An Explanation of Color
Color is light. Light is a form of energy and, according to theory, travels in waves. Light waves emanate from a source such as the sun, a light bulb, a white candle, etc. In any of these sources of light, there are many different wavelengths. Wavelength is measured from crest to crest in nanometers (billionths of a meter) or in mill microns (millionths of a millimeter). The visible spectrum range is usually considered to be between 380 mill microns and 770 mill microns and is part of the much larger electromagnetic spectrum.
In the seventeenth century, Sir Isaac Newton established that a beam of “colorless” light passing through a prism is refracted or bent into separate bands of colors. (Figure 1)
These are called the colors of the visible spectrum. Each color has its own wavelength. When all the wavelengths are combined in suitable proportions, they produce “white” light. All individual and combinations of colors are inherent in white light. We occasionally see this spectrum in nature in the form of a rainbow.
HOW WE SEE COLOR
All visible colors are contained in “white” or “colorless” light. Light energy travels in waves with each perceived color having a dominant wave length which differs from the wave length of any other perceived color.
The human eye acts as if it has “color receptors”. One set of receptors is sensitive to red wave lengths of light, a second is receptive to green wave lengths, the third is sensitive to blue-violet wave lengths. When the red and green receptors are stimulated we see yellow as shown in figure 2. The various colors of the spectrum are seen depending on the strength and mixture of wave lengths which strike our receptors.
We see colorless or white light when our receptors are stimulated equally. Color then is a sensation resulting from light energy impinging on receptors in our eyes which our brain interprets as being various combinations of red, blue and green.
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This presentation has been prepared by Robert Kennedy, marketing director of http://www.weprintcolor.com. The information was obtained from SD Warren Company, bulletin #2 ‘The Influence of Paper on Color Printing’ 1987. Thanks to high quality papers, inks and protective varnishes we are able to bring you this presentation scanned January 2005 from original publication. Decades later this printed publication remains preserved. |
About The ComposerRobert is regarded as an industry expert in Commercial printing and design. Online since 1999, Robert is one of the pioneers that spearheaded online graphic design from templates tools to the web. For web-based graphic design ideas visit WePrintColor.com . Robert also has an extensive background in website analytics and online traffic strategies. He covers all aspects of graphic development, deployment, digital media and website development. |