lahutusvärvimudel

The subtractive color model, often referred to as lahutusvärvimudel in Estonian, describes the mixing of pigments, inks, paints, or dyes to produce a broader spectrum of colors. This model is based on the principle that colors are created by subtracting, or absorbing, certain wavelengths of light from a white light source, while reflecting the remaining wavelengths to the viewer's eye. In essence, as more colorants are mixed, more light is absorbed, resulting in a darker color.

The primary colors in the subtractive model are typically cyan, magenta, and yellow (CMY). When these three colors are mixed together in equal proportions, they theoretically absorb all wavelengths of light, resulting in black. In practice, however, pure pigments are rarely perfect, and mixing CMY often produces a muddy brown. Therefore, black (K, for key) is usually included in printing processes, forming the CMYK model, to achieve deeper blacks and finer detail.

Subtractive color mixing is commonly observed in everyday applications such as painting, printing, and dyeing fabrics. When you mix blue and yellow paint, the blue pigment absorbs red and green light, while the yellow pigment absorbs blue and red light. The only color that both pigments reflect is green, which is why the mixture appears green. Understanding the subtractive color model is crucial for achieving desired color outcomes in these and other visual arts and design fields.