Customer Reviews
essential color theory reference 
2007-12-28
as Tellez noted previously, this isn't an easy read. fortunately, the reward is worth the effort. Itten does not dumb down his perspectives for the sake of the reader, rather he puts it all on paper for the devoted color theorist to decipher.
that said, it is for the most part approachable and relatively short reading. I re-read this book every couple of years to keep my busy mind fresh and focused when working with this most essential component of my work.
Itten, the elements of color 
2007-10-05
The information in this book is interesting, but the color in the color wheels and all color samples are very pale and washed off. Very disappointing.
If you need to use the color wheels or scales as references, this book will not be helpful.
Great reference book to have 2006-11-03
I purchased this book because I wanted to understand colors, color schemes and theory(ies) better in order to apply to my necklace designs. It's a good book to have in your library, but it won't answer all the questions you may have about some applications. Itten's other books however cover pretty much everything; try The Art of Color, for example, if you'd like learn more about color effects on moods/feelings.
For the Serious... 
2006-08-12
It's been difficult to give a balanced critique. On one hand, "Elements of Color" has a wealth of information, but on the other, it takes serious committment to fully understand and comprehensively apply the information Itten presents. There is much valuable data, but it's interspersed with almost stereotypic, outmoded "Teutonic" concepts; e.g. assigning "Blond Types" springtime, bright, vivid colored topics, while "Dark Types" should be assigned "Night, Burial and dark room" topics. There is much valuable, technical information, but it is like digging through hard stone to find the gold; overwrought and culturally centered, judgemental statements are very common ("red expresses intermediate degrees between the infernal and sublime"... what's this?!?!). Other statements seem value-laden, i.e., "sentimental blue", "angelic pink", "blue reigns supreme"... Some excuse may be found in realizing the concepts in this treatise may have been developed before the Post Modernist Age, which accepts cultural and ethnic diversity, that accepts art and the use of color as being open to various interpretations, that color is certainly relative and greatly subjective, that many statements about color are only opinions... and that there is no absolute truth as to what color is "right" or "wrong". Unless the reader is studious and very serious about trying to unearth the information contained in this book, he or she is much better served by studing Albers or others. Too bad there is no editing, no index, and no glossary. What would Itten think of the book, "Chromophobia"? ... Pablo Tellez
so you decided to learn the truth about colors... 2006-07-24
Itten, himself is one of the greatest color theorist of our century, and the masterful mind behind the Bauhaus School.
In this book Itten describes his color theory and the facts of his famous "Color Star", which is one of the most strongest tools for color harmony for designers and alike.
Most color books have samples of color harmonies you choose from when you design, or talk about complementary colors, but cant tell you why u use such combinations or so.
If you have an analytical approach to design, rather than just copying what others do, you will love this book. You will begin to understand the language of colors.
Have u ever heard of "the Seven Color Contrast", if not then it is time for you to get familiar about it.
This book is an evaluation of Ittens masterpiece "Art of Color". The chapter on subjective experience of color is very limited in this book.
If you are willing to invest more on color matters buy "Art of Color"
If you are happy to stay with the basics then this book is adequate for your purposes.
Color from a master 2006-07-14
A useful simplification and condensation of Johannes ltten's major work.
The Art of Color, this book covers subjective feeling and objective color principles in detail. It presents the key to understanding color in ltten's color circle and color contrasts.
Essential Reading for the Serious Colorist 2002-01-26
I have been a professor for 15 years. "The Elements of Color" has been required reading for many of my courses. It is not only enriching as a color theory document, but it helps expand the artist or designers possibility of using, arranging and conceiving color.
The book that tought me color. 2000-05-12
Itten's analysis and application of color is thoughtful and scientific. As a practicing art director, I have successfully used the theories and methods explained in "Elements of Color" for over twenty years. I also teach them to my design classes. Whether you use a paintbrush or a mouse, his "seven color contrasts" will prove invaluable.
colour miracle 2000-03-07
I took an art course to learn about colour and learnt nothing. Then I read this book...It answered all my questions and informed me about areas of colour theory I had never dreampt of. Now I paint with knowledge and confidence.
THE MOST FLUENT AUTHOR OF COLOR 2000-02-02
the compact version of "the art of color''. itten is like my 2nd grade teacher that answers the "why is it so" in my color brain like liquid sunshine ! he does'nt even show his paintings w/c makes him more SINCERE w/ his message.
