Question

How can you lower and soften the intensity of a color?

Answer 1

By adding white

Answer 2

I am not sure that's right, maybe it is I don't know. But I learned that adding white only changes the value. To soften the intensity of a color one would add a bit of that color's complimentary color. For example, if i wanted a bright poppy red to be a little bit more subtle and dull, I would add the tiniest bit of green. I hope this helps!