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Book Reviews: Interaction of Color by Josef Albers

The Interaction of Color by Josef Albers in its original form is a masterwork of a brilliant colorist and artist.  The original hardcover edition has 150 color plates to illustrate the often complex explanations of the characteristics of color and as the title implies the interaction between colors.

When the book was revised and put out in softcover it only included 10 color plates.     If the book is used in conjunction with a color theory class the missing examples aren't as much of an issue since an instructor could explain or illustrate a particular phenomena of color to help the student grasp the theory.  For the independent reader  however the reduced number of illustrations may make it difficult to fully understand some of the concepts Albers reveals. 

This spring a new softcover edition of the book was released and it includes more color plates than the original softcover which was a step in the right direction.  Recently I was delighted to learn that the originally published Interaction of Color is soon to be available for the first time in a CD-ROM edition, "extending Josef Albers`s color teaching into the realm of the computer and revealing a range of miraculous color effects in a new medium, including the way that one color can appear as two and how disparate colors can appear alike in varying settings," according to the publisher. 

I spoke to Jessica Csoma, Curatorial Assistant at the Josef and Annie Albers Foundation and she confirmed that the CD-ROM edition will include all of the original color plates.  At $39.95 the cost is considerably higher than the revised paperback edition but far less expensive than the going price for a used copy of the original edition if you can even find one.  This book(CD) is packed with information that is invaluable it you truly want to understand how color works.

The Interaction of Color CD-Rom Edition is not scheduled for release until next summer but you can place a pre-order from Amazon so that you can be among the first to secure a copy. 

Book Review: Dyeing to Knit by Elaine Eskesen

When I buy a gourmet cookbook I know I may never cook a recipe that has multiple steps and takes hours but I still enjoy reading the recipes and taking away the inspiration to create a fabulous meal for my family and friends.

Like a gourmet cookbook, Elaine Eskesen's Dyeing to Knit is thoroughly enjoyable even if you are not sure you are ready to dye your own yarn.   The book is filled with beautiful photos, wonderful color  combinations, design ideas and fun techniques that you can pour over for hours.   

In the opening chapter Elaine shares her love of color and the sources of her inspiration for the colors she chooses.  She then takes her readers through an easy to follow understanding of color, their relationships and provides knitted samples to show the interaction between colors when knitted together.  Elaine's style is so charming that she may lure even the most reluctant knitter to try creating their own color scheme.

If you do decide to try your hand at dyeing you will be pleased to find clear instructions, recommended tools and dyes that are easily accessible and fun ideas for mixing colors to produce unique effects. 

In the chapter on design Elaine tells us how she thinks about designing the pieces she knits and reveals that she doesn't "do complicated knitting" but rather projects that she can "pick up at any moment".  In addition six knitting designers share their inspiration and Elaine talks about specific artist and how they have influenced some of her designs.

Patterns for items that easily incorporate color and texture are included but by the time you reach the last chapter you may already be putting together an idea for your own design.

Visit Elaine's Shop Pine Tree Yarn

See Dyeing to Knit at Amazon.com

 Technorati Tags: dyeing to knit, knitting, yarn, color, colour, knitting books, elaine eskesen

Book Review: Colorful World by Amandine Guisez Gallienne

Throughout time man has used color to enhance himself and the world around him.  Colorful World beautifully reveals to the reader the colors of the world; not the colors found in the natural surroundings but rather the colors selected by man to express something about himself and the community in which he lives.

Amandine Guisez's photographs transport the reader around the globe where she "discovered a passion that knows no political frontiers."  She also discovers that "those who deal with colour speak the same launguage, a language concerned with the intensity, brilliance or depth of a particular tone, value and shade."

The 200 plus photographs are divided by color and supporting text touches on the meaning of colors and how different cultures have viewed colors through the ages.  This book is "a celebration of human creativity" and  I thoroughly enjoyed viewing each page.

Buy the book at Amazon.com

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Technorati Tags: color meaning, Colorful World, color, colour
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Book Review: Color Voodoo for Your Closet by Jill Morton

Jill Morton's recently released eBook Color Voodoo for Your Closet is her view on choosing colors for your wardrobe. Unlike most of the books on this subject Jill doesn't place as much focus on identifying the color palette that looks best on you but rather on choosing colors that communicate a desired message.

The book has general information on the meaning of color and if you are not familiar with the factors that influence color communication you may find the overview on culture, nationality, climate, age and gender interesting and informative. The same is true of the psychological symbolism section where Jill gives information for the eight basic colors plus black, white and gray.

Helpful tips on selecting colors for specific occasions such as a job interview, television appearance, and night out; attending a funeral, making an appearance in court or breaking up with someone are included but there are no practical strategies given for wardrobe planning.

Jill shares studies illustrating the importance of giving thought to the colors you wear and while I agree with this basic premise some of the examples and the language she uses to support her points throughout the book seemed out of place in the context of a book about personal appearance.

The terms "dopey", "dweeby", "nauseating", "blah", and phrases such as "purple is used for radiation hazards", "makes them look as if they've given a pint of blood" or "evoke associations with alien beings,…slime, and sleazy motel carpets" are not words or phrases typically used in a fashion oriented book.

While Jill has an understanding of color and I appreciate that she has approached this subject slightly differently than other books on the market the overall message and cartoonish illustrations fall short.  If you are looking for fashion color information there are several books that I have reviewed that deliver better advice, are beautifully illustrated, and cost less money.

Illustration from Color Matters website

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Technorati Tags: Color Voodoo, Jill Morton, wardrobe, fashion, meaning of color
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Book Review: More Alive With Color by Leatrice Eiseman

Have you ever noticed that wearing a particular outfit makes you feel extra confident? Or that when you wear a blouse of a certain color you receive more complements because you look especially attractive in it? Would you like to look in the mirror everyday and see a reflection that says "I look and feel great"? More Alive With Color by Leatrice Eiseman reveals how to discover your personal colors and build your wardrobe around them so that you look and feel sensational whether kicking back at home or kicking up your heels out on the town.

The Colortime system organizes colors by how they appear during different times of the day: at sunrise, at sunset or in the sunlight at midday. Rather than dictate a particular set of hues as some other books do, Leatrice offers you a system to identify your best colors allowing you to build a versatile wardrobe that reflects you taste and personal style.

Leatrice incorporates crossover colors that work across all palettes and shares tips on how you can wear a favorite color even if it doesn't fall within your personal palette. The book includes removable pages for each color palette and the crossover color so that you can see how the colors work together and makes it easy to choose new colors to add to your current wardrobe. Best of all Leatrice shares a wealth of information on putting color together and includes her guide for goof-proof combinations.

Once you have an understanding of your personal colors Leatrice gives you the secrets to putting together a perfect look for any occasion. She also offers sound solutions for building a wardrobe and packing for a trip. One chapter offers practical advice especially for men that any man will be able to use regardless of his level of fashion sophistication.

Leatrice who has assisted corporations worldwide to choose colors to communicate a particular brand or product message distills her extensive knowledge into two information packed chapters that explain what the colors you wear say about you and how colors influence others. This information alone could change the way you think about what you wear.

This book is beautifully illustrated and Leatrice's timeless wisdom takes the guess work out of selecting clothes, accessories, hair color and cosmetics. Choosing colors that are flattering and communicate your personal style has never been easier or more enjoyable.

Buy the book at Amazon.com

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