Subtractive Color Mixing

Subtractive color mixing involves combining pigments or dyes, where each adds its own color to absorb certain wavelengths of light and reflect others. When colors are mixed, the combined pigments absorb more light, resulting in a darker or muted color. For example, mixing magenta and yellow pigments produces red, as magenta absorbs green and yellow absorbs blue, leaving red reflected. This process is fundamental in printing and painting, where colors are created by subtracting certain light wavelengths to achieve the desired hue. Essentially, subtractive mixing reduces the light reflected back to your eyes, creating a new, blended color.