Which color scheme is described by using shades of a single color?

• A. Analogous
• B. Complementary
• C. Monochromatic
• D. Triadic

Answer: (C)

Monochromatic color schemes use shades of a single color. This means you pick one hue and vary its lightness and darkness to create different elements, giving depth and contrast while staying visually cohesive. The look comes from the-value changes—light tints, darker shades, and sometimes muted tones with gray nearby the color—rather than introducing new hues.

This differs from analogous schemes, which mix colors that sit next to each other on the color wheel for harmony with a bit more color variety; complementary schemes pair colors that are opposite each other for strong contrast; and triadic schemes use three evenly spaced colors for a bold, colorful palette. By sticking to shades of one color, you maintain unity and mood through value changes alone.