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INTRODUCTION

FOR some years I have known of the study and research the author of this book has devoted to problems in Color, and its uses in the arts of Design and Decoration, and it is gratifying to me that the result of much of this work is to be given to the public for the use of those who are interested in the subject.

A great deal will be found in these pages that will be of practical service, particularly to those who have not been able to read the works of Chevreul, Von Bezold, Rood, Church, and others. Indeed, even in these, careful study would be necessary to select passages describing combinations that could be applied to special work.

Much attention is here given to contrasts of modified or subdued colors, such colors as would be required constantly in decorative designs covering large spaces, against which points of more positive color would be placed. One of the greatest difficulties in arranging a color design is in determining the qualities and quantities of color in an effective and agreeable way, and very few works give the useful hints on this subject contained in this book. Under the heading of “Historic Color” are some very interesting and original diagrams, presented in a way easily to be understood and made use of in actual practice.

The study of color from the scientific side has very little attraction for the layman, and it is even difficult for a painter to get out of such study much that will help him in his work; but the presentation of some of the salient points of the scientific side, by one who has also borne in mind the artistic side, cannot fail to make this book attractive and useful to a great number who wish to know something of the laws that underlie agreeable arrangements of color.

R. SWAIN GIFFORD.