2 ways

We can start at either of two extremes in a light based art. Begin with all light — white. Or, begin without light — black. These are starting points.

Additive Color

additive color begins without light (color) and ADDS. Red + Green + Blue = white.

Subtractive Color

subtractive color begins with all light (white). The color subtractives, secondaries, complements are minus-red( blue-green, cyan), minus-green (magenta), minus-blue (yellow) which subtracts (absorbs) the blue light.

The subtractive colors are essential to make prints. Their accuracy is the key determiniant of final perception. The print colors are the palette of photography. These are the synthesis colors.