In art and design, "tone" refers to the lightness or darkness of a color, which is often described as its shade. By adding white to a color, you create a lighter tone, known as a tint, while adding black results in a darker tone, called a shade. This manipulation of tone helps create depth and dimension in visual compositions. Tone is essential in various fields, including painting, photography, and graphic design. It influences the mood and atmosphere of an artwork or image. Understanding tone allows artists and designers to convey emotions and highlight specific elements within their work effectively.