Book Description
A useful simplification and condensation of Johannes ltten's major work. The Art of Color, this book covers subjective feeling and objective color principles in detail. It presents the key to understanding color in ltten's color circle and color contrasts.
Customer Reviews:
Great reference book to have.......2006-11-04
I purchased this book because I wanted to understand colors, color schemes and theory(ies) better in order to apply to my necklace designs. It's a good book to have in your library, but it won't answer all the questions you may have about some applications. Itten's other books however cover pretty much everything; try The Art of Color, for example, if you'd like learn more about color effects on moods/feelings.
For the Serious..........2006-08-13
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..........2006-07-24
Itten, himself is one of the greatest color theorist of our century, and the masterful mind behind the Bauhaus School.
In this book Itten describes his color theory and the facts of his famous "Color Star", which is one of the most strongest tools for color harmony for designers and alike.
Most color books have samples of color harmonies you choose from when you design, or talk about complementary colors, but cant tell you why u use such combinations or so.
If you have an analytical approach to design, rather than just copying what others do, you will love this book. You will begin to understand the language of colors.
Have u ever heard of "the Seven Color Contrast", if not then it is time for you to get familiar about it.
This book is an evaluation of Ittens masterpiece "Art of Color". The chapter on subjective experience of color is very limited in this book.
If you are willing to invest more on color matters buy "Art of Color"
If you are happy to stay with the basics then this book is adequate for your purposes.
Color from a master.......2006-07-14
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.
Very scientific, but easily readable. Good reference book on color.
Essential Reading for the Serious Colorist.......2002-01-26
I have been a professor for 15 years. "The Elements of Color" has been required reading for many of my courses. It is not only enriching as a color theory document, but it helps expand the artist or designers possibility of using, arranging and conceiving color.
Customer Reviews:
Not impressed..........2007-06-08
I purchased this book because of all the great reviews it received. I was not impressed. Everything was way too simplistic. If you're an intermediate or professional painter, you will not learn anything from this book that you don't already know.
REAL help for a struggling painter.......2007-05-12
AWESOME book packed to the full with inspiring paintings & photos, really practical tips for the would be painter, and help over all those overwhelming and sometimes insurmountable difficulties confronting the aspirant oil painter. Replaces mystery with method. I'm really thrilled to have discovered Kevin Macpherson's approach to painting "plein air" and am already seeing the fruits of applying it.
Fill Your Oil Paintings With Light & Color.......2007-01-28
Good reference book; should be in all artists library.
Excellent Advice and Technique.......2007-01-13
I used to use a pallete of 10 colors but took the author's advice and tried using 3 plus white. Within one day I learned I can mix most colors. The important thing is the pure simplicity and fantastic range of colorful grays you'll generate while mixing. Try it. Later, he says to add a green and gradually others.
His advice on simplifying shapes is wise. The eye averages images. Your intellect wants to paint detail everywhere but that's not what the eye actually sees. To create realistic scenes it's necessary to see color correctly and avoid the urge to sketch with paint. Viewed closely, great paintings often show blotches of color and heavy brush strokes but viewed as a whole it all works together and conveys harmony and an emotional pull.
As for materials, I agree with the author's selection of hardboard-like supports. The Mona Lisa is painted on board and I'm not about to criticise DaVinci.
North Light Books publishes many good painting guides and this volume is one of the best.
Great for the Beginner.......2006-12-04
I took an art class at the museum and our teacher had this book, she let us practice using this book. It is time consuming, but worth it! I've never painted using this technique before and I was suprised at how good I did. It's well worth buying and adding to your library!
Customer Reviews:
Perfect book.......2007-07-17
This book is everything I hoped it would be. I am a novice painter, working in acrylics, and wanted some basic info on color theory. This is it. The information is comprehensive yet easy to understand with exercises for the reader to do in any medium. I was so impressed that I bought her Exploring Color Workbook to go with it. This is highly recommended for the artist wanting to expand her color theory expertise.
Wonderful exercises .......2007-05-14
I bought this based on other reviews about it. I don't know doodley about color and have always gone on gut instinct...and I've painted over a lot of ruined canvas and wasted a lot of paint.
