Subtractive Color System

Introduction

• Objects create color by subtracting or absorbing certain wavelengths of color while reflecting other wavelengths back to the viewer.
• This subtractive color system uses colorants and reflected light.
    * You start with an object that reflects light and use colorants (dyes or pigments) to subtract portions of the white light that is shining on the object.
    * The colors are cyan, magenta and yellow.

Subtractive Primary Colors

• The subtractive primary colors are: Cyan, Magenta and Yellow
    * Each one absorbs one of additive primary colors:
      * Cyan absorbs Red
      * Magenta absorbs Green
      * Yellow absorbs Blue.
    * Adding two subtractive primary colors: will transmit one of the primary additive colors.
    * Adding all three subtractive primary color: will absorb all the colors of the white light spectrum.