In painting, the term 'shade' refers to:

In painting, 'shade' specifically refers to a color that is made darker by the addition of black. When an artist adds black to a color, it reduces the lightness of that color, resulting in a deeper and richer tone. This concept is fundamental in color theory, as it allows artists to create more complex and varied color palettes by manipulating the values of colors.

Understanding shades is crucial for artists seeking to create depth, dimension, and contrast in their work. By adjusting the shades, artists can depict light and shadow more effectively, enhancing the realism or emotional impact of their pieces. This contrasts with the other choices—adding white to a color produces a 'tint,' while mixed colors and blending techniques describe different color manipulation processes, not specifically shades.