Light for Visual Artists: Understanding & Using Light in Art & Design Paperback – April 27, 2011

Anyone with a career that requires an intimate knowledge of light or color really should have this book within reading distance. This is without a doubt one of the most comprehensive and in depth look at light that I have ever seen in any art book (and I've read quite a few). Every light concept (like shadows, reflections, diffusion, translucence, etc.) is explained scientifically (the "how" of light), usually followed by a more practical "artist" definition. And, of course, each concept is provided diagrams, photography, and artwork to illustrate what the author is explaining, which is immensely helpful for visually-inclined learners. And at the end of each chapter is an example or assignment that allows the reader to see each chapter's given topics in action. There is so much information that I really do feel the need to reread this book at least a couple more times for all of the information to start sinking in.If you have not yet read this book, I highly recommend you find a copy.

Just graduating from college with a degree in art. I was still left in the dark about a few things ,which I had to take upon myself to learn. Well, lighting was one of them, and to put simply, you cannot become a skilled illustrator without learning about light. Yet, so many books and individuals make it abstract when they explain it; you wonder if they even know what they are talking about or want it to remain a mystery. I was hoping to find a book to explain it in clearer terms, and gave up hope after so many failed attempts. Finally, one of my friend's told me about Richard Yot's 'Light for Visual Artists', and it was a eye opener for me! I couldn't put this book down when I received it! This book is not a step by step book (excluding some exercises), but it's more of understanding of why light does what it does, and to put simply, it's refreshing to have a book do that. The examples he provides are excellent and help avoid confusion. After going through this book you will be able to apply the light principles learned to any forms of art (photography, 3D, etc). Of course, a book like this is not a one time read, since lighting can get a little technical, it may require another read or skim through, and then, used as reference when practicing. Overall, this is a must buy for any artist who wants to finally grasp a professional understanding of light. I applaud Richard Yot for making such an excellent book, and I hope to see many more published works in the future. He's such a brilliant individual to help growing artists such as myself.

I wasn't sure what to expect from this book-- I've had a few disappointments when it came to books about light-- but this one delivered what it promised.Easy to follow, detailed (but not loaded with technical terminology) and written in a way that makes it applicable to any type of visual art. It was broken down into short chapters that made sense; there was no "here is the colored balls, and now here's the human torso!" garbage.I've read quite a few books on the subject, and until I got this one, Gurney's "Color and Light for the Realist Painter" was the best I'd read. This one at least ties with Gurney's book.

My only complaint? That there isn't an ebook version. This book is great for the novice artist or the experienced one. I guarantee there is something in here you hadn't thought about before. As someone who does a lot of compositing and other digital art, getting the light just right is very important - and I'll admit I've winged it a few times because neither classroom nor other books & lesson plans have done much in the way of truly explaining. This book is worthwhile regardless of your discipline, and I can comfortably say you won't need another (I looked into some of Amazon's other top choices and this still came out on top). If Light was a school topic, this book is the equivalent of taking yourself to a fancy, private tutor who guarantees the A+. Well worth the money, and I'm someone who will deliberate for ages when spending more than $10. Even this book I wasn't sure about. But I'm glad I got it.

I've had this book for only a few hours, and I'm simply amazed. The content is fantastic and I will be sharing it with others asap. I had followed Richard's website several years ago, where some of the ideas in this book were first made available. If you are thinking about getting this book, stop, JUST BUY IT!My ONLY complaint is with the publisher. I would have bought this when it came out, but was holding out for a digital version. After years of hemming and hawing, I finally relented and bought the print edition. I did contact the publisher, and they pretty much implied that they have no intention of ever making the effort to provide a digital version, this is a shame as I would love to have this always with me (on a mobile device). My only hope is Richard will find a publisher in the future, for his excellent work, that is a little more forward thinking.Again, great book, but limited distribution options (paper is dead to some of us).

I waited a long time before finally buying this book. I was a bit skeptical on whether or not it would help me enough to justify buying it. I've seen plenty of dvd tutorials and painting books that simply don't deliver. this one blew me away though. It addresses many concepts that either go unnoticed or we take for granted. It explains how many art theories came to be and how they work. Ever since I read this its really opened a new door of appreciation for me, not only in admiring other art but in admiring nature, light, materials, perception, ect. If I had two art books to keep one would be this and the other would be Richard Schmids "Alla Prima"