Substraattimoli

Substraattimoli, also known as subtractive color mixing, is a method of color creation by removing or subtracting portions of light from a full spectrum. This technique is primarily used in traditional painting and printing, where pigments absorb certain wavelengths of light while reflecting others. Unlike additive color mixing, which combines light sources (such as in digital screens), subtractive mixing relies on the properties of pigments to produce hues.

In subtractive color mixing, primary colors—traditionally cyan, magenta, and yellow—are combined to create a broader range of colors. When these pigments are layered, they absorb specific light wavelengths, leaving only the complementary colors to be reflected. For example, mixing cyan and magenta absorbs red light, resulting in blue. This method is foundational in processes like offset printing and color photography, where ink layers interact to produce vibrant images.

The principle contrasts with additive mixing, which uses red, green, and blue light to generate colors. While additive mixing is ideal for electronic displays, subtractive mixing is essential in physical media where pigments physically alter reflected light. Artists and designers rely on subtractive techniques to achieve depth and richness in their work, though it often requires careful control to avoid muddying colors through excessive layering.

Substraattimoli remains a fundamental concept in visual arts, influencing both historical and contemporary practices in color theory and application. Its efficiency in producing a wide spectrum of hues makes it indispensable in fields where pigment-based media are used.