Colorscape: An Around-The-World Guide to Color

SYNOPSIS

Colors convey a wide spectrum of emotions and a variety of messages. The multitude of color names alone-- just look at any retail catalog--are testimony to our sensibilities and imagination. A treasure trove of evocative colors and color combinations, COLORSCAPE is a handy reference for those looking for ideas.

COLORSCAPE contains 658 colors, divided under 56 themes in six chapters. The unique chapter headings are:

1. Colors of the Countries of the World
2. Colors of History, Ideology, Religion, and Mythology
3. Colors of Literature, Art, Music, and Handicraft
4. Colors of Celestial Bodies, Nature, and Meteorology
5. Colors of Flora and Fauna
6. Colors of Daily Life

Each chapter has a section within that contain a sample photographic image and a selection of colors relating thematically. For example, the colors in the France section include Paris Pink, French Mauve, and Versailles (all actual color names!). Each color is accompanied by a brief description with a visual cue (Bleu France, for example, is the exact shade of blue used in the French flag) as well as a list of evocative words associated with that hue (Light Paris Green: Refreshing, Invigorating, Healthy). This innovative approach enables the reader to understand colors on a verbal as well as visual level. The meanings, images, and stories behind a myriad of colors is sure to provide endless creative inspiration.

COLORSCAPE includes information on color formulas for the internet as well as print (RBG/CMYK). A color index is provided at the end of the book, in which the 658 colors are collected in 11 genealogical color groups (Pink Group, Red Group), as well as a keyword index, making it possible to search for specific colors in a variety of ways.

AUTHOR PROFILE

Naomi Kuno is the president of Forms, Inc./Color Intelligence Institute in Japan. The firm provides consultation on color analysis, development, and marketing and overall color-focused planning and design.