I just realized that it's been over a decade since I blogged anything. I'm not sure if it's the lack of inspiration, a lack of time, or if I simply lost interest.
Today, out of the blue, I discovered that March 21st is the International Color Day. What better topic to discuss than Primary Colors?
As someone in IT, I always thought that RGB were the primary colors. However, I was challenged by my 8 year old Daughter (who is more into art) that RYB are the primary colors. This prompted me to look it up, and I found an interesting fact that I would like to share!!!
TL;DR: Both RGB and RYB are sets of Primary Colors; RGB is Additive, whereas RYB is subtractive.
- The RYB color model is based on subtractive color mixing, which is how pigments and paints work. When you mix these colors, you are subtracting wavelengths of light. For example, mixing red and yellow paint produces orange, while mixing blue and yellow produces green. This model is commonly used in traditional art and design because it reflects how artists mix colors using physical materials.
- The RGB color model is based on additive color mixing, which is how light works. In this model, colors are created by combining different intensities of red, green, and blue light. When you mix all three colors at full intensity, you get white light. This model is used in digital screens, such as televisions and computer monitors, because they emit light rather than reflect it.
- Interestingly, we see that most printers now use CMY or CMYK as their Primary Colors. This model is often used in color printing, where Cyan, Magenta, and Yellow are the primary colors for subtractive color mixing, and black (Key) is added to enhance depth and detail.
In Summary, each set of primary colors serves its purpose based on the medium and method of color mixing involved.
- RYB is primarily used in traditional art.
- RGB is used in digital media.
- CMY/CMYK is used in color printing.
