Elements and Principles of Design
Space: Indicators of depth on a flat surface
Overlapping | |
Diminishing scale | |
Atmospheric perspective | |
Vertical placement | |
Color (warm/cool, intensity) | |
Diagonals | |
Linear perspective |
We can create a convincing illusion of a three-dimensional space on a flat surface, if we establish our vantage point and are consistent in our use of the indicators of depth:
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Overlapping - when objects partially overlap other objects, we perceive them as closer than the covered objects. Overlapping "overrules" the other indicators of depth - we know that the smaller pyramids are closer because they overlap the larger pyramids. Overlapping most clearly establishes proximity.
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Diminishing scale - the largest statue appears closest and the smallest appears further away.
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Atmospheric perspective - close objects have greater intensity of color, detail and value contrast. The rider and horse in this painting by Frederick Remmington have a higher color intensity, attention to details and value contrast than the background cattle.
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Vertical placement - we perceive objects that are placed lower in the image as closer to us, and objects that are placed higher as being further away. The boat placed lowest in this work by Japanese artist, Hokusai, is perceived as closest to us. As we move up vertically in the image, the boats seem further and further away.
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Color - we perceive warm colors (red, orange and yellow) as closer
than cool colors (green, blue, violet). Psychologically, the red and yellow
objects in both works appear to be in the foreground, while the cool-colored
backgrounds recede. |
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Diagonals and Linear perspective - we perceive diagonal
lines as receding into the distance. The diagonal lines in this painting
of a bridge create a extraordinary sense of depth. |
introduction | components | elements of design | principles of design | color | illusion of depth