Fundamentals of Color Theory

Physical definition of color, light and pigment

To master the image, we must first demystify what color is. Technically, color is not an intrinsic property of physical objects, but a sensation that is generated when light rays strike our visual system.

It is a cerebral interpretation of radiant energy. In our profession, it is vital to distinguish between two models of synthesis.

On the one hand, we have the additive synthesis (color light), used in monitors and scenography, where the sum of lights generates white.

However, image consultants work with subtractive synthesis (color pigment or matter), which explains how fabrics or makeup absorb certain light waves and reflect others.

For example, if we see a crimson scarf under neutral light, it is not that the fabric emits red light, but that its chemical composition absorbs all other wavelengths and "rejects" or reflects only the red to our eyes.

The color wheel and its dimensions (Hue, Value, Saturation)

The chromatic circle is the basic navigation tool for any visual strategist.

It is an ordered representation that stems from the three primary colors (pigments that cannot be obtained by mixing): cyan (or blue), magenta (or red) and yellow. From these, we derive the secondary and tertiary colors.

However, for an in-depth analysis, we must handle the three dimensions of color.

First, the Hue (or hue), which is the quality that allows us to name the color, differentiating a green from a violet.

Second, Value (or lightness), which defines how light or dark a color is depending on the amount of black or white it contains.

And third, Saturation (or chroma), which refers to the purity and intensity of the pigment; a highly saturated color is vivid and vibrant, while when desaturated (mixed with gray), it becomes dull or soft.

The Color Tree and Three-Dimensionality

Flat models are sometimes insufficient. Therefore, we use three-dimensional systems, known as color trees, which add depth to the analysis.

Imagine a central vertical axis representing the grayscale (neutrals), where the top pole is absolute white and the bottom pole is total black.

The purest and most vibrant colors are placed in the outer ring, as far away from this grayish center as possible.

As a color moves toward the central trunk, it loses its strength and "greys out" or neutralizes.

Understanding this three-dimensional structure is crucial in detecting why a client might not favor a "royal blue" (very saturated/outside the tree) but a "steel blue" (desaturated/close to the center), even though both have the same base tone.

Summary

Color is not a property of the object, but a brain sensation caused by light. In imaging, we use subtractive synthesis (pigments), where fabrics absorb waves and reflect others.

The chromatic circle organizes the primary colors (cyan, magenta, yellow) and their derivatives. To analyze, we use three dimensions: Hue (name), Value (light or dark luminosity) and Saturation (purity or intensity).

Three-dimensional models or color trees explain depth. Pure colors are on the outside and neutralize or "grey out" toward the center, which is key to personal choice.