As a professional artist, I know the importance of color theory.
Learning the basics can make a big difference in the impact and effectiveness of your art. I once struggled with a painting until I dove into color theory and realized the problem.
So, if you’re looking to improve, check out some of the best color theory books out there…
Overview: Best Books on Color Theory for Designers, Artists, and Creatives
By Steven Bleicher :: Exploration of effective color use in digital applications and 3D design work
By James Gurney :: Volume 2
By Josef Elbers :: Used in art schools and universities
By Patty Mollica
By Ian Sidaway :: All you'll ever need to know about mixing pigments in oil, acrylic, watercolor, gouache, soft pastel, pencil, and ink
By Jim Krause :: More than 1,100 New Palettes with CMYK and RGB Formulas for Designers and Artists
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Classic Books on Color Theory
By Josef Elbers :: Used in art schools and universities
I remember the first time I really started delving into color theory, I discovered Josef Albers’ 50th-anniversary edition book. It was like a revelation to me. I had never seen color theory explained in such a clear and concise way. Albers’ book helped me to understand the fundamentals of color theory and how to apply them to my own artwork.
By Betty Edwards, the author of "The New Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain"
I love exploring new techniques and learning about color theory. When I discovered Betty Edwards’ book on mixing colors, it completely changed the way I approached my artwork.
Computer & Digital Art Color Theory Books
By Steven Bleicher :: Exploration of effective color use in digital applications and 3D design work
I am constantly searching for resources that can help me refine my craft. Recently, I stumbled upon Steven Bleicher’s book on color theory and was immediately intrigued. At first, I was hesitant to invest in it because of the high price tag, but I couldn’t resist the temptation to add this highly praised book to my collection.
I know that understanding color theory is essential to creating captivating artwork. While I have read several books on the subject, I have found that Rhyne’s book offers a practical approach that is hard to beat. It has been my go-to guide when it comes to applying color theory to computer art.
When I first started learning about color theory, I found it to be quite overwhelming and confusing. However, after stumbling upon Patty Mollica’s text on the subject, I finally felt like I had a grasp on the basics.
I have always been interested in improving my skills and knowledge in art theory. One book that has really helped me with this is “Visual guide to classical art theory for drawing and painting”.
Color Theory Books for Painters
I find that James Gurney’s book on color usage is a treasure trove of information. It’s a classic work that has never been surpassed. The book not only tells us how to use colors effectively and realistically in painting but also delves into the connection between color and light.
By Ian Sidaway :: All you'll ever need to know about mixing pigments in oil, acrylic, watercolor, gouache, soft pastel, pencil, and ink
Sidaway’s explanations are clear and concise, making it easy to understand how to mix colors in oil, acrylic, watercolor, pastel, pencil, and other mediums. I appreciated how he broke down the process step by step and included helpful visual examples.
Color Theory Workbooks
No matter how much theory you absorb, you’ll still need some practice, and these fun and engaging books are the perfect choices.
By Sean Adams :: New revised edition
I know how important it is to communicate effectively with clients. That’s why I found Color Design Workbook to be an invaluable resource. It’s not just about color theory – it’s about applying that theory to real-world projects.
Great for designers and crafters, this wonderful book is an incredibly fun and surprisingly adventurous journey through the world of color use and combinations and strengthens your relationship with and use of color.
Best for fine artists and painters, David Hornung’s popular volume is also really valuable for commercial artists.
It is incredibly rich in not just exercises but beautiful examples and illustrations as well.
Color Theory Field Guides
The most classic and beloved summary of color combinations, Wada’s dictionary is an ideal distillation of his original multi-volume work.
It is especially valuable for considering and understanding Eastern and Western color combinations and schemes.
By Tina Sutton :: 1,500 Plus Color Palettes for Designers, Artists, Architects, Makers, and Educators
An incredibly complete and beautifully printed field guide to color combinations, including some basic text about color theory, psychology, and use.
The CMYK references for the hundreds of included color palettes are worth the book’s price, especially for the working digital artist.
Color Reference and Color Pallete Books
Be More Confident in Your Color Choices and Develop Your Signature Color Style!
build your confidence in creating your own color palettes and picking the colors for your unique taste and art style.
By Jim Krause :: More than 1,100 New Palettes with CMYK and RGB Formulas for Designers and Artists
The best overall visual guide for seeing color relationships and their effects.
This is an absolute must-have for any serious commercial or fine artist working in either physical or digital/electronic media, with over a thousand color palettes and both CMYK and RGB references for every color.
By Leatrice Eiseman :: A complete version of the Pocket Book of Color Harmony
The original, larger version of the Pocket Book of Color Harmony listed above and a fairly standard volume in any commercial artist’s library, Eisman’s reference has beautiful and accurate color printing and a complete Pantone code reference for every color.
Including accurately printed paper examples and digital files (in ASE, TIF, and PNG) of 1,000 different color combinations, this nicely written and well-organized book also includes the most basic aspects of color theory.
It is incredibly useful to any digital artist.
Color Theory Books from a Different Angle
From the major German existentialist poet Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, a beautifully written essay on color theory was completely removed from either established concepts and assumptions or scientific explanations.
This odd and provocative use of color and his unique color wheel and color system allow any artist to re-think colors and color combinations and arrive at their own personal understanding and sense of style.
A treasury of stories and examples of colors, art, and every aspect of human life — history, culture, politics, science, and more.
By Johann & Arielle Eckstutt :: Science, Nature, History, Culture, Beauty of Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, & Violet
Similar to The Secret Lives of Color in approach and style, this slightly older book has already established itself as somewhat of a cult classic, and with scientific explanations of color and a thorough — and highly entertaining — exploration of color throughout history.
Learn to use the full potential of color and light in your artworks!
Knowing how to use Color and Light in your artworks is one of the best skills to learn as an artist because it will help you take your artworks from good to great.
I hope my guide helped you get your new books on color theory, and you will have a lot of fun studying and applying color and light in your artwork!
Other articles in the Art Books series:
- Most Popular Pose References for Artists
- Best Drawing Books
- Best Books on Perspective Drawing
- Self-Taught Artist Guide
Hi, I am Iva (rhymes with “viva”). I am a full-time self-taught artist behind Art Side of Life® and a Top Teacher on Skillshare. I have 15 years of experience in the creative field as a concept designer, illustrator, art director, and now freelance artist, content creator, and art instructor. My goal is to help you get your creative groove on with Procreate and make awesome art through practical classes, tutorials, Procreate brushes, and guides on art tools, supplies and resources. About me »
