1. A method for classifying a pixel between neutral and color classes for use in color image processing, comprising the following steps: a) receiving an input image represented in a first color space; b) converting the input image to a second color space wherein one coordinate of the second color space represents lightness; c) selecting a pixel in the second color space representation of the input image to be classified; d) computing second color space feature vectors associated with the selected pixel; and e) classifying the selected pixel between neutral and color classes based on the values computed for the second color space feature vectors.