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OverviewAt its core, space is the area in, around, and between objects. Space can also be thought of as a different type of perspective. Space also gives an illusion of a three-dimensional space that makes a painting look more realistic in a two-dimensional work of art. SpaceSpace is the empty area surrounding real or implied objects. The pictorial space is flat. If looking at a digital work, the digital realm resides in cyberspace. Art responds to all of these kinds of space. There are many ways for the artist to present ideas of space. Techniques for creating a sense of depth and the illusion of space include:
1. Size, Overlapping, and Position
Asher Brown Durand, Kindred Spirits, 1849. Oil on canvas, 44 × 36". Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, Bentonville, Arkansas. "Asher Brown Durand: Kindred Spirits" by h2kyaks is licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0.
Michelangelo, Head of a Satyr, c. 1520–30. Pen and ink on paper, 10⅝ × 7⅞". Musée du Louvre, Paris, France
3. Changing brightness and color
Thomas Hart Benton, The Wreck of the Ole ’97, 1943. Egg tempera on gessoed masonite, 28½ × 44½". Hunter Museum of Art, Chattanooga, Tennessee © Benton Testamentary Trusts/UMB Bank Trustee/VAGA, NY/DACS, London 2018
Definition: Chiaroscuro
Values and planes of a geodesic sphere Diagram of chiaroscuro
Gateways to Art: Understanding the Visual Arts. Third Edition By Debra J. DeWitte, Ralph M. Larmann, and M. Kathryn Shields Copyright © 2015 Thames & Hudson
PerspectivePerspective refers to different techniques artists use to suggest a three-dimensional (3D) space on a two-dimensional (2D) plane. Two types of perspective most commonly seen in the Western tradition will be discussed.
Linear PerspectiveLinear perspective is seen when parallel lines meet at a point on the horizon of a 2D composition to convey a sense of depth that mimics 3D recession or depth.
Definition: TermDepth: how far into, from front-to-back (also considered recession), or from side-to-side we can physically go into an object or appear to go into a composition.
Linear perspective uses horizontal lines and one or more vanishing points to create this illusion of three-dimensional space.
One point perspective: HL = horizon line. VP = vanishing point One-point perspectiveThe following is an artwork that uses a one-point perspective. Sometimes, an artist will create more than one vanishing point to have the viewer focus on important forms in the composition. In this instance, that important form is Jesus Christ. Da Vinci composes the work by locating the vanishing point directly behind the head of Christ, thus drawing the viewer's attention to the center. His arms mirror the receding lines on the walls and ceiling, and, if we follow them as lines, would converge at the same vanishing point. Leonardo da Vinci, The Last Supper, c. 1495-1498. Tempera. 181 in. x 346 in. Santa Maria della Grazie. Milan, Italy. "LEONARDO da Vinci The Last Supper 1498 Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie, Milan" by normanrusin is marked with Public Domain Mark 1.0.
From the definition: “Parallel lines...” In this instance, there are implied lines (along the tops of the Apostles’ heads) creating the parallel line.
“Parallel lines that meet at a point on the horizon (this point is known as the vanishing point)...”
There are more implied lines (at the top of the doorways) creating a parallel line.
“Parallel lines that meet at a point on the horizon (of a 2D plane)...”
Next, there are literal lines (on the ceiling) that create a parallel line.
Now, there are more literal lines (on the ceiling) creating parallel lines.
Eventually, all the literal and implied lines meet at the vanishing point.
The definition continues with “...to create a sense of depth that mimics 3D recession” Now, the definition is complete, "parallel lines that meet at a point on the horizon of a 2D plane to convey a sense of depth that mimics 3D recession or depth." Notice that the area outside of the window behind Jesus’ head looks like it's further away from us; specifically, that it is in the background.
Notice something else? On what form are all the lines directed to on the horizon? Jesus. In this composition, da Vinci is suggesting that Jesus is the most important figure
Two-point perspectiveTwo-point perspective occurs when the vertical edge of a cube is facing the viewer, exposing two sides that recede into the distance, one to each vanishing point. Two-point Perspective
Caillebotte's (1848-1894) Paris Street; Rainy Day is an example of a work that uses two-point perspective. This type of perspective can be seen in the building in the background on the left-hand side of the composition. Gustave Caillebotte. Paris Street; Rainy Day. 1877. Oil on canvas. 83.5 in. x 108.7 in.
Atmospheric PerspectiveAsher B. Durand. Kindred Spirits. 1849. Oil on canvas. 45.98 in. x 35.98 in. Atmospheric perspective is an artistic technique on a 2D plane that mimics what the eye sees when looking at forms in the distance. All of the following criteria must be present for atmospheric perspective to be seen.
Notice the difference in the value between the forms in the foreground and those in the background.
Although there are generally plants and streams of water in the mountains, such a level of detail cannot be seen in the background of this painting.
In real life, mountains are larger in size than men, but in this composition, the men are just as large (if not larger) than the mountains in the background.
Summary
Sources
2.5: Visual Elements of Art- Space and Perspective is shared under a CC BY-SA license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by LibreTexts. What element of art that is used to create an illusion of depth it can be twoSpace is used to create the illusion of depth within an artwork. It can also refer to the positive and negative space between, around, or within objects. Forms are three-dimensional (length, width, height) and can be viewed from many angles.
Which technique can be used to show the illusion of depth?Linear Perspective
It is the use of lines and edges of objects to depict perspective distortion and thus the illusion of depth.
What is the visual illusion of depth in a twoDiagonal lines as diminishing scale
An exemplification of diminishing scale, diagonal lines moving towards each other as they move up or down a painting or sketch give the illusion of depth. A real world example of this is a straight road that becomes skinnier as it approaches the distant horizon.
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