Mastering Colors: Tips and Resources for Understanding and Using Color Theory

[dnt]

i know its suppose to be an easy topic but it always confuses me. i can never figure out what color will be shown in different circumstances. eg. what colors are shown under ____ light? or if you reflect _____, so and so colors are absorbed and others are reflected. of if _____ is shined on ______ you will see ______. stuff like that. for any color(s).

and for complementary and secondary colors - all of that stuff. i just never know how to answer these questions and what colors do what.

is there a website that would help me understand how to solve and answer the color questions? something to get me started and clarify the confusing stuff. id really appreciate it.

 

[Chi Meson]

How many colors are you asked to deal with? That is are you just concerned with the primary (RGB) and secondary (CYM) colors? (And then, of course W&B)

If so, then it is convenient to think of colored light as "+" colors, and solids as "-" colors. That is, yellow light is "+R+G" . Solid yellow is a filter that is "-B". Are you with me so far?

 

[dnt]

not really. what's the difference between colored light and solids? i thought they were all "colors."

 

[HallsofIvy]

It's the difference between "additive" and "subtractive". If you shine a red light and a blue light on a white surface you will see both colors "added". The color you get will be "lighter". If you shine a white light on a red painted surface, everything but red is absorbed ("subtracted"). If you use both red and blue paint, more of the white light will be absorbed and you will get a darker color.

 

[dnt]

thats the stuff i don't fully get.

i want to learn the "rules" - stuff you are explaining but in more general terms so that if any colors are presented to me (either being added or shined somewhere, etc) then i can figure out the answer.

 

[dnt]

like to start, what's the difference between adding and subtracting colors and how do you konw when either is being done?

 

[Chi Meson]

OK, color is light. If you see red, then you are seeing red light.

White light is composed of "all colors" but for now let's just say "+red, +green, + blue = white."

If white light goes through a "red filter," the filter takes away the green and blue, therefore it's "subtractive." It filters out everything except red.
So instead of calling a red filter "red," call it "-green, -blue."

OK, are you with me?