Without light there is no color. Light falls on an object and is partially absorbed. The light that is not absorbed is reflected and falled on the color receptions in the eyes. The receptors convert the incident light into stimuli, which are then conducted via nerves to the brain. Here the stimuli are interpreted and a color perceptions is formed.

As with all sensory impression, each person "experiences" color differently. This is not just because no two eyes are identical, but because color interpretation also varies from person can even perceive colors differently at difference times and according to the mood he or she is in.

Many people perceive color independently of light. For example, in one form of synesthesia - where colors are heard - noted, harmonies and music are linked with certain colors: high notes mostly with light colors and low notes with dark color.