Paints and Colors * David Pyle

The Definitive Guide to the Science, History, and Mastery of Color. Every artist knows the frustration of buying an expensive tube of paint only to have it look muddy on the canvas or fade over time. Written by a leading art material expert and chemist, this essential studio reference demystifies the entire world of artists' mediums. By bridging the gap between historical craftsmanship, organic chemistry, and practical studio application, this guide empowers intermediate and advanced artists to make smarter material choices and elevate their technical work.

Instead of focusing on simple step-by-step projects, this comprehensive manual explores the physical properties of what actually goes into your paint box, giving you total control over your creative outcomes. Includes: 

The Anatomy of Pigments: A deep look into how paints are manufactured, detailing the unique stability, transparency, and permanence of different colors.

Cross-Medium Performance: Clear comparisons of how the exact same pigments behave across different binders, including acrylics, oils, and watercolors.

The Psychology & History of Color: Fascinating insights into the historical evolution of pigments alongside practical tips for using color to evoke deep emotional responses.

Studio Health & Safety: Crucial guidance on safety protocols, toxicity levels, and archival preservation so your masterpieces stand the test of time.

Published 2000 by Krause Publications.