Understanding Color: An Introduction for Designers

THE PERCEPTION, UNDERSTANDING, AND USES OF COLOR EXPANDED AND REFRESHED

Understanding Color is an essential resource for those needing to become proficient in color for business applications. The peerless treatment of this critical subject is beautifully illustrated with real–world examples. Designers have turned to this guide for nearly a generation for its authoritative and accessible instruction. The knowledge contained in this book sets you apart from other designers by enabling you to:

Contribute more effectively to discussions on color harmony, complete with a vocabulary that enables in–depth understanding of hue, value, and saturation Apply the most–up–to–date information on digital color to your projects Address issues involved when colors must be translated from one medium to another Troubleshoot and overcome today′s most common challenges of working with color

Full–color images showcase real design examples and a companion website features a digital workbook for reinforcing color concepts. From theory and practical implementation to the business and marketing aspects, Understanding Color helps you gain a deep and discriminating awareness of color.

Preface

Acknowledgments

Chapter 1 An Introduction to Color Study

The Experience of Color

Color Awareness

The Uses of Color

Color–Order Systems

Color Study

Chapter 2 A Little Light on the Subject

Light

Additive Color: Mixing Light

Lamps

Lamp Types

Special Purpose Lamps

False Promise: Full Spectrum Lighting

Lighting Level

Vision

The Illuminant Mode of Vision

The Object Mode of Vision

Modifying Light: Colorants

Lamps and Color Rendition

The Color Rendering Index

Metamerism and Matching

Modifying Light: Surface

Transparent, Opaque, and Translucent

Iridescence

Luminosity

Indirect Light, Indirect Color

Filters

Chapter 3 The Human Element

The Sensation of Color

Threshold

Intervals

The Perception of Color

Physiology: Responding to Light

Healing and Color

Synaesthesia

Psychology: Responding to Light

Naming Colors

Color as Language: From Name to Meaning

Impressional Color

Color as Words Alone

Chapter 4 The Vocabulary of Color

Hue

The Artists Spectrum

Primary, Secondary, and Intermediate Colors

Saturated Color

Other Spectrums, Other Primaries

Chromatic Scales

Complementary Colors

Cool and Warm Colors

Analogous Colors

Tertiary Colors: Chromatic Neutrals

Black, White and Gray

Value

Pure Hues and Value

Tints and Shades

Monochromatic Value Scales

Comparing Value in Different Hues

Line

Value and Image

Transposing Image

Saturation

Saturation: Diluting Hues with Gray

Saturation: Diluting Hues with the Complement

Theoretical Gray

Tone

Chapter 5 The Instability of Colors

The Instability of Colors

Color Composition

Ground and Carried Colors

Placement and Color Change

Equilibrium

Simultaneous Contrast

Afterimage and Contrast Reversal

Complementary Contrast

Ground Subtraction

Color and Area: Small, Medium, Large

Chapter 6 Illusion and Impression

Color Illusions

The Illusion of Depth

Spatial Effects of Colors

Transparence Illusion

Fluting

Vibration

Vanishing Boundaries

Luminosity

Bezold Effect

Optical Mixes

Chapter 7 Color Theory: A Brief History

Setting the Stage

The Beginnings of Color Theory

Color and Controversy

The Scientific Model: Color Gets Organized

Color by the Numbers

A New Perspective

Chapter 8 Color Harmony

In Search of Beauty

Intervals and Harmony

Hue and Harmony

Major and Minor Themes

Value and Harmony

Saturation and Harmony

On Beyond Harmony: Dissonant Colors

The X–tra Factor: Surface and Harmony

Some Harmonious Conclusions

Chapter 9 Tools of the Trade: Color in Product and Print

It s the Real Thing: Color in Product and Print

Design Media

Artists Media

Subtractive Mixing: Pure Hues

Subtractive Mixing: Muted Hues

Tinting Strength

Color Printing: Process Colors

Color Printing: Spot Colors

Screen and Block Printing

Chapter 10 The Medium of Light

Images of Light

Lost in Translation

The Screen Display

Color Display Modes

Color Management

Color on the Web

Web Color Coding

Emerging Media: E–Ink

Chapter 11 The Business of Color

The Color Industries

Colorants

Color Sampling

Color Forecasting

Color Consulting

Color and Product Identity

Palettes

Traditional Colors, Document Colors

Palettes and the Past

Color Becomes Fashion

Color Cycles: A Modern History

Today and Tomorrow

Glossary

Bibliography

Index

LINDA HOLTZSCHUE is principal at Linda Holtzschue and Associates, an interior design firm based in New York City. She taught color theory and related courses at the Fashion Institute of Technology and Parsons School of Design, where she served as Assistant Dean. Her work has appeared in New York Times Magazine and Better Homes and Gardens.