Color and Light: A Guide for the Realist Painter

Color and Light: A Guide for the Realist Painter by James Gurney is a practical study of the two most fundamental tools in painting: color and light. Written for artists of all media who are interested in a traditional realist approach, it also serves anyone curious about the workings of the visual world. This digital edition is available as an instant PDF download.

The book draws on physics, optics, physiology, and materials science, and tests long-held color and light theories against recent scientific discoveries. James Gurney combines a survey of historic masters with his own observational and imaginative paintings. With clear explanations and visual examples, the guide makes the behavior of light and color practical for painters.

Book Overview

Color and Light: A Guide for the Realist Painter is an art instruction book by James Gurney, creator of Dinotopia. Published by Andrews McMeel Publishing, it was released on November 30, 2010, as the second volume in the James Gurney Art series. The book begins with a survey of underappreciated masters who perfected the use of color and light, then moves through sources of light, light and form, elements of color, paint and pigments, color relationships, premixing, visual perception, surfaces and effects, atmospheric effects, and changing light.

The 228-page digital edition includes a glossary, pigment information, and a bibliography, making it a valuable resource for art students, painters, illustrators, and teachers. The author uses his own paintings to demonstrate how color and light create mood, depth, and realism.

What You’ll Discover Inside

• A survey of historical masters who used color and light in interesting ways.
• Chapters on direct sunlight, overcast light, window light, candlelight, electric light, and night conditions.
• The form principle and how light creates the illusion of three-dimensional form.
• Properties of color and an introduction to pigments and paints.
• The gamut mapping method for choosing colors and shaping color schemes.
• Visual perception topics such as color constancy, adaptation, contrast, and why moonlight is not blue.
• Atmospheric effects including atmospheric perspective, sunsets, rainbows, sunbeams, dappled light, snow, and water.
• A glossary, pigment index, and recommended reading list.

Why This Book Matters

Color and Light: A Guide for the Realist Painter bridges the gap between artistic observation and scientific explanation. It cuts through confusing and contradictory dogma about color, testing it against science and observation. The book is an indispensable tool for art students and artists at any skill level, and a valuable instruction manual for art teachers in classroom settings.

James Gurney is known for the New York Times bestselling Dinotopia series and for his realistic paintings of imaginative subjects. His work has been featured in one-man exhibitions at the Smithsonian Institution, the Norman Rockwell Museum, and other venues. Color and Light became Amazon’s #1 bestselling book on painting for over 100 weeks.

Book Details

Device Compatibility

This is a digital download, so no physical item will be shipped. Access is available after purchase. The PDF file can be read on tablets, desktop computers, mobile devices, and reading apps that support PDF, including Kindle apps.

FAQ

How do I get instant access? After purchase, the digital PDF download will be available immediately.

Will a physical copy be shipped? No. This is a digital product only and no physical shipping is involved.

Which devices are compatible? The PDF file works with Kindle apps, tablets, desktop computers, mobile devices, and most reading applications.

Add Color and Light: A Guide for the Realist Painter to your library and deepen your understanding of color and light in painting.

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