An introduction to color theory in the early 20th century, johannes itten s theories on color changed the way artists and scientists viewed the spectrum of colors in the world around them. Johannes itten, the art of color the subjective experience. It consists of a 12 point colour wheel presented in the form of a star. Ittens color wheel is based on a primary triad of red, yellow and blue and includes 12 hues. Ittens so called color sphere went on to include 12 colors. In this book itten examines two different approaches to. So said johannes itten, a top colour theorist and artist belonging to the famous bauhaus movement. The elements of color by johannes itten 1970, hardcover.
The elements of color by johannes itten, 9780471289296, available at book depository with free delivery worldwide. The next 6070 pages expand on his seven color contrasts, and he includes color plates of various artists works. A believer in mysticism, itten developed comprehensive color theories which drew on both science and emotion, as evinced in his book the art of color 1961. Johannes itten was one of the first people to define and identify strategies for successful color combinations.
Color star by johannes itten abebooks passion for books. Very in depth information, slow absorption and note taking. He also published a book, the art of color, which describes these ideas as a furthering of adolf holzels color wheel. Chromatic lightdark contrast are illustrated in twelve equidistant steps from white to black and have been repeated ford each of the twelve. The subjective experience and objective rationale of color revised by itten, johannes isbn. Shop the latest titles by johannes itten at alibris including hardcovers, paperbacks, 1st editions, and audiobooks from thousands of sellers worldwide. Goethes theory of color is as famous as ostwalds color cirlce. Johannes itten was a swiss painter and important teacher at the bauhaus in weimar. Bauhaus member johannes itten 18881967 was a swiss color and art theorist who developed color charts and modified the color wheel. Vitra design museum presents the exhibition the bauhaus the first comprehensive survey of design from the legendary staatliches bauhaus school founded in 1919 by architect walter gropius. The painters strongest expressions of light and dark are white and black. I have wanted to own this book for many years, and the e book format has allowed me that. Pdf presentation can be viewed here johannes itten was a swiss color theorist and artist who taught the foundation course in craft through the study of color and form at the bauhaus zifcak 2010.
The art of color, published in germany in 1961 under title. Ittens work with color is at once practical, accessible, and sophisticated. Johannes itten by itten, johannes and a great selection of related books, art and collectibles available now at. Itten was the teacher who organized it at the invitation of walter gropius. In 1924, itten established the ontos weaving workshops near zurich, with the help of bauhaus weaver gunta stolzl. Itten gave us a color sphere comprised of twelve colors three primary, three secondary, and six tertiary that shows the relationship among colors, as well as gradations. Itten s work with color is at once practical, accessible, and sophisticated. The subjective experience and objective rationale of color, johannes itten johannes itten a szinek muveszete the art of colourjohannes itten, the design wayharold nelson, the elements of typographic style robert bringhurst, thinking with type ellen lupton. The illustrations are clear and the text easily enlarged. The art of color, this book covers subjective feeling and objective color principles in detail. Itten s writing is quite enjoyablehis books are not only educational resources, but a pleasure to read. The art of color, this book covers subjective feeling and objective color. The subjective experience and objective rationale of color.
In this book itten examines two different approaches to understanding the art of color. First published in 1963 when itten was still alive, the book has been revised and updated by itten s widow, anneliese itten, and includes new material from the basic course. Books go search todays deals vouchers amazonbasics best sellers gift ideas new releases gift cards customer service free delivery shopper toolkit sell. Discover book depositorys huge selection of johannes itten books online. Over the years numerous color theories have been published. Johannes itten 11 november 1888 25 march 1967 was a swiss expressionist painter, designer, teacher, writer and theorist associated with the bauhaus staatliches bauhaus school.
Swiss painter and teacher johannes itten was a pivotal member of the bauhaus, germanys most influential art and design school. It is a condensed version of itten s book, i think called the art of colour, and while the larger book is far more beautiful because of the colour plates featuring works of art, this one is far more affordable. From 1919 to 1923, itten was the main painter at the institution and taught a required introductory course that focused on form and color. In lieu of an abstract, here is a brief excerpt of the content i80 books however, for the physicist it is still something of a stumbling block. For goethe, the rich and varied world of colour was not a matter for measurement but was the manifestation of a kind of divine intelligence out of which nature itself, including the eye, was born. It contains theory around how colour works, and is well illustrated. Itten s introduction in that text offers context that, to this reader, was missing from the elements of color. Subjective feelings and objective color principles are described in detail and clarified by color reproductions. The art of color begins with a short explanation of color physics, and the first 30 pages speak to color theory principles. The elements of color by faber birren, a treatise on the color system of johannes itten based on his book the art of color, germany, reading aug. A treatise on the color system of johannes itten, based on his book the art of color, and design and form, and more on. Now with his art of color johannes itten makes a contribution. The basic course at the bauhaus and later, which describes the propaedeutic course itten taught. He who wishes to become a master of color must see, feel, and experience each individual color in its endless combinations with all other colors.
As intonation lends color to the spoken word, color lends spiritually realized sound to a form. I veri primari, invece, sono il gialloil magenta e il ciano. Although never published before, the itten theory already underlies progressive art education all over the world. I first learned about practical color theory in fine arts school from itten s basic principles in the art of color. Now his color star helps designers explore a myriad of harmonious colors. The bauhaus focused on the integration of art and industry. He published a book, the art of color, which describes his ideas as a furthering of adolf holzels color wheel. In this book, the worlds foremost color theorist examines two different approaches to understanding the art of color. This is the most complete document of one of the landmarks of. See all books authored by johannes itten, including the elements of color. Johannes itten defined 7 strategies for color combinations. The art of color by johannes itten, 9780471289289, available at book depository with free delivery worldwide. Ittens book on color is worth careful study, but the book suffers from vagueness and requires considerable artistic and aesthetic experience to appreciatenot to.
