The subtractive color model is a method of creating color by mixing pigments, where colors are produced by the absorption and selective transmission or reflection of light. It is primarily used in color printing and photography, relying on the CMY (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow) or CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black) color spaces to create a full spectrum of colors by subtracting varying wavelengths from white light.

Subtractive Color Model

subtractive color model

Color mixing is the process of combining different colors to produce a new color, which can be achieved through additive or subtractive methods. Understanding the principles of color mixing is essential in fields like art, design, and lighting, where color perception and manipulation play a crucial role.

Color Mixing

Pigments are substances that impart color to other materials by selectively absorbing certain wavelengths of light and reflecting others, which determines the color we perceive. They are used in a variety of applications, including art, manufacturing, and biology, where they play crucial roles in processes like photosynthesis and camouflage.

pigments

Color absorption refers to the process by which materials take in certain wavelengths of light and reflect others, determining the color an object appears to the human eye. This phenomenon is influenced by the material's atomic structure and the energy levels of its electrons, which dictate which wavelengths are absorbed and which are reflected.

Color Absorption

selective transmission

reflection of light

Color printing is a process that reproduces text and images in color by combining multiple ink colors, typically cyan, magenta, yellow, and black (CMYK), to create a wide spectrum of hues. This technique is essential in various industries, including publishing, advertising, and packaging, to produce visually engaging and accurate representations of original artwork or photographs.

color printing

Photography is the art and science of capturing images using light-sensitive materials or digital sensors, which can be used for artistic, documentary, or commercial purposes. It involves technical skills in camera operation and composition as well as an understanding of lighting, exposure, and post-processing techniques to create impactful visuals.

photography

CMY color space

CMYK color space

full spectrum of colors

Wavelength is the distance between successive crests of a wave, typically measured in meters, and is a fundamental characteristic that determines the energy and type of wave, ranging from light and sound to radio and more. By understanding wavelengths, scientists can decipher complex phenomena in physics, enabling technological advancements across various fields such as telecommunications, medical imaging, and beyond.

wavelengths

White light is a combination of all visible wavelengths of light, appearing colorless to the human eye. It can be dispersed into its constituent colors using a prism, revealing the spectrum from red to violet.

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