Color Theory For Dummies

Introduction

I know that my life would not be the same without the experience of bright red, light yellow, dark blue, and deep brown — or any of the colors that I see and love. I know also that the experience of color is impossible to fully convey in words. Yet the elusiveness of color is just as compelling as its ubiquity. And who knows if the colors I see match your perceptions? We may see color differently!

Congratulate yourself for your curiosity about the extraordinary (yet profoundly ordinary) topic of color. I’m pleased to present Color Theory For Dummies and share my knowledge of color with you.

About This Book

Whether color is a pleasure — or a pain — depends on individual taste. Some people adore color. Others avoid it completely. And preferences change over the course of people’s lives. You may have picked up this book with the hopes of receiving guidance about color. Or you may feel that you know plenty already. Either way, the fundamental point of this book is to empower you, dear reader, as you navigate the vast world of color.

Empowerment happens though education. The more you learn, the more confidence you gain in working with color. But before you start learning, make sure that you aren’t carrying preconceived notions about color.

Western culture is hyper-focused on the stale, romantic notion of natural talent, like little Mozart who wrote operas as a child. It's said that someone has an eye for color or no sense for color. These limiting binaries leave no ...