This is an excellent little book with a lot of exercises to make it all quite clear. Every page teaches me something - I have so far had quite a few "AHA" moments. I am beginning to understand why sometimes a color works and sometimes it is just a little off...
I recommend this for everyone. Thank you Nita Leland.
Exploring Color Book.......2007-01-26
This is one of the best books available to artists who want to learn to mix colors without creating mud, to maintain transparency of colors, and to mix grays. The workbood that goes with this book is great for any beginning watercolor artist. I recommend this book with all of my beginning students.
Color up a notch.......2007-01-23
When I read this book I considered myself and intermediate painter. This book cranked me up a notch. It is full of useful, well stated information that inspired me to try new things, and refine what I already knew. It would be useful to new and intermediate painters.
Awsome art technique book, widely applicable.......2006-07-14
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.
"Exploring Color " targets intermediate to advanced artists. Beginers should give it a chance, also. Try it, you'll be wowed.
Book Description
Through clear, illuminating exercises, this best-selling book stimulates new ways to think about color, generating responses that unlock personal creativity and allow artists to express themselves with paint as never before. Readers are shown how the interplay of complementary hues can trigger vibrations; how the push and pull of warm and cool colors can create a feeling of space; how to disguise one color in a scene to accent another; and many more tidbits of colorful advice.
Customer Reviews:
Covers so much.......2007-09-04
This book covers so many types of paintings from traditional to some abstracts. The examples are well done and very helpful. Might be a bit too involved for a new artist to understand. Lots of information.
Making Color Sing by Jeanne Dobie.......2007-08-08
This is a terrific book. Not only is it beautiful and inspiring, it contains alot of information about how to use color in watercolor painting. The material is presented in a very clear and understandable way. I would highly recommend it to anyone interested is learning about how to use color in watercolor painting.
Making Color Sing by Jeanne Dobie.......2007-07-13
This book is a jewel. After spending a lot of time with the David Dewey book The Watercolor Book: Materials and Techniques for Today's Artists, and doing a lot of watercolor "experiments", I was ready for more advanced concepts. Jeanne Dobie does not waste your time with the review of the basic skills. Instead, she refines and perfects your understanding of watercolors. A world opened up for me as I studied the chapter titled, "Mouse Power". Other gems include explanations of how to mix luminous darks and maintain sparkling whites. Jeanne Dobie inspires you towards higher levels learning. This is not a book for beginners, but for those looking to advance their basic skills. I highly recommend this book!!
Okay book, but..........2007-06-13
The book cover is misleading. It gives the impression that this book is geared towards painting wet on wet. But its really a mixture of wet on wet and painting positive/negative. Which is okay if that's your style of painting. I think the artist is very talented, however, the biggest flaw for anyone is to make assumptions. I agree with Nigel (Austin)...What's with the 5 stars !!!
Making Watercolors Sing, Dobie.......2007-03-15
Receiving this book promptly in the mail made it seem like Christmas Day. I am absorbing the materials in great gulps and already my painting has improved. Thank you Jeane Dobie.
Book Description
This unique book by tattoo artist Takahiro Kitamura (Horitaka, a pupil of Horiyoshi III) discusses the art of the Japanese tattoo in the context of Ukiyo-e, concentrating on the parallel histories of the woodblock print and the tattoo. Through high quality illustrations it shows that the Japanese tattoo is highly reliant on and linked to the woodblock print and that it deserves a position among the other art forms. A range of typical ukiyo-e motifs in the Japanese tattoo are discussed and illustrated by the original Japanese prints, and sketches, drawings and tattoos by tattoo master Horiyoshi III. The book ends with a special essay by Don Ed Hardy.
Customer Reviews:
Japanese Art as Tattoo and Vice Versa.......2005-05-12
Never has a book demonstrated so well the relationship between Japanese wood block prints and tattoos. Despite the seeming deluge of complex images that appear in large Japanese tattoos and body suits, the elements and themes are actually not that many and are readily recognized with practice. Tattoo artists will pour over this volume and collectors (both book and tattoo) shouldn't be without it.
tops on the cultural context of the japanese tattoo.......2003-07-09
Takahiro Kitamura's "Tattoos of the Floating World" is far from a be-all and end-all guide to Japanese tattoos. However, it is for the moment without peer in providing a cultural context, and it thus adds depth to a reading of many other favorites, including Fellman's "The Japanese Tattoo," Addiss' "Japanese Ghosts and Demons," and Klompmakers' "Of Brigands and Bravery: Kuniyoshi's Heroes of the Suikoden."
