The primary colors are red, blue, and yellow. These are called the primary colors because they cannot be created by mixing other colors together, but all other colors can be formed by mixing the primary colors in different combinations and proportions.
The Primary Colors
Red, blue, and yellow are known as the primary colors because they are the only true colors. All other colors are created by mixing primary colors together in varying ratios. For example, mixing red and blue makes purple, blue and yellow makes green, and red and yellow makes orange. By adjusting the quantities of each primary color, an endless range of secondary and intermediate colors can be produced.
The primary color mixing theory is based on the subtractive color model used in paints, dyes, inks, and other pigments. When different colored pigments are combined, they absorb and reflect different wavelengths of light. The light that is reflected back is the color perceived by our eye. So when red and yellow pigments are mixed, they absorb all wavelengths except red and yellow, which are reflected back as orange.
This is different from the additive color model used for light, such as on computer screens and TVs. In additive color, the primary colors are red, green, and blue (RGB). Mixing different colored light sources together produces a cumulative effect, with more wavelengths being emitted. This is why computer screens mix red, green, and blue light to produce other colors.
Mixing the Primary Colors
By mixing the primary colors red, yellow, and blue in different combinations and ratios, it is possible to create all the other colors in the visible spectrum. Here is a breakdown of the results of mixing the primary colors:
- Red + Yellow = Orange
- Yellow + Blue = Green
- Blue + Red = Purple
- Red + Yellow + Blue = Brown
- Red + Blue = Violet
- Yellow + Blue + White = Light Blue
- Red + Yellow + White = Pink
The more of a primary color that is mixed in, the more saturated the resulting color will be. Saturating a color means increasing its intensity and purity. Adding white to a color has the effect of desaturating it, making it paler and lighter. Black has the effect of shading and darkening colors.
By varying the mixing ratios of the primaries, it is possible to produce millions of distinct hues across the color spectrum. A skilled artist can mix color paints, inks, or dyes with precision to achieve exactly the shade needed for a project. Understanding color theory and primary color mixing allows greater control and subtlety in working with color.
Color Wheels
Color wheels provide a visual representation of the relationship between primary colors and how they can be blended to form secondary colors. The basic color wheel consists of the three primary pigment colors – red, yellow, and blue – equally spaced around a circle. The secondary colors orange, green, and purple lie between them.
More complex color wheels add extra primary and secondary hues, and show how these relate to each other. For example, a 12-part color wheel might add primary cyan, magenta and yellow, plus secondary colors like red-violet, yellow-orange, and blue-green. The color wheel shows how colors that sit opposite each other are complementary pairs.
Complementary Colors
Complementary colors are pairs of colors that sit directly opposite each other on the color wheel. Red and green, blue and orange, and yellow and purple are examples of complementary color pairs.
When complementary colors are mixed together, they neutralize each other to produce shades of grey or brown. The eye also perceives complementary color pairs as being more vivid and contrasting than non-complementary combinations.
Using complementary colors together (e.g. in a painting or interior design) creates color harmony and visual interest. However, complementary color schemes require careful handling to avoid a jarring, discordant effect. Complementary colors are best used in moderation with plenty of neutrals and intermediate hues to transition between them.
Color Mixing Activities
Hands-on color mixing activities are a great way for kids to learn about primary colors and see color theory in action. Here are some fun educational activities involving mixing primary colors:
- Mixing colored water: Provide droppers and cups of red, blue and yellow colored water. Let kids experiment mixing drops together.
- Blizzard in a jar: Layer blue, yellow and red water in a jar, then shake to mix (makes green). Add white glitter and decorative items like beads, sequins, confetti, etc.
- Color mixing trays or bags: Seal drops or smears of primary paint colors in individual sections of an ice cube tray or ziplock bag. Squish and mix the colors.
- Color mixing flowers: Have kids paint coffee filter flowers using primary color washable paints. Overlap and mix the paint to see new colors created.
Supervise young kids during color mixing activities. Talk about what’s happening as the colors combine and point out the new shades and hues being made.
Primary vs Secondary Colors
The key difference between primary and secondary colors is that primary colors cannot be created by mixing other colors, while secondary colors are produced by mixing two primary colors.
Red, yellow and blue are the primary colors. Orange, green and purple are the secondary colors, created by combining primary colors:
- Orange = red + yellow
- Green = blue + yellow
- Purple = blue + red
Primary colors form the foundations of the color wheel. Secondary colors fill the spaces between the primary hues. The more primary color used in mixing, the more vivid and saturated the resulting secondary color will appear.
