Colour Space

A colour space uses a function known as a colour modal, this is a mathematical model that can be used to represent colours as many numbers. This is generally used with three of four colours.

Adding to this a mapping function creates a "footprint" known as a gamut, when this is cobined with a colour model it creates a new colour space. An example is RGB and sRGB are two different colour spaces based on the same colour model.

There are many colour models: RGB, CMYK, LCD etc. Different colour spaces are implemented in different ways depending on the capabilities of the system such as 16 bit, 32 bit, 64 bit systems etc.

Different colour spaces are used for different functions such as CMYK is used for prints and creating real paints, RGB is used for more digital use such as Photoshop

Colour value

This week we learnt about colour values such as shading and tinting colours. A shade is a darker hue and a tint is a lighter one. A tint is created by mixing white for a higher colour value and black for a lower value(shade). However this is not always the best way to produce tints and shades as it can create unwanted colours.

Tints and shades have always got a lower saturation value than pure hue colour. Colours of the same lightness and saturation are called nuance. Whereas colours of the same hue and lightness but of varying saturation are the tints and shades.

Creating an image entirely of tints and shades creates an overall very gentle and desaturated feel to a piece which if used correctly can create a beautiful neutral image. It will not be too dominant or strong on the eyes. Whereas an image made up of pure hue colours will be very bold and bright.

Generally using tints and shades for an overall image and then some pure hue will draw the attention to that point making a focal point for the image.

The colour spectrum

It is very interesting that there is a huge spectrum range of waves however we only see a small percentage of this spectrum known as the 'visible spectrum'. Even more interesting is that some creatures can see this spectrum such as bees and butterflies only see in ultraviolet and flowers will purposely appeal to the bees vision which can be seen under ultraviolet light.

The visible spectrum that we can see is known as monochramatic light, the pure spectral colours. The spectrum is continuous with no defined point between one colour and the next.

There is a study based on the colours that objects emit known as Spectroscopy. Helium was first detected by analysing the spectrum of the sun.

Any screens that display colour show a mix of red, green and blue to create colours that are within their own colour triangles. So they only roughly approximate representing spectral colours .
If there are any colours outside of the displays limit then it will produce a negative colour.

Basics of colour - Hue

A hue is based on a colour theory that all colours come from the three main colours: Red, yellow and blue. All colours come from a mixture of these colours. The word hue describes the spectrum on a colour wheel.

The colour wheel is a clear illustration of colours which shows the relationship of primary, secondary and complimentary colour.

It also can be used to describe a family of colour, such as 'sky hue' or 'green hue' etc.

Furthermore we have been introduced to the practice of colour scripts. A colour script is produced during pre-production part of a film. It displays how and what colours will be used through the films in different shots. Shows the specific limits to the colour palette.