The Art of Color: The Subjective Experience and Objective Rationale of Color (Hardcover)

by Johannes Itten (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
In this book, the world's foremost color theorist examines two different approaches to understanding the art of color. Subjective feelings and objective color principles are described in detail and clarified by color reproductions.

Language Notes
Text: English (translation)
Original Language: German --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 160 pages
• Publisher: Wiley; Revised edition (December 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0471289280
• ISBN-13: 978-0471289289
• Product Dimensions: 12.2 x 11.6 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.7 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #23,813 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

  Popular in these categories: (What's this?)

  #6 in	Books > Arts & Photography > Design & Decorative Arts > Graphic Design > Graphic Arts > Use of Color
  #17 in	Books > Arts & Photography > Instructional & How-To > Using Color
  #31 in	Books > Nonfiction > Foreign Language Nonfiction > German

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

55 of 56 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A philosophical, religious view of color, May 23, 2001

By	Chris Matthews (New York) - See all my reviews

What fascinates me so much about Itten's classic book is its deeply philosophical, even quasi-religious approach to color. Itten was as much interested in the spirituality of color as in developing a theory of color.

Another great aspect of the book is the numerous master paintings beautifully reproduced and intertwined with his own theories and color diagrams. You get paintings by Rembrandt, Renoir, Monet, El Greco, Seurat, and so many others. Itten is always contrasting the objective and the subjective aspects of art and color, and it makes for a fascinating reading experience.

Itten has a mature perspective on these painters and their relation to color. Its only flaw is that Itten's is only one perspective. I wish there were more authors who could write and analyze art at this level, and who weren't afraid to be spiritual in their assessments.

With so many dramatic advancements in technology, we tend to forget very quickly where we were. Just a decade or so ago, this book was literally too difficult and too expensive to produce. We are lucky to live in an age in which a book of such profound beauty is even available. Overall, it's a must for any fine library.

33 of 36 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Vast amount of well-illustrated knowledge., August 25, 1999

By A Customer

Anyone interested in the color theory and its applicance on art should seriously consider this book. Everything explained is illustrated by high quality examples and samples from different artists' work; definitely made me happy.

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Eye-opener on harmony of colours, June 26, 2006

By	Carla de Pagter "www.opzuidinkleur.nl" (Hilversum) - See all my reviews

This book of Johannes Itten is a good example of the use of colour in the antroposofic way. He connects the different colours with moods and feelings, religious symbols and even gives it a spiritual dimension. For me it was an eye-opener on the aspect of harmony. Itten emphasizes that the eye and mind are always looking for balance, harmony in the sense of a grey-tone. If a work of art does not reflect this kind of harmony, for instance because of a distonality in the use of colours, the eye and mind get restless and agitated. But if used on purpose this aspect of colour gives a work of art a very strong impact and makes it a masterpiece.[...].