Cover of Color

Color

A Course in Mastering the Art of Mixing Colors

By: Betty Edwards

Publisher: Tarcher
Published: 2004
Language: Unknown
Format: BOOK
Pages: 232
ISBN: 9781585421992

About This Book

"By means of exercises ranging from simple to challenging, illustrated with more than 125 step-by-step images, this book offers a deep understanding of the basic structure of color, including how to see what is really out there rather than what you think you know about colored objects. Intended for the novice in color as well as for more experienced artists and designers, the exercises focus on how to successfully mix and combine hues."--BOOK JACKET.Title Summary field provided by Blackwell North America, Inc. All Rights Reserved

AI Overview

"Color: A Course in Mastering the Art of Mixing Colors" by Betty Edwards is an educational guide aimed at both novice and experienced artists and designers. Here is a comprehensive overview of the book:

Key Themes

  1. Color Theory: The book delves into the fundamental principles of color theory, including how to see and use color effectively.
  2. Practical Application: It provides practical methods for working with color to produce harmonious combinations.
  3. Exercises and Images: The book includes over 125 color images and exercises that range from simple to challenging, helping readers to master color mixing and manipulation.
  4. Psychology of Color: It explores the psychological aspects of color and how to harmonize colors in various settings, including still-life, landscape, figure, and portrait painting.
  5. Light and Color Interaction: The book explains how light affects color and how colors interact with each other.

Plot Summary

The book is structured as a course in mastering the art of mixing colors. It begins with basic understanding of color perception and progresses to advanced techniques. The exercises are designed to help readers see what is really there rather than what they "know" about colored objects. The book covers topics such as manipulating hue, value, and intensity of color, and transforming colors into their opposites.

Critical Reception

  • Accessibility: The book is praised for its accessibility in unweaving the complexity of color theory, making it a must-have primer for artists and designers.
  • Educational Value: It is recognized for its educational value, providing a comprehensive guide that is both practical and theoretical.
  • User-Friendly Approach: The book's hands-on approach and numerous exercises make it an instant classic in the field of color theory.

Overall, "Color" by Betty Edwards is a highly regarded resource for anyone looking to improve their understanding and application of color theory in art, painting, or design. Its practical methods and comprehensive coverage make it an essential guide for both beginners and experienced artists.