RYB

RYB refers to the colors red, yellow, and blue, traditionally identified as the primary colors of pigment in subtractive color mixing. In the classic RYB color wheel used in art and design, these three hues are regarded as primaries; mixing any two yields secondary colors: orange (red + yellow), green (yellow + blue), and violet (red + blue). By varying the proportions of the three primaries, artists can create a broad spectrum of hues, though some mixtures can become muddy depending on pigment quality.

RYB is contrasted with the RGB color model used for light, where red, green, and blue are additive primaries; combining them yields white, while removing color darkens the result. In printing and color reproduction, cyan, magenta, and yellow (CMY) are commonly used as subtractive primaries, with black added (CMYK) to achieve deeper tones. Modern practice often relies on CMY and RGB for accuracy in different media, but the RYB framework remains a familiar teaching tool for understanding pigment-based color mixing.

Historically, the RYB model emerged from early color theory and practical painting techniques, reflecting the limitations and behavior of available pigments. While not a precise representation of perceptual primaries, RYB remains influential in art education as a simple, intuitive approach to mixing colors. Some professionals adopt more nuanced primaries for precise reproduction, yet RYB continues to serve as a foundational concept in color exploration and design.