What does intensity in painting refer to?

Intensity in painting specifically refers to the vibrancy or purity of colors used in the artwork. It pertains to how strong or vivid a color appears, which can significantly impact the emotional and aesthetic quality of a painting. A color with high intensity is bright and bold, while a color with low intensity appears more muted or diluted. This concept is crucial for artists to consider when creating mood and depth in their work.

The other aspects mentioned—variability of color shades, arrangement of colors, and proportion of colors—are important elements of painting, but they do not capture the essence of "intensity" as it specifically relates to the strength and vividness of the colors themselves.