Confident Color: An Artist's Guide To Harmony, Contrast And Unity (Spiral-bound)

by Nita Leland (Author)
Key Phrases: burnt sienna, brown madder, color harmony, Green Shade, Alizarin Crimson, Old Masters (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
The approach to color theory in Confident Color makes selecting colors easy and efficient. Readers will learn the importance of color schemes and color contrasts and how to use them effectively when painting. They will learn how to create a color scheme or palette for their paintings, as well as how to use similar colors, contrasting colors, neutrals and complements to take their compositions to new heights. A lively illustrated color glossary provides a refresher on color basics so that the reader can focus on more complex theories.

Alleviates the struggle artists have when determining color combinations by providing 7 step-by-step demonstrations that show how to select and make color schemes, color contrasts, compatible colors and more.

Includes an assortment of work from 52 contributing artists using a variety of mediums.

About the Author
Nita Leland is a professional artist, teacher, lecturer and juror of art exhibitions. She has taught hundreds of workshops throughout the United States and Canada in color, creativity, design and collage. Acknowledged as an expert in color, Leland is the designer of the Nita Leland Color Scheme Selector and featured artist in the video series, "Exploring Color Workshop," a color course for artists and teachers. More information about Nita can be found at www.nitaleland.com.

Product Details

• Spiral-bound: 160 pages
• Publisher: North Light Books; Spi edition (October 21, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1600610129
• ISBN-13: 978-1600610127
• Product Dimensions: 11.2 x 9.2 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.7 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #18,917 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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

  #8 in	Books > Arts & Photography > Instructional & How-To > Using Color
  #34 in	Books > Arts & Photography > Painting
  #44 in	Books > Arts & Photography > Drawing > Instructional

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

20 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Help for the color impaired!, October 28, 2008

By	Kay R. Sluterbeck "Picatso" (VAN WERT, OHIO USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I've always had problems with color in my paintings. I don't seem to have a color sense so my work BCC (Before Confident Color) didn't always have the most harmonious color. However, after reading Confident Color I have a much better understanding of how color can create an effective painting. Using examples from a wide variety of artists, the book breaks down the colors used and explains why these color combinations are so effective. It also presents different types of color wheels to give the artist a wide range of harmonious color ideas to work with. By using the color information in this book, you can express mood and pull more viewer interest. What's really nice is that the author uses work by both well-known artists and those who aren't well-known -- but all are excellent at what they do. The book would be good for quilters and fabric artists as well, or indeed anyone who wants a better understanding of color theory.

16 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Confident Color, November 10, 2008

By	Joan Barnes "Joan Crawford Barnes" - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I have spent the week-end feasting on Nita's new book Confident Color. I am excited and inspired as I go from chapter to chapter in this book. Nita has done it again! She tells it all, and in a way that relates to each one of us. I love the format of this book - easy reading - takes you right in and makes you a part of the process. Each page is loaded with exciting information and a "Try it" portion to include you in the journey. I can't wait to get started on my own color swatches. I have already prepared a box and sample cards to get started. This book is for the beginner and advanced alike. All of the Artist's works included in this book are examples on what Nita is explaining in the process. I would highly recommend this book to all Artists who are interested in perfecting their skills and would like to learn to use color with confidence. I certainly do.



Joan Crawford Barnes
www.joanbarnes-wc.com

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Plethora of Color Tips!, January 12, 2009

By	M. Crowther (Southeast USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This book contains great information about color and how to improve your understanding of it. I enjoyed the organization of the book as it was easy to read, logical, and informative. The demos or examples were thoroughly explained and detailed, yet not too complicated. The illustrations were outstanding. Extremely helpful were the tips and suggestions, color combinations and techniques for improving one's color composition and expression. A great buy!