Subtractive color is a method of creating colors by subtracting wavelengths of light from white light. This method is used when working with pigments, dyes, or inks, and is often used in printing, painting, and other forms of physical media.
The primary colors in subtractive color are cyan, magenta, and yellow. When all three of these colors are combined in equal amounts, the result is black. This is why they are sometimes referred to as the “printing primaries.”
In subtractive color, different colors are created by subtracting certain wavelengths of light from the white light reflected or transmitted by the pigments. For example, when yellow paint is applied to a white surface, it absorbs all colors except for yellow, which is reflected back to the viewer’s eyes. When magenta and yellow pigments are combined, they absorb all colors except for red and blue, which combine to create a shade of purple.
Subtractive color is different from additive color, which involves combining light sources to create colors. In additive color, the primary colors are red, green, and blue, which combine to create white light.
Subtractive color is an important concept in color theory, and understanding how it works can help designers and artists create effective color schemes in their work, particularly in print media. By understanding how different colors interact and how they can be combined to create new shades and hues, designers and artists can create visually appealing and impactful work.