What does the term "monochromatic" refer to in art?

The term "monochromatic" in art refers to a color scheme that utilizes only one color, which can be modified by the addition of white, black, or gray to achieve various tints, shades, and tones. This approach allows artists to explore the emotional and compositional effects of a single hue while creating depth and visual interest through variations in saturation and brightness.

By focusing on one color, monochromatic palettes can evoke strong feelings and maintain a cohesive visual theme, making them effective for creating emphasis and harmony within an artwork. The use of a single color also encourages viewers to pay closer attention to the subtleties within that color, such as texture or form, rather than being distracted by multiple hues.