1. Perspective Notes
Perspective in art is used to provide the illusion of depth in a two dimensional (2D) work of art.
There are several ways in which the illusion of depth are created
Overlapping – Objects that are placed in front of each other provide the viewer information about which is closer.
Relative size – The closer an object is to the viewer, the closer it appears
Atmospheric Perspective - As an object gets farther from the viewer, it:
Becomes less in focus
Has less intense color
Has less of its original colors, and looks more blue (or in a polluted city a brownish orange)

2. Space Used to create a feeling of depth Overlapping objects or people
Perspective
Distant elements appear lighter in value, have less details, and less intense colors.

3. Clues to Spatial Depth Overlap
simplest way to create the illusion of space.
One form partially obscures another… so the blocked object is in back
When objects are partially obscured by other objects in front of them, we perceive them as further back than the covering objects. We do not see them as incomplete forms, just further back. .

4. Clues to Spatial Depth Overlap
When objects are partially obscured by other objects in front of them, we perceive them as further back than the covering objects. We do not see them as incomplete forms, just further back.
Maharana Amar Singh II- Prince Sangram Singh and Courtiers Watch the Performance of an Acrobat and Musicians (c )

5. Overlapping
Objects that are placed in front of each other provide the viewer information about which is closer.
Notice that the pillars and overhead lights slowly begin to disappear behind each other as they go back into space

6. Clues to Spatial Depth Size
Distant objects look smaller
The easiest way to show depth is to vary the size of objects, with closer objects being larger and more distant objects being smaller.
look smaller when they are farther away, the easiest way to show depth is to vary the size of objects, with closer objects being larger and more distant objects being smaller.

7. Relative Size
The closer an object is to the viewer, the closer it appears
Note the difference in size between the first and last columns on the left side. As they get farther away the size of the columns gets smaller.
What else changes in size as it gets farther away?

8. Clues to Spatial Depth Overlap and diminishing size

9. Clues to Spatial Depth Vertical Placement
objects higher on the page are farther back
objects lower on the page are “closer”

10. Clues to Spatial Depth Overlap, vertical placement & diminishing size
We perceive objects that are higher on the page and smaller as being further away than objects which are in the foreground of a picture. 

11. Clues to Spatial Depth Relative Hue and Value
Saturation of color: Close objects are brightest and sharpest. Objects in the distance appear pale and washed out.

12. Clues to Spatial Depth Relative Hue and Value

13. Clues to Spatial Depth Relative Hue and Value
Warm vs. Cool
Warm hues appear closer that cool hues
Hans Hofmann- Equipoise (1958)
Oil on canvas.
©Hans Hofmann estate.
Photo ©Elizabeth LaCour

15. Clues to Spatial Depth Change in Detail

16. Atmospheric Perspective
creates the illusion of depth through such techniques as:
texture gradients
brightness gradients
color saturation
manipulation of warm and cool colors.

17. Clues to Spatial Depth Atmospheric perspective
Lost of Color
Distant ridges appear hazier, blurry and less detailed than the closer ridges.
Objects in the distance may appear bluish.
Diminishing size and detail:
Foreground objects are larger and have more color and detail
Distant objects get smaller and have less color.

18. Clues to Spatial Depth Atmospheric perspective
Use color and value contrasts to show depth.
Distant objects generally have less distinct contrast - they may fade into the background or become indistinct dark areas.
The foreground objects will be clear with sharper contrast.

19. Clues to Spatial Depth Atmospheric perspective
4.48 Bierstadt The Rocky Mountains, Lander’s Peak (1863)
4.49 Gongwang- Dwelling in the Fuchun Mountains (1530)

20. Atmospheric Perspective
As an object gets farther from the viewer, it:
Becomes less in focus
Has less intense color
Has less of its original colors, and looks more hazy blue (or in a polluted city a brownish orange)
Notice the air itself takes on a hazy blue appearance. This is what makes the colors less intense and the focus less clear.