What distinguishes primary colors from secondary colors?

The distinction between primary colors and secondary colors is grounded in the fundamentals of color theory. Primary colors, which typically include red, blue, and yellow, are unique in that they cannot be created by mixing other colors together. Instead, they serve as the foundational colors from which all other colors can be derived. When two primary colors are mixed together, they produce secondary colors, such as green, orange, and purple. This is what makes the statement about primary colors being non-combinable and secondary colors being a product of mixing two primary colors accurate.

This concept is critical for artists and designers, as understanding how to mix colors and the relationships between them is essential for creating harmonious and effective color schemes. Recognizing that primary colors stand alone in their ability to create, while secondary colors result from combinations, underscores the systematic categorization of colors in art education.