Passionate painting perhaps involves study
I believe the answer is:
ardent
'passionate' is the definition.
(similar in meaning)
'painting perhaps involves study' is the wordplay.
'painting perhaps' becomes 'art' (painting is a kind of art).
'involves' indicates putting letters inside.
'study' becomes 'den' (term for a study or office).
'art' enclosing 'den' is 'ARDENT'.
(Other definitions for ardent that I've seen before include "Enthusiastic, eager" , "Fervid" , "Fiery and zealous" , "Hot" , "Ranted badly and became earnest in love" .)