Color

Synopsis

Millions of people have learned to draw using the methods of Dr. Betty Edwards's bestseller The New Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain. Now, much as artists progress from drawing to painting, Edwards moves from black-and-white into color. This much-awaited new guide distills the enormous existing knowledge about color theory into a practical method of working with color to produce harmonious combinations.

Using techniques tested and honed in her five-day intensive color workshops, Edwards provides a basic understanding of how to see color, how to use it, and-for those involved in art, painting, or design-how to mix and combine hues. Including more than 125 color images and exercises that move from simple to challenging, this volume explains how to:

see what is really there rather than what you "know" in your mind about colored objects

perceive how light affects color, and how colors affect one another

manipulate hue, value, and intensity of color and transform colors into their opposites

balance color in still-life, landscape, figure, and portrait painting

understand the psychology of color

harmonize color in your surroundings

While we recognize and treasure the beautiful use of color, reproducing what we see can be a challenge. Accessibly unweaving color's complexity, this must-have primer is destined to be an instant classic.

Summary

Chapter 1:
In the first chapter of Color, the author talks about the complexity and importance of color in our lives. The chapter begins by examining the vast and varied nature of color, discussing how it plays a role in everything from our beliefs and emotion to the tangible world around us. An example given is how the color yellow is often associated with happiness and joy, yet can also evoke feelings of wariness and fear due to its resemblance to the color of a warning. The chapter goes on to discuss the history of color psychology and how it has been studied and incorporated into various aspects of our lives. Finally, the author takes a closer look at the evolution of technology and its impact on our understanding of color today.

Chapter 2:
The second chapter of Color dives into the psychology of color, exploring how it affects our decisions and behavior. The author looks at how color has the power to evoke feelings and influence our behavior in a variety of ways. One example given is the way in which clothing and branding use colors in order to make certain products more desirable, such as choosing blue tones for an electronics store as opposed to warm yellow tones for a home goods store. The chapter also covers topics such as color symbolism and how our personal preferences and perceptions of a particular color can influence our decisions and reactions.

Chapter 3:
In the third chapter of Color, the author looks at how color is used in design and how it plays an integral part of any design project. Topics discussed include the basics of color theory, color psychology, and the practical application of color in graphic design and web design. The author looks at various methods of selecting an appropriate color palette for a particular project, as well as providing tips and advice on using color to create a successful design. As an example, the author talks about how colors can be used to create contrast and help guide the eye of the viewer through a design.

Chapter 4:
The fourth chapter of Color focuses on color in art and photography. The author looks at the various ways in which colors can be used to convey emotions, moods, and meaning in creative projects. This includes topics such as color temperature, saturation, and the use of color to highlight certain elements in a painting or photograph. An example given is how warm colors, such as reds and yellows, can evoke feelings of comfort and familiarity, while cool colors like blues and greens can suggest feelings of calmness and tranquility. The author gives practical advice for experimenting with color and getting the most out of your projects.