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.

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