Final answer:
In art, the term for the relative lightness or darkness of an area or object is known as 'value.' This concept involves using a value scale and adjusting hues by adding white to create 'tints' or black to create 'shades' for conveying depth, form, and mood in art. Value is essential for creating the illusion of light within a two-dimensional space.
Step-by-step explanation:
The relative lightness or darkness of an area or object in art is called value. Value plays a crucial role in defining form and creating spatial illusions in art.
It utilizes a value scale with varying shades of grey that transition from pure white to black. This allows artists to create the effect of lighting and depth in two-dimensional art by using different values adjacent to one another.
High-keyed values are the lighter tones of the scale, contributing to the portrayal of luminosity and emphasis, whereas, low-keyed values consist of darker tones.
Colors can also vary in value; this is achieved by adding black or white to a hue to get shades and tints, respectively.
A tint can make a color appear lighter and is usually associated with more cheerful emotions, while adding black creates a shade, giving the color a darker appearance that often corresponds to gloomier emotions.
The concept of value is distinct from saturation, which refers to the intensity of a color, and hue, which is the color itself or variations of it.
An artist will manipulate value to shape how elements of the composition relate to one another and how they are perceived by the viewer.