Which colors are considered pure or fundamental and cannot be made from mixing?

Primary colors are considered pure or fundamental because they serve as the foundation for all other colors in the color wheel. These are the colors red, blue, and yellow, and they cannot be created by mixing other colors together. Instead, they can be combined in various ways to produce a wide spectrum of secondary and tertiary colors.

In contrast, secondary colors arise from mixing two primary colors, while tertiary colors result from combining a primary color with a secondary color. Neutral colors, such as black, white, or gray, are created by mixing complementary colors or adjusting the intensity of other colors, rather than being pure colors themselves. Understanding the distinction between primary and other color types is crucial in color theory, as it underpins the processes used in painting, design, and cosmetology avenues involving color application.