What does 'value' refer to in art?

In the context of art, 'value' specifically refers to the lightness or darkness of a color. It is a fundamental element of art that helps define form and create a sense of depth and dimension within a composition. Artists manipulate value to generate contrast, highlight focal points, and convey mood or atmosphere in their work.

Understanding value is crucial for both the creation and appreciation of art, as it can dramatically affect how an artwork is perceived. For instance, a painting may use a range of values to create highlights and shadows, enhancing the three-dimensionality of the subjects depicted.

The other options relate to different aspects of color theory and art but do not accurately define 'value.' Saturation pertains to the intensity of a color, hue refers to the actual color itself without the influence of lightness or darkness, and intensity relates to the brightness of a color. All these aspects contribute to the overall understanding of color in art, but they do not align with the definition of value.