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Topic : "Need some help on finding books on color theory, color use." |
Spiral member
Member # Joined: 17 Feb 2003 Posts: 82
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Posted: Fri Sep 26, 2003 6:58 am |
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Hello everyone. I understand that this subject has probably been discussed infinite times in the past, but in all the talk there is much confusion.
I have spent plenty of time searching through the Sijun forums, I have looked at Sumaleth's links and I have tried searching numerous times on the net for books on color. Sure, I have found tons of books on anything imaginable from painting flowers X's way to painting snail guts Y's way. I am looking for a book that will explain things like color theories like complementary colors (the only one I know a little about), and have information on how to start with a selected media, what preperations to make, how to mix, how to paint ect. Yet all I find is books contradicting each other, a book on one guy's theories, another book on some other guy's theories, weird books that seem to have no reason to be, and some books that say that they will tell you how to mix color cause its very hard but I guess they don't telly you anthing about color theory or why your doing what your doing. I don't know if any of these will be usefull in illustration from the start or not!
All in all I don't know what I am looking or should be looking for, all I know is that I want to begin practicing with color also and although it is pretty easy finding suggestions and resourses on books for anatomy, perspective and illustration in general (by the way thanks to all for this info it has been a revelation and great help to me and to others I'm sure), color is pretty much in the dark (i think).
I am sure there must be people who have posted some suggestions from time to time but I have either missed them or haven't found them in my searches. So I ask for some suggestions on such books from you who have found a way out of this maze. Or if some think it would be better, should I (and anyone who wants to get into color) just buy some colors and start splashing them on paper to get the hang of it.
I have put the words color, theory, use and books on the topic on purpose to make things easy for anyone who will be looking for such things in the future and find related info in one topic. I hope there will be people who can help. Thanks and sorry for bringing this up for a zillionth time (i think).  |
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Wayne Johnson member
Member # Joined: 14 Jul 2003 Posts: 51 Location: Minneapolis MN
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Posted: Fri Sep 26, 2003 8:42 am |
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Color theory books.
Fabir Birren is the formost color authority of the 20th century.
Color Perception in Art
Principles of Color
Creative color
All will get you going with the strongest color theory you can handle.
If you need it more from a painter then look at
Stephen quiller
He has several books on color for painters.
Also Jose Perimon has a good color theory book.
good luck. _________________ Art is long and time is fleeting.
Andrew loomis |
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IDrawGirls member
Member # Joined: 02 Jul 2002 Posts: 88 Location: Germany
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bearsclover member
Member # Joined: 03 May 2002 Posts: 274
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Posted: Fri Sep 26, 2003 1:42 pm |
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Another big vote for Faber Birren. _________________ Madness takes its toll - please have exact change. |
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Spiral member
Member # Joined: 17 Feb 2003 Posts: 82
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Posted: Sat Sep 27, 2003 1:42 am |
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First of all, thanks for the help people, pointing towards a direction is a big help but now I am confused (again).
Wayne, you give me a list of books for color theory and then you also suggest Stephen Quiller, for books from a painter. Now, I thought that color theory was sort of a set of rules or suggestions from research on the matter, that were used while painting something. Now from your reply I get the feeling that color theory and actually using color while painting is different and that they don't have any common threads. Unless of course, Mr. Quiller's books examine the use of color theory practically and tell you the story from the painters view.
It would be good if you could clear this up but in any case, thanks, I'll check these titles out and then the hard part, buying them!
If anyone else has something else to suggest or add please do. |
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Wayne Johnson member
Member # Joined: 14 Jul 2003 Posts: 51 Location: Minneapolis MN
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Posted: Mon Sep 29, 2003 7:55 am |
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Quiller is a painter who uses Birrens theory. If you just want hard core theory just read Birren, if you want to be a painter, then read both. _________________ Art is long and time is fleeting.
Andrew loomis |
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Spiral member
Member # Joined: 17 Feb 2003 Posts: 82
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Posted: Mon Sep 29, 2003 5:16 pm |
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Thanks for the clarification there. Let's see how I'll do. |
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jfrancis member
Member # Joined: 08 Aug 2003 Posts: 444 Location: Los Angeles
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Posted: Sun Oct 05, 2003 10:20 pm |
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Living Colors: The Definitive Guide to Color Palettes Through the Ages
by Margaret Walch, Augustine Hope
...can be good to see color palettes that suggest one time and place or another.
Blue and Yellow Don't Make Green by Michael Wilcox
...can be instructive on how to mix colors |
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Inspector Lee member
Member # Joined: 28 Oct 2002 Posts: 270 Location: San Francisco, CA.
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Posted: Mon Oct 06, 2003 9:57 am |
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Ditto on Faber Birren and Quiller, Two more you may find helpful:
"The Elements of Color" by Johannes Itten (edited by Faber Birren) and
"Interaction of Color" by Josef Albers _________________ Smokey, this is not 'Nam this is bowling. There are rules. |
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