In subtractive color mixing, commonly used in print and pigments, the primary colors are red, yellow, and blue. When these colors are mixed, they produce secondary colors. For example, red and yellow create orange, yellow and blue create green, and blue and red create violet. Understanding these foundational relationships is key to creating balanced and appealing color schemes.

Secondary colors (green, orange, violet) are created by mixing equal parts of two primary colors. Tertiary colors are formed by mixing a primary color with an adjacent secondary color on the color wheel (e.g., red-orange, yellow-green). These colors add nuance and complexity to color palettes, allowing for a wider range of expressive possibilities.

Hue is the attribute that allows us to name a color – red, orange, yellow, green, blue, violet. It's the spectral color itself, without any additions of white, black, or gray. Think of it as the basic identity of a color.

Saturation describes the vividness or dullness of a color. A color with high saturation is pure and intense, while a color with low saturation is muted, grayish, or closer to neutral. Reducing saturation often involves mixing a color with its complementary color or with gray.

Value is the degree of lightness or darkness of a color. A color's value can be increased by adding white (creating a tint) or decreased by adding black (creating a shade). Adding gray to a color creates a tone. Value is crucial for creating contrast, depth, and form in visual designs.

Warm colors like red, orange, and yellow are often perceived as energetic, passionate, and attention-grabbing. Red can signify love, passion, or danger. Orange is associated with enthusiasm and creativity. Yellow is often linked to happiness, optimism, and intellect. These colors can be effective for calls to action or highlighting important elements.

Cool colors such as blue, green, and violet are generally perceived as calming, serene, and stable. Blue is often associated with trust, reliability, and professionalism. Green evokes nature, growth, and health. Violet can suggest luxury, creativity, or spirituality. These colors are excellent for creating a sense of peace or authority.

Neutral colors – white, black, gray, brown, and beige – are essential for balance and sophistication. White often signifies purity, simplicity, and cleanliness. Black can represent elegance, power, or mystery. Gray is associated with neutrality, balance, and sophistication. Brown evokes earthiness, stability, and warmth. These colors serve as excellent backdrops or complements to more vibrant hues.