In this slender volume, Kitamura's primary focus is the linkage of the woodblock printing tradition of the Edo period (1615-1868) to the development of the tattoo as art. With such a focus, afficionados of the print artists Kuniyoshi, Kunisada, and Kunichika will find many illustrations to delight them, and there are as well photographs of the current artistry being worked by tattoo masters. Adding to the value of the book are a preface written by Donald Richie and an afterword by Don Ed Hardy. The first essay is elegiac and lyrical in tone; the second provides personal insights by a Western connoisseur of the tattoo art form.
The shortcomings of "Tattoos of the Floating World" concern what is not included. The book would have benefitted greatly from having an index as well as a more generously-executed glossary. Moreover, I regret that Kitamura, who as a tattoo artist is uniquely qualified to do so, did not more systematically and fully catalogue and explain the symbolism of Japanese tattoos.
Masterful Examination of Floating World Arts.......2003-05-03
Most tattoo afficianados are aware that Japanese tattoos are steeped in history and culture. But Tattoos Of The Floating World: Ukiy-o Motifs In The Japanese tattoo explores this history and culture in a way never done before. Takahiro Kitamura's research and unique insight combine to present the reader with not only a history of the Japanese tattoo, but also with an understanding of how it came to be, how it continued to maintain its traditions through centuries of persecution and cultural metamorphosis, and how it both influenced and was influenced by the contemporary arts of early Japan.
The first half of this excellent work explores the early history of the Floating World (as pleasure districts were known as Japan's Edo period), focusing on the "triumvirate of arts": ukiyo-e (wood block prints), irezumi (tattoos), and kabuki theatre. Ukiyo-e and irezumi are so closely intertwined that tattoos of the day were referred to as horimono (carved object) in deference to the process of carving a wood block print. Kabuki was the theatre of the people and expressed not only the history and mythology of Japan, but the people's innermost desires as well. Kitamura's exploration of the ways in which these three arts intertwined demonstrates his love of the topic and inspires a similar affection in the reader.
The latter half of Tattoos Of The Floating World details many of the themes so strongly connected with Japanese Tattoo today. Sections devoted to such heroes as Fudo Myoo, Fujin and Raijin, Kumonryu Shishin, and Tennin give a basic understanding of their characters themselves and their endurance as tattoo motifs. Details are also provided on such traditional images as dragons, koi, shunga, falcons, the Kurikaraken, tigers and the phoenix.
Illustrated throughout with ukiyo-e, original sketches by Horiyoshi III, and photographs by Jai Tanju, this work is as beautiful as it is educational. The pairing of sketches next to their finished tattoos highlights the artistry involved in Japanese tattoo while the presentation of ukiyo-e prints alongside tattoos of the same characters and motifs demonstrates the cultural and historic similarities.
As a special bonus, Don Ed Hardy weighs in with an essay exploring his own discovery of Japanese tattoo. Ed Hardy is the foremost American authority on Japanese tattoo and was one of the first Westerners to write on the subject. This essay follows his discovery of Japanese tattoo and his adventures in crossing the borders (both physical and cultural) between Japanese and Western tattooing.
Book Description
Mixing colors accurately may be an art unto itself. In fact, many artists are discouraged by the time and expense it takes to mix and match colors, and achieve the right results. Even more frustrating is the vast range of colors available. Now there's a ready-to-use visual directory that takes all the guesswork out of mixing and matching colors . . . making every artist an expert! Color Mixing Bible provides a basic color palette for each art medium, demonstrating an array of two-, three-, and four-color mixes, as well as offering full explanations of various paints and pigments. This invaluable guide features scores of tips and techniques for color mixing with oils, acrylics, watercolors, inks, pastels, and virtually every other art medium. It also includes in-depth information on how to determine the opacity and strength of a color, choose a color palette, mix whites, arrange and organize colors prior to mixing, use optical and physical mixing techniques, and much more! Plus, hundreds of color illustrations make everything simple. Whether one is an aspiring artist or working professional, Color Mixing Bible is an essential addition to every bookshelf.
