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Study on Additive theory and Subtractive theory of color

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Study on Additive theory and Subtractive theory of color

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Study on Additive theory and Subtractive theory of color

Introduction : Additive and Subtractive colour theory are the fundamental concept
in the world of art and design. It helps us understand how colours work together and
how they can be manipulated to create visually appealing compositions. Two primary
colour theories, additive and subtractive, form the foundation of colour understanding.
In this article, we will delve into the basics of these colour theories, exploring their
key concepts and applications.
What is Color?
Color is our perception of different wavelengths of light resulting from the way light
interacts with objects, characterized by hue, saturation, and brightness.Light visible
to humans ranges in wavelength form 380 nanometers (nm) for violet light to 760 nm
for red light.

What is color theory?


Color theory is the study of how colors interact with one another and the effects they
produce on the human eye and mind. Understanding color theory helps in creating
visually appealing designs, artworks, and environments. Color theory is both the
science and art of using color. It explains how humans perceive color; and the visual
effects of how colors mix, match or contrast with each other. Color theory also involves
the messages colors communicate; and the methods used to replicate color.

What is Additive Color Theory?


Additive colour theory refers to the mixing of coloured light to create new colours. The
primary colours in additive colour theory are red, green, and blue, commonly referred
to as RGB.

• Red: Red light stimulates the receptors in our eyes, creating the sensation of
red colour. In additive colour theory, red is considered one of the primary
colours.
• Green: Green light activates the green receptors in our eyes and is another
primary colour in additive colour theory.
• Blue: Blue light stimulates the blue receptors in our eyes and completes the
primary colours of additive colour theory.

When combined at full intensity, the primary colours of additive theory create white
light. By adjusting the intensity of each primary colour, different shades and hues can
be achieved. Mixing red and green light, for example, produces yellow light. Adding
blue light to the mix creates white light. Additive colour theory is based on the principle
that the more light you add, the brighter and lighter the resulting colour becomes.
This is why combining all three primary colours at full intensity yields white light.
Additive Color Theory

Where Are Additive Colors Used?


Additive colour theory has practical applications in various fields, including:

• Digital Displays: The RGB colour model is widely used in digital displays,
allowing screens to produce a wide range of colours by controlling the intensity
of each pixel.
• Stage Lighting: Additive colour mixing is commonly used in theater and concert
lighting setups, where different-coloured lights are combined to create a
desired ambiance or effect.
• Graphic Design and Digital Art: Understanding additive colour theory is crucial
for artists and designers working on digital platforms, as it helps them create
vibrant and visually appealing compositions.
What is Subtractive Color Theory?
In color theory, subtractive color is the way our eyes naturally recognize and process
color . by absorbing specific wavelengths of light, changing the appearance of white
light. This can involve mixing pigments or inks. The primary colors in this system are
Cyan, Magenta, and Yellow (CMY), with black added to absorb all light for true black.
In the subtractive color model, layers of colors are overlaid or combined. The primary
colors combine to create a subtractive color palette. The term "subtractive" represents
the process where specific wavelengths of light are subtracted or absorbed, resulting
in the desired color tones.

• Cyan: Cyan pigment absorbs red light, reflecting green and blue light, giving
it a bluish-green appearance.
• Magenta: Magenta pigment absorbs green light, reflecting red and blue light,
creating a purplish pink colour.
• Yellow: Yellow pigment absorbs blue light, reflecting red and green light,
resulting in a yellow colour.

Subtractive Color Theory


Combining all three primary subtractive colours- cyan, magenta, and yellow- in equal
amounts results in a neutral gray or black. The more pigments are mixed, the darker
and less vibrant the resulting colour becomes. For instance, mixing cyan and yellow
pigments produces green, while combining magenta and yellow pigments creates
orange. Adding black (K) to the CMY mix allows for the perfect spectrum of color as
it can create the rich, deep, and dark tones a designer might desire. ‘K’ stands for
Key, Key Color, or Key Plate – making up the well known CMYK.

Where Are Subtractive Colors Used?


Subtractive colour theory finds practical applications in various fields, including:
• Printing: Subtractive colour mixing is the basis of CMYK printing, where cyan,
magenta, yellow, and black inks are combined to create a wide range of
colours.
• Traditional Painting: Artists use subtractive colour mixing to achieve various
hues and shades on their canvas by blending different pigments.
• Colour Mixing: Understanding subtractive colour theory helps in achieving
desired colours when mixing paints, dyes, or other physical pigments.

Differences: Additive and Subtractive colors


The main difference between additive colors and subtractive colors is the way they
produce color. Additive colors are produced by adding light, while subtractive colors
are produced by removing light. This fundamental difference leads to a range of
contrasting behaviors in the two color systems.The following table highlights the
major differences between Additive Colors and Subtractive Colors &minis;

Characteristics Additive Colors Subtractive Colors


Additive color mixing occurs with Subtractive (multiplicative)
the simultaneous action of color mixing, contrary to the
various color sensations – additive, is not mixing of color
Definition ‘irritants’ on the eye. It ‘irritants’, but creating color by
encounters wherever the subtraction.Namely, it is based
different color values on a change of light color when
superimpose and as an optical passing through or reflecting
impression interfere with each the light from the layers of dye
other. or pigment.
Additive color synthesis occurs Subtractive synthesis occurs by
Primary Colors when three light zones are mixed mixing the basic material colors
optically (red, green, and blue). (cyan, magenta and yellow).
Additive color synthesis: Subtractive mixing occurs:
Color green + red = yellow, yellow + magenta = red,
combinations blue + red = magenta, yellow + cyan = green,
blue + green = cyan. magenta + cyan = blue.
RGB is a system of additive color CMYK is a system of subtractive
Systems synthesis. The color display is color synthesis. The color
involved obtained by the different light display is obtained by filtering
intensity of the primary colors: out the primary light color from
red, green and blue. This system white complex light.The
is used for works intended for turquoise filter (Cyan) from
monitor display. white deprives red, purple
(Magenta) green and yellow
blue. Black is used to further
dim the color. This system is
used for works intended for
printing.

Conclusion: We covered the basics of additive vs subtractive color theory and took
a closer look at how colors work in different models, like RGB and CMYK.Additive
color theory deals with light mixing and is used in digital displays, while subtractive
color theory deals with pigment mixing and is used in physical mediums like printing
and painting. Each theory has its own set of primary colors and principles for color
mixing.

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