Powercolor: Master Color Concepts for All Media [Paperback]

Caroline Jasper (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 1, 2005 | ISBN-10: 082304260X | ISBN-13: 978-0823042609

The jargon of color theory and the unpredictability of mixing manufactured colors prevent many artists from using color to maximum advantage in their work. This comprehensive survey of color—its science, psychology, theory, and aesthetics—gives artists the knowledge and power to do more with color. Artists learn what color is; the color wheel; various types of color contrast (temperature, intensity, and value); how a medium's physical characteristics affect the use and appearance of color; how color has been used by artists throughout history; and how color can be used effectively in a variety of theories, methods of applications, and mediums. This is an invaluable resource for artists who want to expand their knowledge about and invigorate their use of color.



• For artists at all skill levels working in any medium

• All artists, regardless of medium or style, need guidance and instruction on the theories and use of color

Examines the following topics:


• PHYSIOLOGY: what color is and how it has been explained by scientists

• THEORY: the color wheel, and alternative color systems like triangles and spheres

• HISTORY: how color has been used by artists throughout history

• PHYSICS: various types of color contrast (temperature, intensity, value)

• CHEMISTRY: how a medium's physical characteristics affect the use and appearance of color

• CONTEMPORARY COLOR PRACTICE: how color can be used effectively in a variety of theories, methods of application, and mediums

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Caroline Jasper is a regular exhibitor in juried shows around the world. Her paintings are held in public and private collections across the country. She lives in Bel Air, MD.

Product Details

• Paperback: 144 pages
• Publisher: Watson-Guptill (March 1, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 082304260X
• ISBN-13: 978-0823042609
• Product Dimensions: 10.4 x 8.5 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #838,191 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars An average book, August 9, 2005

By 

Michael Martonick (Arlington, WA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Powercolor: Master Color Concepts for All Media (Paperback)

I thought when I bought this book, it would provide more than the usual insight into understanding color. It is just another book on color concepts. If you need a book like this, it might be worth obtaining. Try to review a copy before buying it.

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars ...from ArtsyFartsy News, July 2007, January 25, 2009

By 

Robert Burridge Studio - See all my reviews

This review is from: Powercolor: Master Color Concepts for All Media (Paperback)

Many of you in my workshops have watched me point out examples in Caroline Jasper's colorful book "Powercolor." Caroline is an exceptional authority on color and her book features many examples of her teaching style and color theory philosophy. This is a must read reference book. Okay, okay she uses quite a few of my paintings to illustrate her book, but I must admit I learned more about color and mixing color from this book than any other!

...from ArtsyFartsy News, February 2010
If you have already read her book Powercolor or taken her painting workshops, Caroline Jasper's new book, Painters' Guide and Color Manual is an excellent companion piece for further exploration of Caroline's color theory. It works!

Her explanations and colorful examples clearly illustrate her color strategies for all media. Watercolorists, Acrylic or Oil painters, this manual is for you. the facts are all there - no fluff - all facts! This textbook style guide is essential for the painter who seriously wants to move up to the next level of understanding how to paint their next masterpiece.

Caroline Jasper, artist, colorist, author and workshop instructor is represented by Art Source for Design Gallery in Scottsdale, Arizona. Gallery Hughes in Boca Grande, Florida, Art Access Gallery in Bexley, Ohio, The Gallery at Round Top in Round Top, Texas and Gallery Wright in Wilmington, Vermont. Her paintings are held in private, corporate and public collections internationally. She is author of the book, Powercolor - Master Color Concepts for All Media and a DVD, Color Moves - Painting Water with Oils.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Color Theory book, October 5, 2009

By 

Jackie L. Cleveland - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Powercolor: Master Color Concepts for All Media (Paperback)

I learned so much from this book its packed full of helpful information and made me a more informed artist.