Art

The complex phenomenon of color has received detailed attention from the perspectives of physics, chemistry, physiology, psychology, linguistics, and philosophy. However, the people who work most closely with color--artists--have rarely been canvassed for their opinions on this mysterious subject.

John Gage sets out to address this omission by focusing on the thoughts and practices of artists. Color in Art is concerned with the history of color, but is not itself a history; instead each chapter develops a theme from a different scientific discipline, as seen from the viewpoint of such diverse artists such as Vincent van Gogh, Wassily Kandinsky, Sonia Delaunay, Bridget Riley, and Clifford Possum Tjapaltjarri. Drawing on examples through the ages, from ancient times to the present, the many topics covered include flags, synesthesia, theosophy, theater design, film, chromotherapy, and chromophobia.

Featuring a new foreword by art writer Kelly Grovier outlining contemporary developments in the study of color and an updated bibliography, this new edition of this classic text offers a wide-ranging and engaging introduction to the place and power of color in life and art.

Between 1886 and 1942, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Pomology Division--pomology being the study of fruit growing--commissioned an illustrated register of fruits, most of which were painted by women artists. These watercolor illustrations were invaluable to growers, who used them as records of prized varieties that were in danger of being stolen or counterfeited by competitors. Today, the watercolors serve as a time capsule of America's past agricultural landscape, including many heirloom varieties now lost.

This little book highlights 250 of the most mouthwatering paintings from the Pomological Watercolor Collection, including fruit from all fifty states and around the world, from apples and oranges to gooseberries and plums. It will make a delightful gift for gourmets and gardeners alike.