The elements of color should be read after itten s design and form. Its not only brimming with technical information about colour it also has a very sensitive, almost poetic edge. Through his research he devised seven methodologies for coordinating colors utilizing the hues contrasting properties. Riz ahmed rated it did not like it oct 09, return to book page. I own the three books below, as well as the color star. An art teacher recommended itten s the color star to me. This is the most complete document of one of the landmarks of modern education in art the famous basic course at the bauhaus in weimar, germany. Even after reading books by goethe, chevreul, ostwald and birren, i still think this is the ultimate book on the subject written for artists. Color star johannes has long been considered the definitive color theorist of the twentieth century. First published in 1963 when itten was still alive, the book has been revised and updated by ittens widow, anneliese itten, and includes new material from the basic course at the bauhaus, as well as visual examples and descriptions of the refinements made by itten in later course in berlin and zurich.
Itten developed an intricate theory of color, which associated color palettes with types of people and seasons. 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. Johannes itten the founder of colour type theory the swiss painter, art theoretician and arts pedagogue johannes itten 18881967 is considered the founder of colour type theory, that served as the basis for the pioneers of colour consultation, suzanne caygill and carole jackson. Ittens color contrasts johannes itten was one of the first people to define and identify strategies for successful color combinations. A nice companion to his art of color and elements of color. Johannes ittens most popular book is the elements of color. Contrast of hue the contrast is formed by the juxtaposition of different hues.
As i began working with the color star i found i needed to learn more about color theory. The subjective experience and objective reationale of color johannes itten various pages 1847 the elements of color a treatice on the color system of johannes itten based on his book the art of color edited and with a forward and evaluation by faber birren translated by ernst van hagen various pages 3061. Using holzels theory as a springboard, itten has expanded and developed it along his own original lines. In 1920 itten invited paul klee and georg muche to join him at the bauhaus. Itten, himself is one of the greatest color theorist of our century, and the masterful mind behind the bauhaus school. Subjective feelings and objective color principles are the two poles which are described in detail and clarified with numerous color reproductions. A treatise on the color system of johannes itten based on his book the art of color johannes itten, faber birren, ernst van hagen on. Itten s 7 color contrasts johannes itten was one of the first people to define and identify strategies for successful color combinations. Books by johannes itten author of the elements of color. Ittens 7 color contrasts johannes itten was one of the first people to define and identify strategies for successful color combinations. His books on color theory and application are standards throughout the world. The language is beautiful, and so are the many colour reproductions in the book. As intonation lends color to the spoken word, color lends spiritually realized sound to form.
It presents the key to understanding color in lttens color circle and color contrasts. Color is life, for a world without color seems dead. Johannes itten has 19 books on goodreads with 98 ratings. The effects are opposite with the realm of grays and chromatic colors between them. As an unschooler during the pandemic the internet archive is a god send, absolute gold mine. A treatise on the color system of johannes itten based on his book the art of color. The key to this knowledge lies in the color circle and the seven color contrasts which are found on pages 35109. I found i was renewing this book time and time again. Published by van nostrand reinhold company 1970 isbn 10. Itten s book on color is worth careful study, but the book suffers from vagueness and requires considerable artistic and aesthetic experience to appreciatenot to mention patience. His work on color contrasts, which characterized seven different types of comparisons, was important for the development of op art, but would also influence palettes designed by cosmetic companies in the late20 th century. If you enjoyed this book i would also recommend johannes ittens design and form.
A useful simplification and condensation of johannes lttens major work. Auto suggestions are available once you type at least 3 letters. Everyday low prices and free delivery on eligible orders. Johannes ittens book about colour is a classic not to be missed by anyone seriously interested in colour. The elements of color by johannes itten, hardcover barnes. Buy the elements of color cover stained by itten, johannes, birren, faber isbn. Together with germanamerican painter lyonel feininger and german sculptor gerhard marcks, under the direction of german architect walter gropius, itten was part of the core of the weimar bauhaus.
Johannes itten taught at the bauhaus from 1919 until 1922, and he taught one of the fundamental preliminary courses that among other things grappled with color theory. There are 8 templates which are overlayed to isolate, complementary, split complementart, tetrad, quadratic chords etc. His teachings have enlightened me in ways that im amazed by, touching on scientific, psychological, behavioral, and the most personal aspects of color as a study and an experience. He taught and studied colors from both a scientific and artistic perspective ekperigin 2000. Cosmetologists today continue to use seasonal color analysis, a tribute to the early work by itten. I find this a truly helpful tool to isolate color chords. Johannes itten s most popular book is the elements of color. The color star is a vehicle to experiment with color chords and color schemes, and a means to investigate new color relationships easy to use, beautifully packaged too. Ittens so called color sphere went on to include 12. Johannes itten painter, bauhaus school color star in 7 light values and 12 tones lithograph on paper. Johannes itten books list of books by author johannes itten. The star consists of hue, shade and tints of colour. Here, we outline some of ittens basic tenetsmany of which are still employed by artists today. A treatise on the color system of johannes itten based on his book the art of color johannes itten, faber birren, ernst van hagen.
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