Synopses & Reviews
This workbook presents a diverse conceptual overview of color theory coupled with numerous studies and activities to solidify students’ understanding of design and color concepts through hands-on experience. This workbook combines both a formal and content-oriented approach to color with students, allowing them to use it both technically and as an expressive tool.
As a practicing artist and an art educator, Becky Koenig has possessed a lifelong desire to master color. She created this text to present a wide range of many color theories, rather than a singular viewpoint. The workbook covers the expanding field of electronic color and discusses color in terms of art history and contemporary art. It includes a variety of student activities that have proved successful in the classroom.
Synopsis
Color Workbook is both a color theory reference and a workbook of hands-on color and design theoretical studies. The first part of the book emphasizes Color Study, a thorough exploration of the understanding of color as an art element. Topics include the attributes of color (hue, value, and saturation), the elements of design, the principles of design, designing with color, and color in art. For artists and designers, who can use the book as a reference and a self guided studio course in color theory.
Table of Contents
Contents
Part 1 - Color Study
Chapter 1 - The Nature of Color: Color Physics and Perception
Introduction
Color Physics
Primary Colors of Light
Additive Color System
Color Perception
Additive Color Media
Subtractive Color System
Complementary Colors
Activities
Chapter 2 -The Color Circle and Color Systems: An Exploration
Introduction
Color Circles and Systems–A Brief History
Color Circles–A Rationale
The Traditional Subtractive Color Circle
Hues–Components of a Color Circle
Achromatics and the Color Circle
Hue Contrast
Hue Relationships on the Color Circle
Color Proportion
Activities
Chapter 3- Attributes of Color
Introduction
Hue
Value
Saturation
Systems of Color Saturation–Color Solids
Activities
Chapter 4 - Color Interaction
Introduction
Color Relativity–Chevereul and Albers
Optical Mixtures
Other Types of Color Interaction
Color Transparency
Activities
Chapter 5 - The Materials of Color
Introduction
Physical Color
Painting Media, 107
Process Materials
Activity
Chapter 6 - Computer Color
Introduction
Computer Color Basics
The Color Monitor
Pixel Depth
Bitmap and Vector-based Programs
Types of Graphic Software
Using Computer Color
Color Management
Activities
Part 2
Designing With Color
Chapter 7 - The Elements of Design
Introduction
The Abstract Concepts of Design
The Picture Plane
Design Elements
Activities
Chapter 8 - The Principles of Design
Introduction
Order and Chaos
Gestalt Theory in Design
Design Principles–Unity
Economy
Design Principle–Emphasis
Design Principle–Balance
Design Principles–Movement and Rhythm
Activities
Chapter 9 - Color Schemes and Harmonies
Introduction
Simple Color Harmonies
Contrasting or Opposing Harmonies
Split Complementary Harmony
Balanced Color Harmonies
Keyed Color Harmonies
Informal Color Harmonies
Activities
Chapter 10 - Designing With Color
Introduction
Color Unity
Color Emphasis
Color Balance
Color to Depict Form, Space, and Light
Color Rhythm and Movement
Activities
Chapter 11 - Expressive Color
Introduction
Color Psychology
Color Symbols
Environmental Color
Color Harmony versus Color Discord
Color Preference
Color Expression
Free Form Color Harmony
Thematic Color
Activities
Chapter 12 - Color in Art
Introduction
Reflected Light–Byzantine Mosaics
Primacy of Form–The Renaissance
Light and Movement–The Baroque
Poetry in Color–Romantic Period
Time and Place–Impressionism
Simple Elegance–Japanese Art
Color Expression–Neoimpressionism
Fauvism and Beyond
Structured Space–Cubism
Color Utopians–Modernism and De Stijl
Pierre Bonnard–Premier Colorist
Inner Light–Abstract Expressionism
Light Reflected–Minimalism and Beyond
Color in Installation and Image
Glossary
Bibliography
Index of Student Illustrations and Photography Credits
Index