Customer Reviews

Understanding Color: An Introduction for Designers

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This book is pretty good. It explains the different color wheels, how we see color, value, saturation, harmony, and so much more. It is pretty thorough and easy to read. I recommend this book for anyone needing to understand color theory.

Minetta Minnick

Pretty good with examples, and ways to utilize color. This is a keeper in the collection for me.

I've been looking for a textbook for my Color Theory for Digital Artists for two years now. I like the clean writing style and intelligence of Ms. Holtzschue's book. I will be using it this semester, but I will keep searching for a more appropriate textbook.

Like many other Color Theory books, she mistakes Successive Contrast (afterimage) and Simultaneous Contrast as phenomena associated with complements based in the artist's color circle (Read and Green, Yellow and Violet, Blue and Orange). When in reality your eye (which is basically an RGB device) reacts with the Additive Color complements: Red and Cyan, Green and Magenta, Blue and Yellow when experiencing afterimages or simultaneous contrast.

Personally, I think the traditional RYB model is faulty. Can you mix a nice Magenta from those primaries? How a bout a crisp, bright Cyan. No? Well then those colors aren't really primaries then, now are they. And the "color wheel" should be shifted pretty dramatically to reflect that.
Artists dealing with digital media have to become more familiar with the RGB Additive Color model and color wheel, NOT the RYB based Painters Color Wheel. This book has little emphasis on the importance of the Additive Color model in perception and design.

I use this as the standard textbook in my color theory class. It's a very pragmatic approach to understanding and using color, avoiding the odd perceptions and prejudices of color theorists of the past. Also, Ms. Holtzschue defines "tertiary" and "intermediate" differently than some others do, so be aware.

This book arrived quickly and in excellent condition. I learned a lot about color and patterns from this book. I ordered it as part of a class I was taking in color therapy from the Art Institute and got an "A" in the class. I would recommend this book to everyone who wants to understand color.

I deal with color daily and my eyes have sharpened upon reading this book. I'd recommend it as a MUST READ, because it envelopes the greats, like Albers, Itten and others, and surpasses them-- by sharing CUTTING-EDGE INSIGHTS into the art and science of color in a very concise, relevant, expert but easy-to-read manner.

It's always difficult to discuss the subject of color because sometimes you "just have to be there". Colors are so affected by other colors in the vicinity and light conditions and host of other factors. Because of the nuances involved, it would be difficult for any author to cover it to meet all needs, but this is an excellent treatment, especially for novices.

This introduction to understanding color is clear, articulate and has enchanting illustrations. It is not only for professionals but also for consumers who have always heard terms referencing colors but never quite understood them. It is the definitive book for those who work with colors.

I am indeed pleased with this book. The condition of the book was actually better than what I had expected from the site. I also have enjoyed reading it and so far there are no problems at all with it. I even got it at with a better bargain than what was in my University's bookstore. Thanks Amazon! :-)

i received the book before my class start and the book was in great condition , no problems at all