Here are ten books that can help painters explore and master the art of combining colors:

1. **”Color and Light: A Guide for the Realist Painter” by James Gurney**
– This book blends traditional color theory with practical techniques for applying light and color in painting. It’s especially helpful for painters focused on realism.

2. **”The Elements of Color” by Johannes Itten**
– A classic in color theory, Itten’s book breaks down the fundamentals of color relationships and combinations, introducing concepts like the color wheel, contrasts, and harmonies.

3. **”Interaction of Color” by Josef Albers**
– This influential book focuses on how colors interact with each other, helping artists understand how to use color combinations to create powerful visual effects.

4. **”Color Choices: Making Color Sense Out of Color Theory” by Stephen Quiller**
– Quiller presents a practical approach to color, helping painters make better decisions about their palettes by using color wheels and theory in their work.

5. **”Blue and Yellow Don’t Make Green” by Michael Wilcox**
– Aimed at breaking common misconceptions in color mixing, this book explains why traditional color theories can fail and offers insight into more accurate and effective color mixing.

6. **”The Complete Color Harmony: Pantone Edition” by Leatrice Eiseman**
– This updated edition of a popular color guide, with input from Pantone, provides practical guidance on color combinations, focusing on harmony and contrast.

7. **”Color Mixing Recipes for Portraits” by William F. Powell**
– Focused specifically on portrait painters, this book provides precise recipes for mixing skin tones and offers tips on how to combine colors for realistic portraits.

8. **”Color Mixing Bible” by Ian Sidaway**
– A comprehensive resource for understanding how to mix colors accurately in a variety of mediums, making it a great guide for any painter.

9. **”Color by Betty Edwards: A Course in Mastering the Art of Mixing Colors” by Betty Edwards**
– From the author of *Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain*, this book dives into color theory and practice, helping artists develop their ability to mix colors intuitively and effectively.

10. **”The Secret Lives of Color” by Kassia St. Clair**
– This book explores the history and cultural significance of various colors, providing a unique perspective on color combinations from a historical and artistic standpoint.

These books provide a range of approaches to color theory and practical application, making them useful for artists looking to improve their color mixing and combinations.