Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Monochromatic refers to artworks that use only one color or variations of one color. Instead of relying on contrasting colors, monochromatic artworks explore different shades, tints, and tones within a single hue.
Related terms
Value: In art, value refers to the lightness or darkness of a color. It helps artists create contrast and define forms within their compositions.
Hue: Hue is another word for 'color.' It refers to the purest form of a color, such as red, blue, or yellow.
Saturation: Saturation refers to the intensity or purity of a color. Highly saturated colors are vivid and vibrant, while desaturated colors appear more muted or grayish.