Thames & Hudson
Publisher: Thames and Hudson (Australia) Pty Ltd
August 2026
ISBN13: 9781760765422
RRP: $34.99
When you have a young adult who is keenly interested in colour theory living in your house, your world really is full of colour. And this exciting book from David Coles brought great joy and interest to us both.
Delving back in time to the history of colour from the earliest of cave paintings and projecting into the future with ‘new’ shades, this will fascinate not only our budding artists, junior and senior, but quite easily anyone who just loves to use their colouring pencils or who enjoys their dabble with paint [me on both counts – heading to another watercolour workshop this week].
From the time of Tyrian purple to the living green to fiery orange that all cultures treasure and all the shades in between, David takes the reader through history, discusses how colour is created, relates his own career as a paint maker [no, I’d never thought of that as a career option either], explains the science of colour and colour therapy and more.
Each chapter heads up with ‘Is your favourite colour…?’ and I’m rather pleased that it kicks off with blue, because yes, while I love purple it is blue that is my calming colour and the colour I wear most [oh and then there’s State of Origin of course!].
The Kid, my self-taught colour theory expert, is now 21 but she enjoyed browsing this one as well so I think it sits comfortably both as a reading for pleasure for middle school upwards as well as one for your art studies.
And it is SO beautifully presented – as are all the books that come from Thames & Hudson really! The illustrations are gorgeous thanks to Margaux Samson-Abadie and the design is gorgeous – and that cover art! But wait, there’s more! Aside from the always welcome non-fiction book extras such as a glossary and a ‘catalogue’ of featured artworks, there are even recipes for making paint! Now isn’t that a perfect idea for some holiday project fun?
Just sensational! A lovely gift for one in your tribe or an excellent and worthy addition to your collection – it’s a 5 🎨🖌️🌈🖍️🧮 rating from me for 8 years+.
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