Practical Handbook of Color for Artists

by José María Parramón (Editor)

The accomplished artist must have mastery of a variety of visual principles, such as the use of line, light and shadow, perspective--and of course, color. This book teaches every aspect of color, both theory and practice. Opening chapters explain the color wheel, present color charts, and demonstrate using colors in different media. Chapters that follow emphasize practice, presenting illustrated, step-by-step exercises, and using illustrations of finished paintings. Among the book's highlights are--

Genres: Art

240 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 2013

About the author

José María Parramón Vilasaló (Barcelona, 1919 - íd., 2002) fue un escritor, pintor, dibujante, diseñador gráfico y editor español, famoso como autor y editor de obras de divulgación técnica sobre pintura y dibujo, de las que escribió más de ciento veinte y con las cuales llegó a ser el español más traducido después de Miguel de Cervantes (466 traducciones)

Reviews

[Anna Richland · Rating 4 out of 5]

The most "how to" of the color books I've reviewed so far, this one has instructions as basic as how to actually mix the colors on the palette (pp 94 - 111! No kidding!). It was a good review for me because it's been 25 years since I did much painting, other than a little bit of watercolor in a box.

Also, the color photo reproductions are exceedingly high quality, which is important in an art/color book. Although I checked this out of my public library b/c I'm going through so many art books right now that I'm seeing paint chips and 12-color wheels in my sleep, I wouldn't resent paying $24.99 for this if I were seriously trying to paint as an adult. I think the "how to" sections look very good - especially the pointillist painting example on pp. 126 - 127. I had never thought of doing a light watercolor wash behind the dots, and the directions on which order to layer the dot colors were clear and easy to follow.

I don't know how helpful it would be for an absolute beginner. But for a person who painted a long time ago and wants to start again, or who just finished a continuing education class and wants to continue on their own, this is a very good choice.

[Book Nibbler · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was good but nothing new if you have read other Color Theory type books.

[Debbie Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book jumped out at me from a local library display. The vibrant colours drew me in and once I started flipping through the rich colour drenched pages, I knew I had to read it. And read it slowly I did.

Because this was a handbook for artists (not a novel, not a poetry collection), the content included a nice blend of informative text illustrated by colourful examples. I especially liked the high quality paper which showcased the visuals beautifully. Definitely a valuable reference (like an artist's dictionary) for both beginning and experienced painters. Inspirational? Yes, on the top of the creativity scale.

[Cecilia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I learned a lot and helped me with enchanting my techniques in terms of playing with colors and how to apply them.

[Bill Mutch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Now and then you run into a work that is really outstanding in a crowded field. This is one of them.
There are a slew of glossy, highly produced books about manual art technique featuring superbly photographed pictures of art materials and step by step illustrations of how a given art work was produced with the described materials and techniques. Step into any volume chain bookstore or well stocked library and you're likely to find at least half a dozen. I've looked at more than that as I really enjoy the genre. These books are visual feasts and actually can provide inspiration to get moving and make some art of your own.
The reason I feel this particular example is the best of its kind is the quality of the examples shown. The prime editor, Maria Fernanda Canal, has simply chosen from a superb stable of painters to commission the illustrative pieces.
The work was originally a wholly Spanish production. The text translation to English by Micheal Brunel and Beatriz Cortabarria reads perfectly in American English. The visual designs need no translation and are head and shoulders superior to the competitors I've seen.
If you want a book of this sort for your own inspiration, look at the others, enjoy them... but buy this one.

[Rita]

I had to mark this as "unfinished" because it's due back at the library, but I want to note that this handbook has so far been an incredibly useful source of information for me as an artist and crafter. I will purchase it so that I can finish reading it, and because I want it in my studio as a reference book.