5.3: Visual Characteristics of Atmospheric Perspective
- Page ID
- 341404
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\(\newcommand{\avec}{\mathbf a}\) \(\newcommand{\bvec}{\mathbf b}\) \(\newcommand{\cvec}{\mathbf c}\) \(\newcommand{\dvec}{\mathbf d}\) \(\newcommand{\dtil}{\widetilde{\mathbf d}}\) \(\newcommand{\evec}{\mathbf e}\) \(\newcommand{\fvec}{\mathbf f}\) \(\newcommand{\nvec}{\mathbf n}\) \(\newcommand{\pvec}{\mathbf p}\) \(\newcommand{\qvec}{\mathbf q}\) \(\newcommand{\svec}{\mathbf s}\) \(\newcommand{\tvec}{\mathbf t}\) \(\newcommand{\uvec}{\mathbf u}\) \(\newcommand{\vvec}{\mathbf v}\) \(\newcommand{\wvec}{\mathbf w}\) \(\newcommand{\xvec}{\mathbf x}\) \(\newcommand{\yvec}{\mathbf y}\) \(\newcommand{\zvec}{\mathbf z}\) \(\newcommand{\rvec}{\mathbf r}\) \(\newcommand{\mvec}{\mathbf m}\) \(\newcommand{\zerovec}{\mathbf 0}\) \(\newcommand{\onevec}{\mathbf 1}\) \(\newcommand{\real}{\mathbb R}\) \(\newcommand{\twovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\ctwovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\threevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cthreevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\mattwo}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{rr}#1 \amp #2 \\ #3 \amp #4 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\laspan}[1]{\text{Span}\{#1\}}\) \(\newcommand{\bcal}{\cal B}\) \(\newcommand{\ccal}{\cal C}\) \(\newcommand{\scal}{\cal S}\) \(\newcommand{\wcal}{\cal W}\) \(\newcommand{\ecal}{\cal E}\) \(\newcommand{\coords}[2]{\left\{#1\right\}_{#2}}\) \(\newcommand{\gray}[1]{\color{gray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\lgray}[1]{\color{lightgray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\rank}{\operatorname{rank}}\) \(\newcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\col}{\text{Col}}\) \(\renewcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\nul}{\text{Nul}}\) \(\newcommand{\var}{\text{Var}}\) \(\newcommand{\corr}{\text{corr}}\) \(\newcommand{\len}[1]{\left|#1\right|}\) \(\newcommand{\bbar}{\overline{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bhat}{\widehat{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bperp}{\bvec^\perp}\) \(\newcommand{\xhat}{\widehat{\xvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\vhat}{\widehat{\vvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\uhat}{\widehat{\uvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\what}{\widehat{\wvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\Sighat}{\widehat{\Sigma}}\) \(\newcommand{\lt}{<}\) \(\newcommand{\gt}{>}\) \(\newcommand{\amp}{&}\) \(\definecolor{fillinmathshade}{gray}{0.9}\)Atmospheric perspective relies on the observation that the atmosphere affects how we perceive distant objects. As distance increases, the scattering of light by particles in the air results in several visual changes. Understanding these characteristics is crucial for artists aiming to create the illusion of depth and distance in their work. The primary visual characteristics of atmospheric perspective include a decrease in contrast and saturation, a shift in color towards the blue end of the spectrum, and a reduction in detail and texture visibility in distant elements. Each of these elements plays a vital role in achieving realistic depth in drawings and paintings.
"Forrest - Atmospheric Perspective" by Art 5B student, Blusterer Picazo, is used with permission.
Decrease in Contrast and Saturation
As objects recede into the distance, the contrast between light and dark areas diminishes. This decrease in contrast occurs because the atmosphere scatters light, reducing the intensity of shadows and highlights. The result is a softer, more muted appearance of distant objects. Alongside this, the saturation of colors also decreases with distance. Saturation refers to the intensity or purity of a color; in atmospheric perspective, distant objects appear less vibrant. For instance, a tree in the foreground will have vibrant, saturated colors, while a similar tree far in the distance will appear paler and less vivid. Artists can use these principles to create a sense of depth by gradually reducing the contrast and saturation of objects as they move further away from the viewer.
Shift in Color Towards the Blue End of the Spectrum
The atmosphere scatters shorter wavelengths of light (blue and violet) more than longer wavelengths (red and yellow). As a result, distant objects often take on a bluish tint. This shift in color is most noticeable in outdoor scenes, where mountains, trees, and other distant elements appear bluer compared to objects in the foreground. This phenomenon, known as Rayleigh scattering, is the same reason the sky appears blue. Artists can replicate this effect by using cooler colors for distant objects. For instance, in a landscape painting, the mountains on the horizon might be painted in soft blues and purples, contrasting with the warmer greens and browns of the nearby fields and trees. This color shift helps to reinforce the sense of distance and creates a more realistic depiction of natural scenery.60
Reduction in Detail and Texture Visibility in Distant Elements
As objects move further away, the visibility of fine details and textures decreases. This reduction occurs because the atmospheric particles between the viewer and the distant objects obscure these finer features. Consequently, distant objects appear smoother and less defined than those in the foreground. For example, in a landscape, the individual
leaves of a tree in the foreground might be clearly visible, while the trees in the background would appear as simple, blurry shapes without distinct leaves. Artists can use this reduction in detail and texture to their advantage by simplifying distant elements. This technique helps to create a sense of depth and directs the viewer's attention toward the more detailed and important parts of the composition in the foreground. By understanding and applying atmospheric perspective's visual characteristics, artists can create more convincing and immersive depictions of depth and distance. Whether working on a landscape, a cityscape, or any scene requiring the illusion of vast space, incorporating these elements will enhance the realism and emotional impact of the artwork.
"A Chicken's Perspective" by Art 5B student, Natalie
Solario, is used with permission.