Primary colors have the special ability to be mixed to create all other colors. Secondary colors can only produce a more limited range of hues. For example, mixing green and purple will not produce a bright yellow.
Tertiary Colors
Tertiary colors are the colors created by mixing a primary color with a secondary color. Some examples of tertiary colors are:
- Red-orange
- Yellow-orange
- Yellow-green
- Blue-green
- Blue-violet
- Red-violet
Tertiary colors have specific names based on their position between a primary and secondary color on the color wheel. They are more subtle and muted than primary and secondary colors.
An expanded color wheel might divide each primary-secondary interval into six tertiary shades. This results in a total of 12 main tertiary colors.
Tertiary colors help add nuance, gradation and subtle variety to color schemes. They can also be described as intermediate hues or even quarter colors.
Primary Color Mixing Ratios
Mixing the primary colors in different ratios produces a wide range of secondary and intermediate hues. Some examples of mixing ratios include:
- Red + Yellow (50/50 ratio): Bright orange
- Yellow + Blue (75/25 ratio): Light green
- Blue + Red (25/75 ratio): Dark purple
Different mixing ratios can be described in terms of percentages, parts or fractions. For example:
- 1 part red + 2 parts yellow = orange
- 3 parts red + 1 part blue = raspberry
- 1/4 yellow + 3/4 blue = teal
changing mixing ratios affects both the hue (color) and the saturation (vibrancy). The more of a primary color used, the more saturated the resulting mixture becomes. Diluting with white paint desaturates colors.
Mastering color mixing ratios takes time and practice. Mixing charts can help beginners visualize the colors produced from different primary color combinations.
Print Color Mixing
In printing, the primary colors are cyan, magenta, yellow and black (CMYK). Mixing these inks in varying ratios allows printers to reproduce a wide color gamut.
Cyan, magenta and yellow are the process colors used in color printing. Cyan absorbs red light, magenta absorbs green light, and yellow absorbs blue light. Combining these inks creates an additive effect, with the resulting color determined by the light wavelengths that are reflected back.
Black ink is added for improved contrast, sharpness and to facilitate mixing of dark colors. The combination of CMYK printing inks produces rich, vibrant printed color.
Digital color printing uses the CMYK process color model. Traditional offset printing presses use actual cyan, magenta, yellow and black ink. Understanding print color theory helps graphic designers adjust CMYK ratios to create accurate printed color.
Light Color Mixing
Mixing colored light follows an additive model, which is different to the subtractive mixing of pigments and dyes. Red, green and blue (RGB) are the primary colors of light.
With colored lights, combining wavelengths produces cumulative effects. The more colors emitted, the closer the mix gets to white light. For example:
- Red + Green = Yellow
- Green + Blue = Cyan
- Blue + Red = Magenta
Televisions, computer monitors, projectors and other displays work by blending fixed amounts of red, green and blue light. Varying the RGB values in each pixel creates a wide range of screen colors.
Understanding the additive mixing of light is important for digital image editing. Photo editing software uses RGB color channels to manipulate hue, saturation and brightness.
Subtractive vs Additive Mixing
Subtractive color mixing involves pigments and dyes, while additive mixing involves light. They follow different color models:
- Subtractive: Based on red, yellow and blue (RYB). Mixing subtracts wavelengths, producing darker colors.
- Additive: Based on red, green and blue (RGB). Mixing adds wavelengths, producing lighter colors.
Subtractive mixing starts with a white surface. Combining paint, ink or dye absorbs (subtracts) certain wavelengths, reflecting the remainder back as color.
Additive mixing starts with a black screen. Emitting light adds wavelengths together to produce colors. More light emission ultimately results in white.
Understanding the science behind subtractive and additive color mixing allows artists and designers to select the most appropriate primary color palette for their medium.
Conclusion
Mastering primary color mixing opens up an endless world of color possibilities. Whether mixing paints, inks, dyes, or light, understanding the fundamentals of color theory allows limitless hues, tints and shades to be created.
Red, yellow and blue form the foundation of subtractive color mixing, while red, green and blue underpin additive light mixing. Combining primary colors in varying ratios produces secondary and intermediate hues.
Experimenting with primary color mixing is an enjoyable way to understand the core principles of color theory. This essential knowledge equips artists and designers to confidently work in any color medium.