It’s true, we generally associate a color with its purest and most intense state, or its highest level of. We often speak of colors as if they are on a continuum of brightness and saturation, with white being the brightest/lightest and black being the darkest/intensest. A color’s purity and intensity can vary from its highest to lowest. So what does this mean when we’re referring to the colors we commonly think of?

Red

Red is generally thought of as a bright and intense hue. Its purest and most intense state is a warm, deep red with a mild tinge of orange. When we discuss the lighter shades of red, we usually associate it with pink, which is the lightest and most delicate variation of red. Deep reds and oranges are the highest intensity and most intense shades of red.

Yellow

Yellow is typically thought of as a light, bright, and cheerful color. Its purest and most intense state is a deep, warm yellow with a faint tinge of orange. When we discuss lighter yellows, they are usually associated with pastel yellow, the lightest and most delicate variation of yellow. Bright and deep yellows are the highest intensity and most intense shades of yellow.

Blue

Blue is considered to be a cool and serene hue. Its purest and most intense state is a deep, rich navy blue. When we talk about lighter blues, we usually associate them with baby blue, which is the lightest and most gentle variation of blue. Rich and deep blues are the highest intensity and most intense shades of blue.

Green

Green is usually thought of as a refreshing and calming color. Its purest and most intense state is a deep, dark green with a slight tinge of blue. When we discuss lighter greens, they are usually associated with mint green, the lightest and most gentle variation of green. Dark and deep greens are the highest intensity and most intense shades of green.

Overall, we tend to associate a color with its purest, most intense state or its highest level of. This helps us to determine how vibrant and bright a color will be when we are trying to pick shades for a project.