Interaction of Color

Synopsis

The 50th anniversary edition of a classic text, featuring an expanded selection of color studies
 
"The landmark 1963 book by Josef Albers . . . isn't just for aspiring artists. Its mesmerizing illustrations are a revelation for anyone interested in color theory and human perception."-Pilar Viladas, New York Times
 
"A visionary work."-Malcolm Jones, Newsweek
 
Josef Albers's classic Interaction of Color is a masterwork in art education. Conceived as a handbook and teaching aid for artists, instructors, and students, this influential book presents Albers's singular explanation of complex color theory principles.
 
Originally published by Yale University Press in 1963 as a limited silkscreen edition with 150 color plates, Interaction of Color first appeared in paperback in 1971, featuring ten color studies chosen by Albers, and has remained in print ever since. With over a quarter of a million copies sold in its various editions since 1963, Interaction of Color remains an essential resource on color, as pioneering today as when Albers created it.
 
Fifty years after Interaction's initial publication, this anniversary edition presents a significantly expanded selection of close to sixty color studies alongside Albers's original text, demonstrating such principles as color relativity, intensity, and temperature; vibrating and vanishing boundaries; and the illusion of transparency and reversed grounds. A celebration of the longevity and unique authority of Albers's contribution, this landmark edition will find new audiences in studios and classrooms around the world.

Summary

Chapter 1: The Nature of Color

* Color theory is the study of how colors interact, create contrast, and influence perception.
* Color is a property of light, and different wavelengths produce different colors.
* The three primary colors are red, yellow, and blue, and all other colors can be created by mixing these three.

Example: A traffic light is an example of the interaction of color. The red light is a warning, the yellow light is a caution, and the green light is a go. The different colors create contrast and make it easy to distinguish between the different signals.

Chapter 2: The Color Wheel

* The color wheel is a tool that organizes colors based on their hue, saturation, and value.
* Hue is the pure color, such as red, blue, or green.
* Saturation is the intensity or purity of a color.
* Value is the lightness or darkness of a color.

Example: A sunset is an example of the interaction of colors on the color wheel. The red, orange, and yellow colors create a warm and inviting atmosphere.

Chapter 3: Color Harmony

* Color harmony is the pleasing arrangement of colors in a design.
* There are many different types of color harmonies, such as analogous, complementary, and triadic.
* Analogous colors are adjacent to each other on the color wheel, such as blue, blue-green, and green.
* Complementary colors are opposite each other on the color wheel, such as red and green.
* Triadic colors are three colors that are evenly spaced around the color wheel, such as red, blue, and yellow.

Example: A flower garden is an example of color harmony. The different colors of flowers create a pleasing and inviting atmosphere.

Chapter 4: Color Contrast

* Color contrast is the difference between two colors in terms of hue, saturation, and value.
* Contrast can be used to create emphasis, depth, and movement in a design.
* High contrast colors, such as black and white, create a strong visual impact.
* Low contrast colors, such as light blue and dark blue, create a more subtle effect.

Example: A zebra is an example of color contrast. The black and white stripes create a strong visual impact that helps the zebra to stand out from its surroundings.

Chapter 5: Color Temperature

* Color temperature refers to the warmth or coolness of a color.
* Warm colors, such as red, orange, and yellow, are associated with fire, passion, and energy.
* Cool colors, such as blue, green, and purple, are associated with water, ice, and tranquility.

Example: A fireplace is an example of color temperature. The warm colors of the fire create a cozy and inviting atmosphere.