In color theory, what are primary colors?

Primary colors are colors that cannot be created by mixing other colors together. They serve as the foundational colors from which a wide variety of other colors can be produced through mixing. In traditional color theory, especially in the context of art and design, the primary colors are red, blue, and yellow. By mixing these colors in different combinations, you can create secondary colors such as green, orange, and purple, as well as further variations of hues.

In contrast, the other options refer to different concepts within the color spectrum. Green, orange, and purple are secondary colors formed by mixing the primary colors. Cyan, magenta, and yellow are the primary colors in the subtractive color model commonly used in print media, while black, white, and gray are neutral colors that do not fall under the category of primary colors, as they do not provide the basis for creating other colors. Understanding primary colors is crucial in any color theory discussion, as they form the basis from which all other colors can be derived.