What is the effect of adding white to a color?

Adding white to a color results in a lighter version of that color, which is known as a tint. This process modifies the original hue by softening it and moving it in a lighter direction on the color spectrum. Tints are commonly used in art and design to create a variety of effects, such as pastel versions of colors, which can evoke different emotions or atmospheres in a piece.

While other options may involve color manipulation, they don't accurately describe the specific action of adding white. Darkening a color would typically involve adding black, which creates a shade rather than a tint. Changing the hue suggests a modification that alters the dominant wavelength, such as mixing two distinct colors together, rather than simply lightening an existing color. Increasing intensity refers to making a color more vibrant and saturated, which is not achieved by adding white, as that actually dilutes the color's intensity. Thus, the correct understanding that adding white creates a tint is vital in color theory and its application in art.