books about Art

The Oil Painter's Color Handbook: A Contemporary Guide to Color Mixing, Pigments, Palettes, and Harmony

Book Details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Monacelli Studio (October 19, 2022)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 320 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1580935885
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1580935883
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 3.6 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 9.3 x 2 x 11.25 inches

The Oil Painter’s Color Handbook

A Contemporary Guide to Color Mixing, Pigments, Palettes, and Harmony

Todd M. Casey offers an accessible and comprehensive guide to color theory and techniques for oil painters of all levels. Casey breaks down the complexities of color into practical lessons on light, value, pigments, mixing, palettes, and harmony. Richly illustrated with historical and contemporary examples, the book provides step-by-step instructions and exercises to help artists confidently apply these concepts to their work.

A follow-up to The Art of Still Life, this handbook delves into color’s role in art history, providing insights into how realist painters and illustrators have used color effectively. Casey’s clear explanations and demonstrations empower artists to master the balance between scientific understanding and emotional intuition.

Acclaimed by artists and critics alike, this essential resource appeals to students, instructors, professionals, and hobbyists seeking to deepen their understanding of color.

The Oil Painter’s Color Handbook

Editorial Review

‘In The Oil Painter’s Color Handbook, Todd Casey presents priceless information that every art school should teach and every art student should learn. The book breaks down the subject of color into useful pieces of knowledge that painters can put into practice. He analyzes color in terms of light, value, pigment, mixing strategies, palette arrangements, and painting techniques. Each topic is clearly and succinctly explained in the text, illustrated with captions, charts, diagrams, and finished paintings. By the end of the book, the reader will have a clear understanding of how realist painters and illustrators have used color through history.’ – James Gurney, artist and author

‘This is the most impressive and complete book on color ever produced. It covers a wide range of color concepts, including some I’d never seen before. It digs deeply into color harmony, techniques, and has powerful examples to demonstrate every concept.’ – Eric Rhoads, Publisher, Fine Art Connoisseur Magazine

‘A scrumptiously beautiful and informative book about color.’ – Artists Magazine

About the Author

A Massachusetts native, Todd M. Casey studied at art schools in Boston and San Francisco before embarking on the classical artistic education offered by Jacob Collins’ famed Water Street Atelier in New York City. A modern master of the still life genre, Casey teaches at several institutions throughout the Northeast. He is represented by Rehs Contemporary Galleries, Inc., New York, and his paintings are held in numerous private collections worldwide. He lives with his wife and daughter in Connecticut.

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