Artists' Master Series: Color and Light

by 3dTotal Publishing (Editor)

3dtotal Publishing is an established authority on art and design, with a growing stable of high-calibre artist–authors. With such incredible talent and know-how under one publishing-house roof, we are uniquely placed to launch the BRAND NEW SERIES, Artists' Masters Series.  We have already released several bestselling, well-respected art-theory books including Art Fundamentals 2nd Edition and our much-loved character design titles. We cover the breadth of art and design, offering tutorials and inspiration from hundreds of experts across many genres. Now, this exciting new series takes a deep dive into the key areas of art theory, focusing on specific aspects which, when mastered, make the difference between good and world-class design. This innovative concept launches with Artists' Masters Color & Light. A select few hugely popular industry experts reveal techniques they use to infuse characters with the advanced levels of color and light that make their work instantly recognizable and universally admired. Their in-depth illustrated advice, detailed step-by-step tutorials, enlightening case studies, and awe-inspiring inspiration provide a distinctive and invaluable blend of advanced techniques that can’t be found anywhere else. For artists and designers aiming to raise their game to an expert level, the Artists' Masters Series is the key to success.

Genres: Art, Nonfiction, Drawing, Reference

388 pages, Hardcover

Published April 5, 2022

About the author

Originally a digital artist’s resource website, 3dtotal has grown into an industry-leading art-book publisher. Renowned for creating high-quality, inspirational, and practical tutorial books with some of the best artists working in the movie, games, animation, and publishing industries, 3dtotal Publishing sets the standard for modern art books.

Reviews

[Андріан · Rating 5 out of 5]

Досить нетипова книжка від ArtHuss. Більшість видань написані доступною мовою з купою ілюстрацій, але книжка у ваших руках є виключенням, тому що після декількох розділів у вас може заболіти голова від кількості матеріалу та термінів, якщо ви початківець. Якщо ж ні то вона дозволить вам краще зрозуміти, як працює світло і колір не залежно від того в цифровій чи традиційній техніці ви працюєте. Випадково купив її на гаражному розпродажі і вона неочікувано пригодилася мені в процесі над роботою.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was so helpful, I wrote a blog in a desperate attempt to remember at least some of the things I read. (https://www.stephaniekaykok.com/blog/...)

At the same time, the content was so dense and technical, it might've given me a headache a couple times. I'm sure there are more accessible ways of presenting the information in this book, but anyway, I do have a better grip on color and light now. Hopefully it'll stick. 😅

[Eszter · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is by far one of the best books I read on painting. The insights are not only useful for artists but also designers and photographers. Textures, light sources, color theory, reflections, physics, color models, etc. - there is so much valuable information in this book. It is written in a very comprehensive format due to the illustrations and short chapters.
In the beginning is the theory and a suggestion for exercises, then there are some tutorials and in the end a gallery of works of contemporary artists. I loved reading this book, I will certainly revisit it as a reference.

[Thifal R · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so comprehensive and I'm glad I found what I needed. The theories and tips are so well-explained, it's really helpful, and I think I'll be picking it up for my weekly study sessions and whenever I need more tips!

[Letizia · Rating 5 out of 5]

The perfect book to shift and enrich your perception/prediction of light and color as an artist... but not only : The knowledge it shares is useful for photographers, for designers and for anyone wanting to understand what they observe better. I loved learning about all the optical phenomenons shaping sceneries and objects. I loved digging deeper in the understanding of how shadows and reflections work. Really, this book is gem. A gem that turned me into an even bigger color and light nerd that cannot now get enough of it 🤣.

[Vanya Prodanova · Rating 2 out of 5]

Тази книга е толкова масивна, че сигурно мога да убия някой с един удар по главата.
Това, естествено я прави много неудобна за четене.

Чувствата са ми много смесени по отношение на съдържанието на книгата. Определено е изпълнена до пръсване с полезна информация, но все едно четох обяснения за ядрена физика в комбинация с уроци по висша математика. Почувствах се много глупава и напрегната, че нищо не разбирам.
Тъй като не съм чела други книги по темата за цвят и светлина, не мога да сравня и да кажа дали просто материята наистина е много трудна за представяне или в тази книга конкретно не са успели да я предадат лесно и разбираемо за читателя. Нямам си на идея на този етап, затова и оценявам книгата на база как се почувствах след прочита й.

Научих интересни неща, но са малки рандом неща, които ми е трудно да навърша едно с друго и както казах - още се чувствам глупаво и безнадеждно, че някога ще се науча как да рисувам правилно светлина, което според мен не е правилният начин да се чувстваш след прочита на такава книга. Подобни книги трябва да ги завършиш с усещането, че си качил следващото ниво и да си надъхан да се учиш, а не да се откажеш от рисуването завинаги.

Иначе илюстрациите са разкошни, ама не е достатъчно, особено с размерите на тази книга, не си струва мястото и местенето й като се наложи, макар че като оръжие вероятно ще свърши чудесна работа. :)

[Nonfiction Explorer · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a self-taught artist, navigating the adventurous journey of mastering my craft, I've always yearned to grasp the fundamentals of colour and light. This book delivered precisely that, with an in-depth understanding of colour and light with examples and tutorials. I couldn't have asked for more.

Many times, the text reads like a science book (which, in essence, it is), occasionally becoming quite technical, even a bit demanding. However, the effort proves entirely worthwhile in the end. Its sub-chapters delve into the foundational aspects of each topic—such as the electromagnetic spectrum and cellular biology—teaching concepts from that fundamental level.

I am immensely grateful to the authors for integrating these topics into one book. A must-have for any artist. If my understanding is correct, the original publication date was 2023, which I find particularly surprising; I had assumed it to be a much older work.

I highly recommend this book to anyone serious about art(digital or traditional).

[Louise · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the best comprehensive books on art that I have read. It addresses colour theory for both digital and traditional art. It explains lighting and the interaction between physical light and material colour.

[Christoffer · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you're an oil painter, like me, this book has some great information about color theory but not much else. The rest of the book mostly focuses on things that's more useful if you're a digital artist.

Wouldn't recommend it to a traditional artist.

[Yilaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's not only packed with robust content, but is well edited and thoughtfully laid out, making it enjoyable to read. I learned an immense amount and look forward to reading the others in the series.

[Estella · Rating 5 out of 5]

TOTALLY WORTH EVERY PENNY

[Vanuel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very excellent book for those that have some knowledge on color and light but feel confused about some of the intricacies on it. Going in I was definitely one of them who felt that understand these topics was a massive undertaking. Although a dense book it is full of helpful knowledge, references, and wips by other artists. I definitely consider it one of the best art books I own and will continue to use it to learn and reference other works.

[Tenger Zander · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing.

Each chapter and subject clearly explain all the aspect of how color and light work and all of it's secrets. The hardcopy and good paper also make it a great collector book.

[Julia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read for artists at all levels, however too much focus on digital media for a traditional artist like me.

[Julia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read for artists at all levels, however too much focus on digital media for a traditional artist like me.