Customer Reviews:
Color Mixing.......2007-02-12
Very good for all types of artists. It even has inks for us printmakers!!!
Enjoyable.......2004-03-12
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.......2004-02-16
I've just started oil painting, and this book proved invaluable in helping 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.......2003-06-02
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.
Very Informative.......2003-01-03
It covered the basics of color and technical terms "hue, shade, tint" It has a section about the history of pigments and dies and what they used to be made of that is interesting. One brown paint used to be made of ground up mummies.It discusses the mixing of color in many different media.
Customer Reviews:
Great reference, excellent history & materials section.......2001-06-16
This is a wonderful reference book for the watercolor painter. It contains all kinds of useful information to help you understand the medium and improve your knowledge and skills.
The first 40 pages provide a great history of watercolor painting, so often overlooked in the overall scheme of art history. Then all the aspects of setting up a work area and studio are covered followed by a very thorough materials and tools section. There are example pictures and descriptions of everything from easels to paper and brushes to paint. There is also a paper stretching demo and a watercolor color chart.
A section on the principles of drawing follows. This includes instructions on making simple shapes, creating perspective, Plato's rule, golden sections, drawing a quick sketch and more. Then various watercolor techniques such as creating washes, erasing with a dry brush and achieving texture with salt and turpentine are covered. Next, there are two chapters on color theory and mixing explaining warm, cool and broken colors as well as color schemes and values. A nice demo of painting a watercolor with three colors is included.
The last chapters deal with techniques, skills and actually beginning the painting process. Here you find information and advice on painting the human figure, skies, clouds, trees, landscapes, illustrations and seascapes. There are no real projects here and no reference photos. Rather the focus is on general advice for painting various subjects with example demonstrations. A helpful glossary is included in the back. This is certainly one of the most thorough, useful and entertaining books I have seen for the beginning watercolorist.
Book Description
Get ready for a one-of-a-kind exploration in creative coloring perfect for any age. These unique abstract images were created free hand by artist Kendall Bohn. Suitable for crayons, pastels, markers, pencils or paints, it brings out the artist in everyone!
Customer Reviews:
Love this ABstract Coloring page !!!.......2007-03-12
I Love this abstract coloring book !! This is a wounderful product and i would recomend this to anybody who loves to color abstract coloring pages.
Great Book!!!.......2007-01-25
This is one that I have already started on,..with colored pencils,...,..I really enjoyed what little that I have started on,.last night,..Arcystal
We love your coloring books! Thank you!.......2006-06-08
Thank you for bringing these wonderful coloring books to Amazon.com! Year after year, at Minneapolis's Art a Whirl I look forward to finding Kendall Bohn's art studio because of the colorful and intellectual art he produces. Kendall is an artist who has not forgotten our children (and the children at heart) and their need for abstract, creative and fun art. Each coloring book is a flawless masterpiece which makes them a fantastic gift for cultivating imagination. At any age, anyone can color one of these beautiful pages to match any room and frame them for all to admire. I look forward to your continued releases!
It's grrrrrreat!- My coloring book of the year!.......2005-12-27
The book allows creative influence to be shown without as many boundaries as in the usual coloring book. The images give an immediate interest to anyone who likes to color, and who wants to be able to show themselves creatively. Its great from front to back!
Wild Images!.......2004-06-29
These are fun images to color! Great for adults as well as kids.
You can tell they are drawn by an artist, I have never seen anything like these. Had a great time coloring them and even framed a few!
Customer Reviews:
Wonderful addition to any Artists library.......2007-05-13
I found this book a valuable addition to my library. As an Artist it proved to be a wonderful learning tool, with detailed explainations, examples, and a number of practical step by step learning project. It has added great depth to my paintings. I would recommend it to both experienced artist and beginners. Beautiful colour photos!!!
Excellent Book on Color.......2007-01-25
This is an excellent book for learning color theory. You can tell she loves teaching because she doesn't hold back. She is really trying to help you learn the concepts. She paints in an impressionist style, but her methods would work no matter what your style is.
