Combined Perspective

Linear and atmospheric perspective along with color temperature can be combined to convey depth. Before reading further, see if you can pick out and identify elements that contribute to linear perspective, atmospheric perspective and color temperature in this painting.

Recognizing Different Aspects of Perspective

Paintings generally combine multiple techniques to indicate depth. The following is a breakdown of the separate elements that create depth in this painting.

• Linear perspective: A key aspect of linear perspective is that closer elements in a scene appear larger than elements that are farther away. The tree on the right is closer and appears larger than the more distant trees on the left. The path also narrows as it goes farther into the picture plane.
• Atmospheric perspective: The use of atmospheric perspective is evident in the brighter, more vivid colors and values in the foreground. As the elements recede into the background, they become duller. Notice how the tree on the right is brighter than the trees on the left and that the distant hills are a muted blue-purple-gray.
• Color temperature: Warm colors in the foreground and cool colors in the background help express depth. The tree on the right, predominantly warm in color, rests in front of an expanse of cool blue sky.

Autumn Landscape

oil on canvas mounted on board

8" × 10" (20cm × 25cm)