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Rules of Perspective

 

  There are six basic rules of perspective. Atmospheric, Size, Placement, Detail, Linear, and Overlapping.  Drawings and paintings will use some or all of these rules. For this lesson we will create a simple graphic to demonstrate each rule using Paint Shop Pro.

 

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To learn more about the artists below or visit their website, click on their name below the painting.

Follow these links to each rule on this page. Click on the term to return to this table.  

Atmospheric	Size	Placement
Detail	Linear	Overlapping

To learn more about each rule, follow the links at the bottom of this page

 

This site is still under construction. Please be patient as the links become available.

 

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Atmospheric

The Sierra Nevada in California

by Albert Bierstadt

 

Moisture in the air causes distant objects to appear bluish or hazy. This can also happen when there is smoke, dust, smog or other such particles in the air.

 

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Size

The Olive Trees

by Vincent Van Gogh

 

Distant objects will appear smaller. Artist will draw objects that are similar in size smaller if they are to be placed further in the background of a painting.

 

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Placement

Apple Blossom

by John Millais

 

Objects that are further away are closer to the horizon line. Artists will draw or paint objects higher on the page. If it is something above the horizon line, such as birds, the objects are placed lower.

 

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Detail

Accolade

by Edmund Leighton

 

Less detail is seen in distant objects. Textures are not as defined. You will notice in this painting that the faces of the figures in the background are not as clear. The fabric of their clothing is not as detailed as the figures in the foreground.

 

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Linear

Reflections at Twilight

by Carl Valente

 

Artists will use linear perspective to construct buildings. This involves using guidelines to vanishing points placed on the horizon line to determine the angles to be used. They might also use it to gage the height and angle of a fence or define an estimated width and angle of a river.

 

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Overlapping

Dreams

by Peggy Abrams

 

Objects in the foreground usually cover up those that are further away. We call this overlapping. You might see a house covering up part of a tree behind it or a person standing in front of a car.

 

09/28/01