1. How to get some perspective: linear and non-linear perspective in art.

2. Non-linear Perspective (atmospheric)
The effect of air and light on how an object is perceived by the viewer. The more air between the viewer and the object, the more the object seems to fade.
Rendered in 2 dimensions by adjusting the size, position, color and value of objects in the artwork to mimic the actual effects of air and light in life (see handout).

3. Identifying the non-linear rules in use:
Colors are less intense with distance/Values lighten with distance
Size gets smaller with distance/ Details are lost over distance
Objects that overlap other objects seem to be less distant
Doris Lee. Thanksgiving Oil on canvas. Art Institute of Chicago.

4. Linear Perspective
A system using lines that creates the illusion of depth and volume on a flat surface.
One-point: receding objects have one plane facing parallel to the viewer
Two-point: receding objects sit on a corner angle from the viewer
Three-point: receding objects show extreme height or depth

5. Terms: Horizon line: line indicating eye level for the viewer
Vanishing point: point to which all lines indicating the planes that go away from the viewer recede
Orthagonals (convergence lines): the lines that converge at the vanishing point.

6. Renaissance: birthplace of linear perspective in the Western tradition.
Giovanni Paolo Panini. Interior of St. Peter’s, Rome Oil on canvas. National Gallery of art, Washington, D.C.

7. Paolo Ucello: Too much of a good thing?
He’s famous among linear perspective buffs for his exquisitely rendered sketch of a chalice using mathematical formulas. But…
would men, horses, and weapons only fall on orthagonals in an actual battle?
Battle of San Romano,