Such a great little book on colour theory, that definitely makes one see the colours in nature in a new light! I was interested in reading this since I like to paint with watecolour, and I must say it was a lovely read. Highly recommend this to anyone interested in the topic!

Nature of Color reads as a field guide for nature lovers and how to trasnfer the color we see out in nature into our art. Jermain takes the time to share what she feels are necessities to prepare for outings such as hiking, as well as gives us a overview of color theory and how to apply our knowlegde of color while creating art. I enjoyed the tone of the book, as well as the exercises. I do wish that there was more information about color theory as well as more works of art in the book, but it serves it's purpose as a field guide. I do like that it leaves me wanting to explore more about topics touched upon to expand my knowledge of color in nature. Hope to see something similar to this by the author in the future!

Thank you to Netgalley, Familius, and Kimberly Collins Jermain for this e-ARC for review!

Nature of Color by Kimberly Collins Jermain is her original proposition into how the natural world should and can shape our art, decor, architecture, homes, wardrobe etc. In essence, nothing is more beautiful or inspiring than natural color and Jermain explores all the ramifications of this into a handy field guide to take on your next nature hike, beach stroll, mountain climb, or ocean dive. Simple “Try this at Home,” and “Try this on the Trail” activities are sprinkled throughout the text. Eighteen inspiration photos and paintings are also included.
In this age of technology and scrolling, we need to unplug and get outside whether on our own, with a friend, or with our families. All facets of painting or sketching outdoors are covered including taking breaks, bringing supplies, understanding poisonous plants “mug shots,” etc. All the bases are covered.
This field guide is a must for art teachers and students of all education levels. Parents who are looking to break the technology addictions in their families can use this to set up a day in nature. Other people who would benefit are architecture students, interior designers, interior decorators, hardware store paint consultants, and more.
Although I do wish there had been more images included the ones that the author chose appear to be very high resolution and appropriate. Jermain’s writing style is engaging, clever, and at times humorous. An author’s note, preface, handy glossary, and bibliography are included.

This book is unlike one I've ever come across for color theory or something in that arena. This book is not a red + blue = purple. This book is more of an exploration into how to translate what you see into actual colors. There are exercises to practice translating what you see into colorful landscapes and natural beauty. It is immersive and honestly an interesting angle on dissecting the intricate details of color that you might not have noticed before. This book will teach you to question what you see at face value. It's honestly fascinating. I suggest this for artists and those that work with color to enhance your perception of what you are really trying to capture. Thank you to Kimberly Collins Jermain, Familius, and NetGalley for the ARC.

When reading art books that talk about theory, or that outline concepts, many authors waste no time in getting down to the brass tax of explanation. Collins Jermain flips the script on this, adding the important ingredient of wonder to the mix, as part of showing readers what color theory and seeing color means. The book is filled with immensely practical exercises as well as anecdotes that bring concepts to life against varied landscapes: quarries, fields, vast landscapes, amidst tall grasses, and even through the eyes of animals for whom color represents survival. Nature of Color defines and invites readers into a way of being-with the world. The author's book also integrates Indigenous wisdom without appropriating, which is of the utmost importance to all readers but especially Canadian readers whose lives unfold with the Turtle Island landscapes. The book is immersive in that if you are seeking a step-by-step toolkit, it might not be the best fit, but for those who experience (or hope to do so) their art as a way of expressing their inner being, and interconnectedness with the land around them, it will take you on a journey. The destination isn't linear or set in stone, but Collins Jermain shows readers that seeing color is part of a way of being that, once tended to, enriches the soul as much as it does a work of art. I would recommend this for artists looking for mindfulness exercises, those looking to refine an art practice. If anyone runs library programming, or arts-based programming, this book has wonderful exercises that could be helpful inspiration to explain color theory while also integrating mindfulness skills. Thank you to the publisher for an advance reader copy of this ebook!

Publishing date: 02.09.2025 (DD/MM/YYYY)
Thank you to NetGalley and Familius for the ARC. My opinions are my own.

If you, like a lot of the other peeps on the internet, have gotten a sudden fascination with color theory, then this book is for you.

This is a deeper dive into theories and practices than the surface level you can find elsewhere on the internet, but it is genuinely interesting. You also get lots of smaller sections with things you can try out and experiment with to show color theory in practice, and it is very fun. As a "learning through practice" kind of person, thank you author for these sections.

Overall, a fun book. Learned lots, and will be using it in my own art. 4 stars, highly recommend.