The Best Art Books - Colour

THIS BOOK IS ONE OF THE TOP 10 BESTSELLING BOOKS ABOUT PAINTING ON AMAZON Published 30th November 2010

James Gurney, New York Times best-selling author and artist of the Dinotopia series, follows Imaginative Realism with his second art-instruction book, Color and Light: A Guide for the Realist Painter.

A researched study on two of art's most fundamental themes, Color and Light bridges the gap between abstract theory and practical knowledge. Beginning with a survey of underappreciated masters who perfected the use of color and light, the book examines how light reveals form, the properties of color and pigments, and the wide variety of atmospheric effects. Gurney cuts though the confusing and contradictory dogma about color, testing it in the light of science and observation. A glossary, pigment index, and bibliography complete what will ultimately become an indispensible tool for any artist.

This book is the second in a series based on his blog, gurneyjourney.com. His first in the series, Imaginative Realism, was widely acclaimed in the fantastical art world, and was ranked the #1 Bestseller on the Amazon list for art instruction.

You can find links to both amazon.co.uk and amazon.com below

PUBLISHED OCTOBER 2010

Adding color to any canvas is both art and science. In fact, it's a discipline that can be explored and learned through the practical application of techniques that Al Gury has developed during his nearly 30 years of teaching at America's first fine arts institution, the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts. Richly illustrated with more than 270 full color images, including masterpieces from the past 500 years of Western painting, this book offers the instruction every painter needs to confidently construct a painting with color. Color for Painters:

-Traces the use of color in Western art from the classical world to the present.
-Explores the use and properties of various pigments and materials.
-Reviews the evolving approaches to color (from tonal to pointillism to the modern use of color as psychological expression).
-Presents exercises for mixing and using paints.
-Offers step-by-step demonstrations of all the basic color genres and techniques.

Students, experienced painters, teachers, and anyone who appreciates fine art will treasure this exploration of painting's "wild beast."