Perusväreiksi

Perusväreiksi is a Finnish term that translates to "primary colors." In the context of color theory, it refers to a set of colors from which all other colors can theoretically be mixed. The specific set of primary colors depends on the color model being used.

In subtractive color models, such as those used in printing and pigment mixing, the primary colors are typically cyan, magenta, and yellow (CMY). When these colors are combined, they absorb different wavelengths of light. Mixing cyan and magenta results in blue, cyan and yellow results in green, and magenta and yellow results in red. Mixing all three in equal proportions theoretically produces black, although in practice, a separate black ink (K) is often added to achieve deeper blacks and save on ink usage, forming the CMYK model.

In additive color models, used in light-emitting devices like computer monitors and televisions, the primary colors are red, green, and blue (RGB). These colors are added together to create other colors. Mixing red and green light produces yellow, red and blue produces magenta, and green and blue produces cyan. Combining all three in equal proportions at full intensity results in white light.

Historically, red, yellow, and blue (RYB) were considered the primary colors in art and traditional pigment mixing. While this model is still useful for basic understanding and manual color mixing, it is less scientifically accurate than the CMY model for precise color reproduction. The concept of perusväreiksi is fundamental to understanding color mixing and its applications across various fields, from art and design to digital imaging and printing.