Color theory
Light
The physical and perceptual basis of color as emitted, reflected, filtered, and seen.
Ancient optics to modern screens Emission, reflection, spectrum, perception seed
What it is
Light is the starting point for most color explanations. Color can come from emitted light, reflected light, filtered light, scattered light, or from how the eye and brain interpret wavelengths together.
Basics
- White light can be separated into a spectrum, but human color perception is built from cone responses rather than direct wavelength labels.
- RGB, screens, LEDs, neon signs, and projectors are all easier to explain once emitted light is separated from material color.
- Pigments and inks do not create light; they change which light is reflected back to the viewer.
Notes for later expansion
- This page should become the parent explanation for RGB, neon, fluorescence, spectrum, white light, and screen color.
- Later expansion should include Newton, spectra, wavelength, human cones, metamerism, and color temperature.