In art, what does the term 'value' refer to?

In the context of art, 'value' specifically refers to the lightness or darkness of a color. It is a fundamental aspect of art that helps create depth, contrast, and emphasis within a piece. Artists manipulate value to convey mood, highlight specific areas, and create the illusion of three-dimensionality. By using a range of values, from the lightest lights to the darkest darks, artists can enhance the visual interest and emotional impact of their work. This concept is crucial for understanding shading, creating forms, and establishing a sense of space in two-dimensional art. In contrast, brightness relates more to luminosity and saturation, while texture focuses on the physical surface quality of the material. Proportion of different colors deals with how colors are used in relation to one another, rather than their lightness or darkness.