In lighting design, what does subtractive color refer to?

Subtractive color in lighting design refers to the process of altering the light that reaches an object or the audience by using filters, gels, or other means to block certain wavelengths of light. This approach effectively "subtracts" specific colors from the light spectrum. When two different gels are placed in front of a lantern, they combine their effects to produce a new color by filtering out certain wavelengths of light. The interaction of these gels demonstrates the principles of subtractive color mixing, as certain colors are absorbed by the gels while others are transmitted, changing the appearance of the light.

The remaining options do not accurately represent subtractive color. For example, combining colored lights is more aligned with additive color mixing, where multiple colors of light are combined to create new hues. Blocking colors with monocolored gels may affect lighting, but it does not fully capture the essence of using multiple gels interactively. Creating color gradients involves blending colors and is more associated with techniques intended for a nuanced transition rather than purely subtractive methods.