Color and Light: A Guide for the Realist Painter

Color and Light: A Guide for the Realist Painter by James Gurney

Synopsis: From New York Times best-selling author of the Dinotopia series, James Gurney, comes a carefully crafted and researched study on color and light in paintings. This art instruction book will accompany the acclaimed Imaginative Realism: How to Paint What Doesn’t Exist.

James Gurney, New York Times best-selling author and artist of the Dinotopia series, follows Imaginative Realism with his second art-instruction book, Color and Light: A Guide for the Realist Painter. A researched study on two of art’s most fundamental themes, Color and Light bridges the gap between abstract theory and practical knowledge. Beginning with a survey of underappreciated masters who perfected the use of color and light, the book examines how light reveals form, the properties of color and pigments, and the wide variety of atmospheric effects. Gurney cuts though the confusing and contradictory dogma about color, testing it in the light of science and observation. A glossary, pigment index, and bibliography complete what will ultimately become an indispensible tool for any artist.

This book is the second in a series based on his blog, gurneyjourney.com. His first in the series, Imaginative Realism, was widely acclaimed in the fantastical art world, and was ranked the #1 Bestseller on the Amazon list for art instruction.

Published: November 2010 | ISBN: 978-0740797712

Author’s Homepage: http://jamesgurney.com
Author’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/GurneyJourney

I have read many books on colour theory for painters and understand the physics and biology behind our perception of light and colour, but it wasn’t until this book that I finally understood how to apply this knowledge practically to create illustrations. James Gurney, of Dinotopia fame, shares his knowledge on how to use colour and light to create realistic illustrations. He explains how to create restricted colour palette for an illustration and why, as well as methods to avoid or exploit the optical illusions our visual systems are prone to. Gurney uses his broad portfolio of illustrations, from his fantasy world of Dinotopia to his historical recreations for National Geographic, to provide diverse examples for his techniques. If I was to recommend just one book for aspiring illustrators in any field, it would be this one. – From 10 Great Books on Scientific Illustration

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