playing/with/colour

The top image is called 'subtractive colour'. This is because each colour blocks the reflection of colour, thus 'subtracts' colour. In other words the colours 'subtract' brightness from white. Hence the result of mixing all the colours together is black. This combination is CMYK and is for printing (litho or offset).

The next image is the exact reverse of subtractive colour. The more colours added the whiter and lighter it becomes. This is RGB and is used for computer monitors/screen based.

RGB colour model is used for screen instead of printing is because RGB has such a wide gamut that a printer cannot print all colours.

colour/models

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1. CMYK - is short for Cyan, Magenta, Yellow and Key black. Used in lithography printing process.
2. RGB - short for Red, Green and Blue and is screen based as it has such a large gamut.
3. Greyscale - composed exclusively of shades of neutral grey. Can vary from black (weakest intensity) to white (the strongest).
4. Duotone - when you print with two inks. However, you can also use three or four colours.
This is known as tritone and quadtone, respectfully.
5. Spot colour - one or more specially mixed colours.
6. Monotone - to print with one colour. However you can use the stock as another colour.