Color Theory

Additive Color Mixing

The process of mixing light wavelengths to create new colors, using red, green, and blue (RGB) as primary colors.

Subtractive Color Mixing

The process of mixing pigments or filters where certain wavelengths are absorbed, leaving reflected colors, using cyan, magenta, and yellow (CMY) as primary colors.

What do red, green, and blue (RGB) create when mixed in additive color mixing?

White light.

What is created when red and green light are mixed in additive color mixing?

Yellow.

What is created when cyan and magenta pigments are mixed in subtractive color mixing?

Blue.

What happens when a red filter is placed over a white light source?

Red light is output.

What color is transmitted by a yellow filter?

Red and green.

What color results from the mixing of all three primary subtractive colors (cyan, magenta, yellow) in theory?

Black.

What effect does a cyan filter have on a red light source?

It results in black, since cyan absorbs red light.

Practical application of additive color mixing in photography?

Filters are used to correct or enhance colors.

Primary colors used in subtractive color mixing?

Cyan, magenta, and yellow (CMY).

What is the primary use of additive color mixing in stage lighting?

To create different lighting moods.

What type of mixing is used in color printing?

Subtractive mixing (CMYK).

What do the pixels on LCD screens use to create displayed colors?

Red, green, and blue light.

What color is formed when yellow and cyan pigments are mixed?

Green.

What happens when a yellow filter is placed over a blue light source?

Black, since yellow absorbs blue light.