The Elements of Color: A Treatise on the Color System of Johannes Itten, Based on His Book the Art of Color

by Johannes Itten and Johannes Itten; (Editor) Faber Birren

Book Overview

A useful simplification and condensation of Johannes ltten's major work. The Art of Color, this book covers subjective feeling and objective color principles in detail. It presents the key to understanding color in ltten's color circle and color contrasts.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0442240384
• ISBN13: 9780442240387
• Release Date: January 1970
• Publisher: Van Nostrand Reinhold Company
• Length: 96 Pages
• Weight: 1.60 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 8.3" x 8.3"

Customer Reviews

Great reference book to have

I purchased this book because I wanted to understand colors, color schemes and theory(ies) better in order to apply to my necklace designs. It's a good book to have in your library, but it won't answer all the questions you may have about some applications. Itten's other books however cover pretty much everything; try The Art of Color, for example, if you'd like learn more about color effects on moods/feelings.

so you decided to learn the truth about colors...

Itten, himself is one of the greatest color theorist of our century, and the masterful mind behind the Bauhaus School. In this book Itten describes his color theory and the facts of his famous "Color Star", which is one of the most strongest tools for color harmony for designers and alike. Most color books have samples of color harmonies you choose from when you design, or talk about complementary colors, but cant tell you why u use such combinations or so. If you have an analytical approach to design, rather than just copying what others do, you will love this book. You will begin to understand the language of colors. Have u ever heard of "the Seven Color Contrast", if not then it is time for you to get familiar about it. This book is an evaluation of Ittens masterpiece "Art of Color". The chapter on subjective experience of color is very limited in this book. If you are willing to invest more on color matters buy "Art of Color" If you are happy to stay with the basics then this book is adequate for your purposes.

Essential Reading for the Serious Colorist

I have been a professor for 15 years. "The Elements of Color" has been required reading for many of my courses. It is not only enriching as a color theory document, but it helps expand the artist or designers possibility of using, arranging and conceiving color.

The book that tought me color.

Itten's analysis and application of color is thoughtful and scientific. As a practicing art director, I have successfully used the theories and methods explained in "Elements of Color" for over twenty years. I also teach them to my design classes. Whether you use a paintbrush or a mouse, his "seven color contrasts" will prove invaluable.

colour miracle

I took an art course to learn about colour and learnt nothing. Then I read this book...It answered all my questions and informed me about areas of colour theory I had never dreampt of. Now I paint with knowledge and confidence.