Which term is defined as the selection of colors used in a work of art, and also a term for the tools used by artists?

• A. Palette
• B. Saturation
• C. Tint
• D. Modeling

Answer: (A)

This item tests understanding of a word that names both the color choices in a work and the tools used to handle those colors. The word that fits both ideas is palette. When artists speak of their palette, they’re talking about the collection of colors selected for a piece—the color scheme they plan to use. They’re also referring to the actual mixing surface (and the tools used on it, like a palette knife) where those colors are arranged and blended. The other options describe properties or techniques rather than the combined concept of a color set and the artist’s tools: saturation is about color intensity, tint refers to a lighter version of a color, and modeling relates to shaping form to imply volume. So palette is the best choice.