Atmospheric Perspective

Ever Notice. . .

• Objects up close look bigger?• Objects far away look smaller?• Objects far away have a lighter value?

If so, then you know about atmospheric perspective.

Atmospheric Perspective

• Artists use atmospheric perspective to show distance. – Things that are up close are bigger and brighter– Things that are far away are smaller and paler (lighter

value) and even blurry

Do you see how the value gets lighter in the mountains as they get farther away from you?

Look at this photograph. Does it show atmospheric perspective? Where and how?

Now look at this painting of mountains. Do the mountains in this picture show atmospheric perspective? Where and how can you tell?

Look at this photograph. Is that person really holding the sun? Of course not. The sun looks smaller than the person because it is so far away! What else in this picture is far away and

looks smaller than the person?

Look at the following slides and decide if they show atmospheric perspective.For each picture, write a description in your notes as to where and HOW it is

used.

• Remember atmospheric perspective shows:– Things in the distance are smaller and have a

lighter value– Things in the foreground/nearest are larger

Does this painting show atmospheric perspective? Where and How?In your description, use at least one vocabulary term.

Does this painting show atmospheric perspective? Where and How?In your description, use at least one vocabulary term.