Fire and Light: A Method of Painting for Artists Who Love Color

by Julie Hanson

For artists interested in using color in a new way, this two-part book offers a fresh, comprehensive approach to understanding color in painting. Part one starts with the basics and teaches, rung by rung, many concepts including color, value, and the use of red, yellow, and blue to build three-dimensional form. Tools given in part one form the foundation for part two's lessons in "temperature painting," an original method created by the author using warm and cool colors. The instructions are easy to follow, step by step, and fully illustrated with beautiful finished pieces by various artists and the author, an accomplished artist who teaches workshops nationally and whose commissioned portraits and paintings are in many private collections.

128 pages, Hardcover

First published February 28, 2017

Reviews

[Samuel Perin · Rating 5 out of 5]

While not as theory heavy as other art books about color, I think that Julie Hanson provides a simplistic yet powerful approach to using color in painting. I particularly enjoyed seeing the student demonstrations in the later chapters. I think this book would be great for beginning students, hobbyists, or professionals looking for an alternate approach.

[Ann Votta · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great help. Julie's method of using color is so unique.

[Brigitte · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book really helped me to understand color temperature and how it helps to make a successful painting. I tried using this method for the first time today, and it nearly broke my brain because I’m just not used to painting this way, but I was really pleased with the use of color so my goal is to practice using this method every day. I don’t think this method would work with watercolor or gouache though, just because of all the layering.

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

I checked out this book on using vibrant colors in acrylic paintings - different techniques that were very useful. I think that the colors used are fun and bright and give a different look to paintings. I tried one of the paintings demoed and found the notes on how to helpful.

[Dorothy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hanson brings us the highly effective Cape Cod style of painting in very easy to follow steps. Extraordinary!