Course Highlights


Atmospheric Perspective

Atmospheric perspective is based on the density of atmosphere through which we see objects. Dust, fog, or mist for instance will absorb and reflect light, reducing visibility and resulting in gradations of light, varying levels of color saturation, as well as varying degrees of definition in subjects. In atmospheric perspective, the farther an object recedes into the distance, the lighter in tonal value it seems to become, and its edges and forms appear less distinct. The details in the foreground are clearer and the contrast greater, whereas the middle planes have less color saturation and forms are less defined. The background or planes furthest away lose all contrast and detail.

Below is a very basic sketch which illustrates the concept of atmospheric perspective.

Keep in mind that these rules are flexible and must be adapted depending on the composition. For instance, if the primary focal point is in the middle ground, the foreground should not be sketched in such detail and shaded with such high levels of contrast that it distracts considerably from the middle ground. Under these circumstances, one could darken the foreground in relation to the middle ground but leave it somewhat unfinished while increasing the contrast and detail of the key subjects in the middle ground.

Note: Atmospheric effects are not exclusive to landscapes and the same principles apply to the different planes in an urban setting. With distance the contours get blurry and tonal values decrease. In the foreground, each object is clearly defined.

Other pages of interest

Landscape drawing
Vanishing points
Atmospheric perspective
Step by step guide to sketching
Sketching natural landscapes


 

 

 

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