Color Theory for the Make-up Artist: Understanding Color and Light for Beauty and Special Effects analyzes and explains traditional color theory for fine artists and shows how to apply it directly toward make-up applications
Make-up artists control color the same way a painter does. They choose color palettes, match colors, blend new colors, and create designs on a canvas that is always changing. Some colors cancel others, some balance each other, and some oppose other colors. However, painters seldom have to consider inconsistencies in how their art will be lit and where it will be displayed the way that a make-up artists does.
This book teaches how to mix any color using just red, yellow, blue, and white. It discusses the reason for variations in skin colors and undertones, and how to identify and match these using make-up, while choosing flattering colors for the eyes, lips, and cheeks. Colors found inside the body are explained for special effects make-up, like why we bruise, bleed, or appear sick, and ideas and techniques are also described for painting prosthetics. The book also explains how lighting affects color on film, television, theater, and photography sets, and how to properly light a workspace for successful applications.
Whether you are a professional or a beginner, you will never stop learning. There will always be new products, techniques, and fashions – this book provides guidance and inspiration to keep practicing, creating, and honing your skills.
Review
"I had the privilege of seeing this book prior to publication as well as in the finished form. As a Make-up Artist in the film and television industry for over 30 years, I am so pleased that this is now available as an excellent resource for any artist’s education and practical work. This is a much needed work within the make-up field and will help artists raise their game. The concepts are clearly explained and illustrated with ample visual images. The application of color theory to all forms of make-up artistry is made simple, even fun, and will ignite the enthusiasm of the reader to see their craft in a whole new way… and want to start applying it immediately!"
-Stan Edmonds, Department Head of Make-Up Design for Film and Television at Vancouver Film