I liked it.......2006-09-01
It just didn't motivate me like I wanted it to.... so I sold it. But, it does have some good steps to getting that impressionistic look. I suggest trying out the book by Susan Sarback, Capturing Radiant Color in Oils (Paperback)
ISBN: 1581800614. I've been on her website, and she has some remarkable paintings as well.
awesome.......2006-08-26
This discussed painting in a way I needed to hear. It was easy to work with and inspired ideas for me to try. Great book
Good source of info!.......2006-07-07
I learned so much from this book. I started painting about 3 years ago and I just painted a little bit more realistically and now I can actually paint in a more impressionist way! Very informing... satisfied + customer
Book Description
Few artists have explored genres and techniques with such curiosity and pleasure as Henri Matisse, whose fascination with the relationship between interior and exterior forms occupied him throughout his career. In the early 1950s, he chose to dedicate his last years to the Chapel of the Rosary in Vence and the nursery school in his hometown of Le Cateau-Cambrésis, both in the South of France. These sites represent a culmination of all Matisse's earlier visual and spatial explorations.
This book sheds new light on the development of Matisse's oeuvre, which spans some 60 years. Lavishly illustrated with almost 400 images, this deluxe volume includes beautiful reproductions of the artist's most famous paintings paired with lesser-known documents and photographs culled from the archives of his estate. The authors also gathered first-hand accounts related by numerous participants in the Vence and Le Cateau projects. The result is a fascinating, almost day-to-day look at Matisse's process as he created these works, and an intimate portrait of both the artist and the man. AUTHOR BIO: The late René Percheron was head of the museum of national antique art in Saint-Germain-en-Laye, France, and a lecturer on the history of art and photography. Christian Brouder is a researcher at CNRS, the national organization for scientific research in Paris.
Customer Reviews:
Offering an intimate portrait of the artist in work and life.......2005-01-04
Primarily known for his luminous color paintings, the French artist Henri Matisse was also involved in designing stunningly beautiful stained glass windows and even ventured into the realm of architecture as well. Matisse: From Color To Architecture is a seminal work by Rene Percheron and Christian Brouder and the first to focus on these lesser known endeavors by one of France's most renowned painters. Offering an intimate portrait of the artist in work and life with a focus upon Matisse's work in his final years on the Chapel of the Rosary in Vence and the nursery school in his hometown of Le Cateayu-Cambresis (both of these buildings are located in the south of France), this 384 page compendium is enhanced with 396 illustrations (247 of which are in full color) and includes beautiful reproductions of Matisse's most famous paintings drawn from the collections of Centre Georges Pompidou, the Hermitage Museum, the Barnes Foundation, and the National Gallery of Art. These works are paired with documents and photographs culled from the archives of the Matisse estate. Included are first-hand accounts from the participants in the Vence and Le Cateau projects. Matisse: From Color To Architecture is an original and recommended contribution to personal, professional, academic, and community library Art History and Architectural Studies collections.
Books:
- The Heart of the Artist
- The Making of the Movie Trilogy (The Lord of the Rings)
- The Sketchbook: 80 Unique Designs by the World's Finest Tattoo Artists
- The Sketchbook: 80 Unique Designs by the World's Finest Tattoo Artists
- The Time Traveler's Wife
- Tim Sale: Black & White
- Transcending CSS: The Fine Art of Web Design (Voices That Matter)
- Victorian Lace Today
- Virtual Vintage: The Insider's Guide to Buying and Selling Fashion Online
- Watercolor Basics: Let's Get Started (Watercolor Basics)
Books Index
Books Home
Recommended Books
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- King Leopold's Ghost: A Story of Greed, Terror, and Heroism in Colonial Africa
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- History: Fiction or Science
- Grandmothers Are Like Snowflakes...No Two Are Alike: Words of Wisdom, Gentle Advice, & Hilarious
- Painting Nature's Little Creatures
- Francisco Z±U~Niga, Sculptor: Conversations and Interpretations
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General
| Architecture
| Professional & Technical
| Subjects
| Books
Interaction of Color: Revised and Expanded Edition
The Art of Color: The Subjective Experience and Objective Rationale of Color
The Color Star
Design and Form: The Basic Course at the Bauhaus and Later, Revised Edition
Design Basics
