Top 5 Books on Color

I often receive requests for recommendations on color grading. The truth is, that there are very few resources specifically dedicated to color grading, and the ones that do exist are either outdated or of poor quality. That being said, there are numerous excellent books related to Color Theory, Color Psychology, and the perception of how color is processed in the brain. These books have greatly contributed to my understanding of color, which I can now apply to my own work in color grading. Below, I've listed my top 5 book recommendations, not only for colorists but also for anyone with a curious mind interested in implementing these ideas into their creative practices.

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best book titles on color grading, color theory, and color psychology, ideal for enthusiasts and professionals seeking knowledge about the world of color

Color Problems: A Practical Manual for the Lay Student of Color

This is one of the most gifted books I’ve given to friends. Emily Noyes Vanderpoel (1842-1939) was a groundbreaking artist and scholar who anticipated midcentury design with her work "Color Problems: A Practical Manual for the Lay Student of Color." She creatively presented color theory within the context of flower painting and decorative arts, offering a unique and well-researched perspective on color.

best book titles on color grading, color theory, and color psychology, ideal for enthusiasts and professionals seeking knowledge about the world of color

The Secret Lives of Color

Another one of my most gifted books. This is definitely a coffee table book you can pick up at any time. "The Secret Lives of Color" unveils the intriguing tales behind seventy-five unique shades, spanning from blonde to ginger, historically significant browns and whites, artistic epochs like Picasso's blue period, prehistoric cave charcoal, vibrant colors like acid yellow and kelly green, and colors associated with historical figures like scarlet women and imperial purple, weaving these captivating stories through history's rich tapestry.

I’ve also found it really helped me when explaining how to describe color more creatively and effectively.

best book titles on color grading, color theory, and color psychology, ideal for enthusiasts and professionals seeking knowledge about the world of color

Full Spectrum: How the Science of Color Made Us Modern

I was blown away when reading this book by Author Adam Rodgers. He explains in an often humorous way the origins of colors on my planet in a balance of science and perception.

In "Full Spectrum," Rogers traces color's journey from ancient civilizations to the digital age, exploring our ancestors' use of color in caves, Silk Road merchants' trade in ceramics, textile artists' color mixing discoveries, and the modern era's corporate espionage and digital revolution, reshaping the world of color.

best book titles on color grading, color theory, and color psychology, ideal for enthusiasts and professionals seeking knowledge about the world of color

Color Study, a Manual for Teachers and Students

It's remarkable to think that this book was originally published before 1923. With just 80 pages, it served as an invaluable resource for teachers and students, presenting the most crucial color theories. Now over 100 years later the information is just as relevant as ever. It's a treasure trove kniowledge.

best book titles on color grading, color theory, and color psychology, ideal for enthusiasts and professionals seeking knowledge about the world of color

Nature's Palette: A Color Reference System from the Natural World

Another book that was orginally published long, long ago! 1821 to be precise. Nature's Palette" reinvigorates a remarkable volume for modern readers by adding new illustrations of animals, plants, and minerals referenced by Werner alongside each color swatch. This enhanced edition allows readers to connect colors like "tile red" to porcelain jasper or a cock bullfinch's breast and "Berlin blue" to sapphire or a Hepatica flower. The book also showcases various specimens through lavish feature pages, including taxidermy, eggs, shells, feathers, minerals, and butterflies, all cross-referenced to the core catalog. With contributions from leading natural history experts, over 1,000 color illustrations, and eight gatefolds, "Nature's Palette" is a must-have reference for visual artists, naturalists, and anyone fascinated by the world of color.


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The Subjectivity of Color and Light

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Seeing Time: How Colors Affect Your Body Clock