Color Basics

Visible White Light Visible white light from the sun is part of the electromagnetic spectrum. Using a prism, white light can be broken down into seven colors. Each color has its own distinct frequency and wavelength. The wavelengths and frequencies also corresponds mathematically to elements in the periodic table and the musical notes E F G A B C D

Additive RGB Color Model The additive color model is used for media that emit light.. Television, computer screens and other types of video The additive model is based on the three primary colors Red, Blue and Green. Other colors are created by overlapping the RGB colors. Because RGB color on digital displays is formed using binary computer code (10011001) Because of the complexity of color in the analog world, over 1,000,000,000 colors cannot be accurately reproduced using the digital color palate,

Analog vs Digital HEX to RGB COLOR HEX to BINARY You live in an analog world. Digital information is only a simulation of the analog world.

Subtractive RYB Color Model Artists and the good folks at your local paint store use a subtractive color model based on Red, Yellow and Blue or RYB Colors are arranged in groups of three called triads. This color model has existed for over 1000 years. Some versions also include a fourth color, Green. The RYB subtractive model best represents the colors found in our natural world.

Subtractive CMYK Color Model The CMYK subtractive model is based on yellow, cyan, magenta and black. The CMYK model is used in the printing industry to produce newspapers, magazines, packages, signs and posters. The CMYK model creates bright intense colors that work well on a variety of materials from paper to plastic. It is also the color model used in the manufacture of and processing of color film for photography.

HVS Hue is what we normally think of as the pure color such as Red, Blue, Yellow or Green. It is the dominate wavelength in the light and does not have any tint (white) or share (black) added. Value describes the overall intensity or strength of the hue from lightest to darkest. Saturation can also be called a color's intensity. It is a measurement of how different from pure grey the color is. Saturation is not really a matter of light and dark, but rather how pale or strong the colour is. The saturation of a color is not constant, but it varies depending on the surroundings and what light the color is seen in.

Digital RYG Color Wheel The Color Wheel Digital RYG Color Wheel

Physiological Effects of Color Different color hues are made up of different wavelengths of light travelling at different frequencies. These wavelengths and frequencies have different physiological effects on the human body.

Warm Colors Warm colors have larger wavelengths travelling at lower frequencies which tend to excite the viewer on a physiological level by increasing heart rate, temperature and brain activity. Warm colors are sometimes referred to as aggressive colors.

Cool Colors Cool Colors have shorter wavelengths travelling at higher frequencies which tend to calm the viewer on a physiological level by decreasing heart rate, body temperature and brain activity. Cool colors are sometimes referred to as recessive colors

Cultural and Psychological Aspects of Color Over the centuries, people have given colors cultural meanings which can have a psychological effect on the viewer. In North America, the bride traditionally usually wears a white gown to symbolize purity. However, white would not be an appropriate color for a wedding in China because it is the color of mourning. If a bride chooses a white wedding gown, her parents would probably not allow her to get married.

Colors can have multiple cultural and psychological meanings.