Universal Principles of Color: 100 Key Concepts for Understanding, Analyzing, and Working with Color (Rockport Universal, 5)

An interesting compendium of explanations of many bits of color theory, history, pigments, etc. Based mostly on update, scientifically accurate info. (Much published on color is NOT accurate!)

"Universal Principles of Color: 100 Key Concepts for Understanding, Analyzing, and Working with Color" is an interesting new book on color concepts by an artist and educator in the U.S. and a professor of color science in the U.K. As the title indicates, there are 100 color concepts, each concept takes two pages in the book. The physical appearance of the book and quality of the printing are good.The book is organized around nine themes, or "pathways." These are Light, Order (color classification), Communication, Object (physical properties of color on objects), Mixture, Application, Observer (human vision), Composition (in the sense of "good composition" in images), and History (e.g., chiaroscuro).Each of the 100 topics has a few paragraphs about the topics and then some figures that illustrate the topic well. The level of English is fairly high, with a lot of technical vocabulary.I've been a part-time artist for about 20 years, and read 4-5 books on color targeted at artists. This book seems to be targeted at a different audience, probably industrial designers, I would guess. I am familiar with most, but not all of the concepts in the book. That question of "who is this book for?" kept coming to my mind as a I read this book. The thing I missed compared to art books on color was application-what do you do with this information? In art is obvious you are mixing paint or pastels, etc. This book is mostly facts about color, not so much how you use it to accomplish a particular goal.It seems like it might be intended to be a textbook for college-level classes on design.

Every aspect you could look at color from is right here. Not in depth, rather to give a taste of what’s possible. Enough to pique your curiosity. So many properties of color that I wasn’t even aware of! This is a resource book that will get a lot of use. The Internet is great, but you have to know what you’re looking for. This book is a treasure trove of surprises no matter how little or how much you know about color. If you think you’re not all that interested in color, you will be fascinated by it if you let yourself open the Universal Principles of Color. Appropriate from middle school (even upper grades, and all teachers) to professional color technicians in all industries. Stunningly comprehensive.

Great resource for quick, clear, and concise answers to common questions.Reliable source that means you do not have to sort thru internet stuff for accuracy.Photographs are excellent examples of the concepts.

As a seasoned graphic designer, color is big deal for me this book does a pretty decent job top level color theory concepts. As other reviewers have mentioned it doesn't go into deep detail dives like a text book or class, but it does touch on a lot of key concepts that I'd suggest for art hobbyists or students rather than for art professionals as the book suggests that it's for. Though it has been a nice reminder resource of for some concepts since art school was a long time ago.

It reads like a text book, which is AMAZING because the world needs to be updated and re-educated about color. I am learning a lot already! Thank you for bringing this much-needed book into the world Maggie!!

It's suitable for persons new to color, experienced color professionals and everyone in-between. It includes the right amount of information to answer the question ... am interested in learning more about this color principle? It also delivers a thorough overview of the art and science of everything color. You'll go away with a new appreciation for all the complexities that facilitate the human color experience.

Universal Principles of Color BookThis text book is not as comprehensive as I had imagined it would be. It is a quick read. It is more akin to an encyclopedia of color theory, giving a quick concise synopsis of each topic- normally only 1-2 pages in length. It does a decent job providing a quick overview of the topics, but if the reader is particularly interested in any particular topic they will likely want to look elsewhere for additional information.The book seems intended for those whom have already been exposed to color theory. It seems to takes for granted most readers will have a basic knowledge of the subject matter, such as the difference between hue, chroma, saturation, etc. The book includes an index, but does not include a glossary, which might be of some help for beginners.As a general artist, photographer, graphic artist and painter, I have been fairly often been exposed to color theory, yet I was still able to increase my knowledge of the subject from some of the content within this book.What the book does ( a quick overview of the topics) it does well, but I was expecting a bit more thorough, in depth, study of most topics.3.5 stars.Explaining my rating system:5 - a superior product - I would highly recommend4 - above average – a great choice3 - average – what one might generally expect2 - below average – I would advise seeking an alternative1- Horrible – a waste of your valuable money - avoid if at all possible