Understanding Additive and Subtractive Color Systems

1. There are two different way in which we see things. Objects either emit light or they reflect light. There are therefore two very different systems that we use to explain and control color: Additive Color and Subtractive Color. Reflected color is subtractive because all of the other colors of the spectrum are absorbed (subtracted) by the object. Only the hue(s) or wavelength(s) that are reflected reach the eye. All “white” light sources have a color.

2. Our color perception is skewed cool, especially green & blue. The colors we can create are a small subset of the ones we can see.

3. Color is the common term for our perception of 3 semi-autonomous variables of light: Relative Wavelength Relative Lightness or Darkness VALUE HUE Relative Purity INTENSITY

4. Relative Wavelength Hue is primarily controlled by pigment choices. HUE Additive Primaries Subtractive Primaries

5. Relative Wavelength Subtractive Primaries Primary Hues Secondary Hues Tertiary Hues HUE

6. Relative Lightness or Darkness VALUE Value is primarily controlled by adding white or black. All pure hues have a NATURAL VALUE. This is where they fall on the value scale. Adding white creates TINTS. Adding black creates TONES.

7. INTENSITY Relative Purity Intensity is primarily controlled by adding the COMPLIMENT. Add Compliment Complimentary hues fall opposite each other on the color wheel. Add black or white

8. INTENSITY Relative Purity Intensity is primarily controlled by adding the COMPLIMENT. Value Intensity

9. INTENSITY VALUE ARE ALWAYS, ALWAYS RELATIVE!! HUE Simultaneous Contrast