Color: A Workshop Approach

by David Hornung

This new text connects color theory with its practical application in two-dimensional visual disciplines--graphic design, illustration, painting, textile art, and textile design. Fundamental color concepts are explored in a series of sixteen painted studies that guide students through a variety of color experiences. The lesson sequence moves logically from basic structural concepts, through experiments with color applications, to scenarios that facilitate color unity and expression.

Genres: Art, Design, Nonfiction, Art Design, Quilting, Drawing, Crafts

160 pages, Paperback

First published July 28, 2004

Reviews

[Carmen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book is a must have for everyone interested in color interaction and color harmony. I can highly recommend to read it and to do the exercises. Pretty much a masterpiece :)

[Tran · Rating 3 out of 5]

Painters would benefit quite a lot from this book, as it discusses the mixing method of colours and all examples are paintings. Nevertheless, designers can also enjoy the book as they are introduced to various colour concepts.

"While the book can simply be read as a general guide to color, its value will be most fully realized by those who take the time to do the color assignments. They were developed and tested over a 12-year period at the Rhode Island School of Design with graphic designers, painters, textile designers, illustrators, and weavers" So if you have time, work on any assignment that you feel interested, I personally like the guessing colour and colour inventory exercises.

And knowledge about Light should be a prerequisite before one starts learning about Color. Some AP Physics videos I watched prior to reading this books are:

Light
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I024M...

Light Absorption, Reflection, and Transmission
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DOsro...

Refraction of Light
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DR-8Z...

[Tori · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book, and referenced it often in college. It’s wonderful for those interested in color theory. It’s very comprehensive.

[Artù · Rating 5 out of 5]

Un testo fatto molto bene.
Bello, davvero bello.
Il colore ha per me un fascino assoluto.

[Laila Hesse · Rating 5 out of 5]

I hope I can attend a workshop with David Hornung one day. What a great book!

[Erika Mulvenna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book includes some of the most intense set of color study exercises I've ever seen, from basics in mixing colors to color interactions, principles, and combinations. The back of the book includes a great illustrated glossary of color terms, and a short chapter on color perception. A good book for fine art or design students, but way too much information for someone just beginning to learn about color theory.

[Lloyd Downey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think it is quite amazing how dated this book has become because of the growth of computers and screens in graphic arts. However, it really is a very thorough introduction to the basic principles of colour ...especially for designers. Maybe less so for artists. It has a great set of samples of the various colour relationships with varying hue, value, saturation. (Or in other words (my words): colour, grey tone, brightness).
He explores the psychological impact of juxtaposed colours and optical illusions, harmony and even has a section on colour on the computer.
However, one of the things I noticed was the current availability of Apps which can analyse a photo in terms of colours and produce instant palettes that complement these basic colours etc. And these are not mentioned in this book which was published in 2005. However, a good hint is given on p143 about printing your own colour chart to get an idea of how your colours are likely to look when printed.
Quite an impressive work overall. I give it 4 stars.

[Sharon Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an essential reference, and also a workshop, as the title indicates. It covers many principles of color usage in and understandable and accessible way. The clear and simple exercises, if done according to design, will result in a nice portfolio of samples that can be referred to often.

Some extra pluses, maybe added in the third addition - there are QR links to short videos made by the author on certain key points. Versions of the exercises are given for analog or digital (Photoshop) fromat. There's a great glossary at the end which is useful to read before starting the book.

Having taken a workshop from David this year, I can personally say he's an excellent instructor. If you can't study with him in person or on line, this is the next best thing.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I used this book for a college course and found myself wanting to buy a copy. The information is clear, concise and well thought out... and the color studies are intriguing and offer a comprehensive overview that won’t be forgotten.

[Yasemin Gyford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book!

[Celine · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fascinating read although I've had to read some pages several times to absorb it all - not a breeze. I am sure itniwll improve my painting.

[Philip Goodwillie · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you're wanting to understand colour or learn more on colour I recommend this book to artists and no-artists.

[Silvia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have only finished the 1st chapter but I'm already sure how many stars it deserves. It illuminates you.

[Annabel Cousineau · Rating 2 out of 5]

Il s'agit d'un livre pour les plus avancé.e.s.

[Yü · Rating 5 out of 5]

A comprehensive introduction to understanding and using color that is interesting to read and easy to follow. I really appreciate the 1o+ assignments accompanied with the text as we progress, which can be done by hand or digitally. They are a lot fun to work on and definitely help to internalized the content, resulting in a wonderful learning experience.

[Shelley Whitehead · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a collection of exercises. I learned a ton from this book. And since color is an endless exploration, it's a book that keeps on giving. Invaluable in my library.

[Jadwiga · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jeżeli masz związek z malarstwem, grafiką, projektowaniem wnętrz czy ubrań i chcesz zgłębić zagadnienie koloru polecam tę książkę. Autor w tej książce nie tyle wykłada teorię koloru co prowadzi warsztaty kolorystyczne. Każdy rozdział to omówienie innych właściwości koloru i precyzyjne dobrane ćwiczenia pomagające zrozumieć omawiane zależności. Ćwiczenia wykonywane są gwaszem, ale jest również rozdział poświęcony ćwiczeniom kolorystycznym na komputerze. Polecam osobom zainteresowanym tą tematyką!

[David Littman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is indispensable for artists in any medium. Every page is filled with useful information on color relationships, interactions, as well as tips on color mixing. Before reading this book, I was completely lost when it came to color, but now I'm quite confident in my abilities to use color in my art.

[Megan Frauenhoffer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve been researching a textbook for my color theory class and this book has the perfect balance of theory and practice. It’s also much easier for students to delve into compared to the Albers textbook which I find useful for instruction but not for student readers. Also this book has wonderful exercises adapted for both digital and traditional techniques.

[Jeffrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

The very best and most comprehensive book on color theory I have ever read... and I own many.

[Widyoseno · Rating 4 out of 5]

Comprehensive book for those who has huge interest in colour study

[Hariharan]

ITS NICE