" location in the studio...never to be seen again. Here I can reference swatches of commonly used colors, opaque and transparent in a range of media.Sidaway also includes the best history of pigments that I've read to date - answering a question about phthalo blue that's been bugging me for years (when was it introduced? 1936.) This book is no substitute for learning about your palette, but does provide information on how to select an appropriate palette. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Art    2. Art & Art Instruction    3. Color Theory    4. Color in art    5. Colors    6. Reference    7. Technique    8. Techniques - General    9. Techniques - Painting   

Reviews (2)

not quite ultimate
This book contains 100 pages if you count blank pages (really 50) of 12 different patterns repeated 4 times on low grade paper.As tiling patterns go these are somewhere well short of ultimate.

Mind Boggling Mania
This book is awesome! It makes you think, and yet have fun as well. The patterns in this book are outstanding, and even as a teenager they are fun to color. I enjoyed spending my time coloring these in. Some designs are very complex and do take time to finish. People see many designs in this book. When you open it up what will you see?

Coloring Nirvana Achieved!
I have colored for many hours in this book (as well as on photocopies of the pages) and can honestly say it was time well-spent.Nothing can relax and revive a busy adult like pure, time-wasting creativity.The geometric designs are like pieces of a puzzle - the end picture is whatever YOU see in the patterns.I like the freedom of finding logic, pattern and even pictures out of the chaotic mish-mash of triangles, polygons and squares on every page.Some see stars, some see flowers, some see animals.What will you see? ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Art    2. Color Theory    3. Coloring and Design Books    4. Papercrafts - Adult Coloring Books    5. Drawing & drawings    6. History Of Art / Art & Design Styles   

Reviews (3)

Words Can nOT Describe.........
As a Parsons fashion design student I have found Nancy Riegelman's book to be very helpfull.Words can not describe the amount of inspiration and resourceful information that Colors of Modern Fashion holds.I fell in love with her books when 9 Heads first came out.My mind was blown away when I first caught glimps of her new book Colors of Modern Fashion.Apparently the rest of the world has caught on the this great book because I have seen it throughout my travels in London, Paris, New York, and LA.I have always dreamed of having the skills to make fashion figures.After using 9 Heads and Colors of Modern Fashion I can draw a fashion figure with effortless ease.The book takes you step by step from the basics of the 9 headed fashion figure to the detailed advanced rendering of clothes and fabrics. This book is very chic and stands a good investment for anyone who is interested in fashion.

Comprehensive and Exquisite
This book is perfect for anyone that is really interested in fashion and drawing.The diversity in chapters helped me to gain a better understanding of what it takes to skillfully draw. I have really been honing my skills, combining different techinques that are presented in the book and I am amazed at the complexities that using markers offers.Hands down, it is a strong book that encompasses all the skills needed in learning a subject, the writing accompanies the drawings with ease and excitement.I honestly can't wait for the next book!

Nancy has done it again!What a great book!
This is Nancy's 2nd book and is it ever great.The illustrations are marvelous.The techniques she discusses are easy to understand and use.I stayed up all night just looking at the beautiful drawings.This is definitely a must have for all illustrators and for people who love to draw. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Art    2. Art & Art Instruction    3. Color Theory    4. Commercial - Fashion Design    5. Design - General    6. Techniques - Drawing    7. Art / Design / General    8. Fashion design   

Reviews (16)

interaction of color by josef albers
excellent revised/expanded edition of the classic albers theory/anti-theory of color. the classic that most art schools continue to base their color courses on, this edition has more reproductions from the original collectors hand silkscreened edition and is nearly twice the number of pages.

Classic approach to color
Albers is a color genius, and although I personally incorporate several color theorists into my decision making in color or color theory practices. Albers has an easy approach to understanding color.

Almost worthless without the original color plates
As another reviewer states the original had 150 color plates this version has only 8 in mine. The visual phenomena are so complex that without the plates you can't possibly accurately understand what the book is talking about. Sure you could make you own examples, but if you did, you would NOT be sure, given the complex examples, that you understood what the author was talking about. Instead you will have a false understanding or incomplete understanding that will make you look foolish. The publisher is cashing in on the author's previous great work without really republishing it. This is the lowest I've ever rated a book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Art    2. Art & Art Instruction    3. Color Theory    4. General    5. Graphic Arts - Use of Color    6. Photography    7. Art / Design / General    8. Individual artists    9. Theory of art   

