Upon discovering more about spectral color and how wavelengths work with surfaces (reflection/absorption) and the human eye, the blue-red-yellow model is shifting to the cyan-magenta-yellow model. Scientifically, this does not adequately address the true range of spectral color. Some of you might be scratching your heads, asking, “Where is the Blue, Red, and Yellow model?” The artist color wheel (based in blue, red, and yellow) predates modern science and was discovered by Newton’s prism experiments.

Pigment Color Primaries (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow).

Light Color Primaries (Red, Green, Blue).

There are two basic color models that art and design students need to learn in order to have an expert command over color, whether doing print publications in graphic design or combining pigment for printing. This is where color can get a little confusing for some folks. This media asset was adapted from Shedding Light on Science Source: Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics You are able to perceive all colors because there are three sets of cones in your eyes-one set that is most sensitive to red light, another that is most sensitive to green light, and a third that is most sensitive to blue light. However, it is not typical to see light of a single wavelength. For example, light with a wavelength of about 400 nm is seen as violet, and light with a wavelength of about 700 nm is seen as red.

In terms of wavelengths, visible light ranges from about 400 nm to 700 nm.ĭifferent wavelengths of light are perceived as different colors. However, humans can only see visible light, a narrow band of the electromagnetic spectrum (which also includes non-visible radio waves, infrared light, ultraviolet light, X-rays, and gamma rays).

Some objects are luminous and give off their own light all other objects can only be seen if they reflect light into your eyes. You are able to “see” an object when light from the object enters your eyes and strikes these photoreceptors. There are two types of photoreceptors: cones (which are sensitive to color) and rods (which are more sensitive to intensity). The inner surfaces of your eyes contain photoreceptors-specialized cells that are sensitive to light and relay messages to your brain.

Primary colors on the wheel