Winslow Homer's Use of Michel-Eugene Chevreul's Color Theory February 26, 2009

It is my Bible, stated Winslow Homer, when asked about his tattered copy of 'The Principles of Harmony and Contrast in Colours' (translation 1872) by French chemist and color theorist Michel-Eugne Chevreul (1786-1889). Homer referred to the book for nearly fifty years, as he applied the theory of the mutual effect colors have in compositions to his practice of painting. Judith Walsh, associate professor, Art Conservation Department, Buffalo State College, will use many of Homers most beloved paintings and watercolors to lead a plain-language discussion of Chevreul's important work.