NINE ILLUSIONS OF DEPTH (techniques for creating the illusion of depth on a two-dimensional surface) #1 SIZE - The easiest way

y to create an illusion of space is size. Size is a visual phenomenon we observe in nature because when objects get farther away they become smaller. #2 OVERLAPPING - Another way of suggesting space is to overlap planes and volumes. If one object covers part of the visual surface of another , the first object is assumed to be nearer. If I overlap my face with my hand, the hand appears closer to a viewer. #3 COLOR - Warm colors tend to advance and cool colors tend to recede. The artist may use the warm/cool relationship to help establish a feeling of depth and volume. #4 VALUE - All of the gradations of between white and black show depth and volume. Remember, colors have values too, for example, baby blue vs. midnight blue #5 ATMOSPHERIC PERSPECTIVE - The illusion of deep space is enhanced by the use of lightening values, softening contours, reducing value contrasts, and neutralizing colors as they recede. Objects are clearer close-up and hazier far away. #6 POSITION ON THE PAGE - Objects placed at the bottom of the picture plane are perceived as the closer. Objects that are placed higher on the picture plane appear to be farther away. The last three illusions need to be practiced to be understood. Ask Kathleen for the 1, 2, & 3 Point Perspective Packet if you are interested. #7 ONE POINT PERSPECTIVE - A single point is placed on the horizon line, and all the lines of objects recede and converge onto the one vanishing point. #8 TWO POINT PERSPECTIVE - All edges recede and converge to two points on the horizon line if one is looking at the corner of a building and both sides must then converge. #9 THREE POINT PERSPECTIVE - A third vanishing point is added above or below the horizon line so that the vertical parallels also taper and converge. For example, if one flies over a building in a helicopter, the foundation of the building may appear smaller than the top of the building which is closer to the copter.
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