Subjects:  1. Art    2. Art & Art Instruction    3. Color Theory    4. Color in design    5. Design - General    6. Art / Color    7. Industrial / Commercial Art & Design   

Reviews (3)

Color Medicine
It's a well written book, but so it should be, based on all the information that is taken from Dinshahs'initial work on light therapy over 50 years ago.You can get copies of Dinshahs' material "cheap" from their website...Dinshahs' work was well ahead of its time.It's too bad certain organizations are"still" threatened by his work even though it was an array of doctors who had written most of the original testimonials backing up his work."Color Medicine" is mostly Dinshahs' work with some good added info. on the healing powers of sound. It's nice to know a modern book acknowledges Dinshahs' work as opposed to many other "Color" books that don't.

Color Medicine
Excellent book. Easy to understand and use.

Short and to the point.
This book expains color and it's use for healing. How colors effect us, and how they can be used for the betterment of man. What I really like about this book is that he tells specifically how to usecolor forhealing. Alot of books just give you theory, without instructions on how toaccomplish, what is being talked about. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Alternative Medicine    2. Art    3. Color    4. Color Theory    5. Healing - General    6. Metaphysical Phenomena - Auras & Colors    7. New Age / Body, Mind & Spirit    8. Physiological effect    9. Therapeutic use    10. Complementary Medicine    11. Specific disorders & therapies   

Reviews (21)

Delightful combination of pigment history and travelogue
Colors have fascinated author Victoria Finlay since her childhood.She takes this enthusiasm and an intrepid sense of adventure to travel the world looking for the sources of the greatest pigments for each color of the rainbow.Before she gets to the actual rainbow, she starts with ochre, black, and brown, which were the most ancient colors used by prehistoric man in cave painting.
Delicious!
An absolutely delicious read.If it had been dessert, I would have asked for a second helping!

Lots of facts and observations in a relaxed presentation.
In some ways, this little book is hard to explain. Finlay is an excellent writer and thus much of the book is her exotic travels to seek the source of exotic colors from around the world. However, she also explores the history of certain pigments, paints, dyes, and other products. She also gives very interesting details on the production of these pigments,some of which required considerable costs and effort. Finally she gives interesting information about the pigment or product itself, focusing on various chemical properties, such as whether or not it is a poison or is light fast.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Art    2. Art & Art Instruction    3. Color    4. Color In Art Media    5. Color Theory    6. Color in art    7. General    8. History    9. History - General    10. Social aspects    11. History / General   

Reviews (2)

Colorful
I have started reading this book, so be warned.
Clear, concise and practical...
This book rocks.Color Design Workbook is exactly what it's title suggests: A Real-World approach to color theory.It breaks down color theory in a totally useful way and has plenty of eye candy for inspiration.It has a bunch of sample projects to walk you through actual applications of the theories it describes.It's like a really smart, down-to-earth graphic designer (and in the case of this book -- world-class graphic designers) whispering trade-secrets into your ear.Definitely one of my favorite books on this subject. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Art    2. Art & Art Instruction    3. Color In Art Media    4. Color Theory    5. Color in advertising    6. Commercial art    7. Design - General    8. Graphic Arts - General    9. Graphic Design    10. Graphic arts    11. Technique    12. Themes, motives    13. Art / Graphic Arts    14. Art techniques & principles   

Reviews (3)

see revised edition
This edition has been revised and improved. See 2001 edition.

great introduction to color
if you are a beginning artist, an aspiring designer or just someone fascinated with color, then this is a great publication to train yourself in the many nuances of color vision. Great tool for students and professionals
This is a great teaching tool for students and professionals.As a student worker for a professor in my Textile and Apparel program at The University of Northern Iowa, I completed the color set and now want one ofmy own.It helps expand the understanding of hue, chroma, value, andrichness ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Art    2. Art & Art Instruction    3. Color Theory    4. Graphic Arts - Use of Color    5. Study & Teaching    6. Art techniques & principles   

Reviews (1)

A great book for beginning artists
A great book for beginning artists like myself. It helps me everyday to plan my colors. Using this book I feel more confident in finding the right colors. While I am learning to get a feeling for mixing colors, being able to do it intuitively, I can rely on the swatches in the book to give me the right hints.Read more

Subjects:  1. Art    2. Art & Art Instruction    3. Color Theory    4. Reference   

Subjects:  1. Art    2. Art & Art Instruction    3. Color Theory    4. Graphic Arts - General    5. Graphic Arts - Use of Color    6. Interior design    7. Theory of art