2D Design…

1. 2D Design…

2. Illusion of Space and Depth

3. We live in a three-dimensional world of depth. When we look around us, some things seem closer, some further away. The artist can also show the illusion of depth by using the following means: • Size & Vertical Location • Overlapping • Detail (Aerial or Atmospheric Perspective) • Linear Perspective

4. Size & Vertical Location • Since objects in our environment look smaller when they are farther away, the easiest way to show depth is to vary the size of objects, with closer objects being larger and more distant objects being smaller.  • As well, we perceive objects that are higher on the page and smaller as being further away than objects which are in the forefront of a picture. 

5. Overlapping • When objects are partially obscured by other objects in front of them, we perceive them as further back than the covering objects. • We do not see them as incomplete forms, just further back.

6. Detail (Aerial or Atmospheric Perspective) • Atmospheric perspective uses color and value contrasts to show depth. • Objects which are further away generally have less distinct contrast - they may fade into the background or become indistinct dark areas. • The foreground objects will be clear with sharper contrast.  Aerial Perspective ~ Creating a sense of depth in painting by imitating the way the atmosphere makes distant objects appear less distinct and more bluish than they would be if nearby. Also known as atmospheric perspective.

7. Linear Perspective (Converging Lines) • Linear perspective is based on the idea that all lines will converge on a common point on the horizon called the vanishing point. • You have observed linear perspective when you notice that the lines on the highway appear to meet at a point in the distance. • Artists use linear perspective to create a focal point for a picture. • Any walls, ceilings, floors or other objects with lines will appear to come together at the horizon line. • These lines converging lead our eyes towards that point. • Often, the most important object or person in the picture will be located at that point.

8. You can see in the drawing above how all the lines in the drawing seem to lead your eye toward the “main” building in the center back of the drawing.

9. More on Linear Perspective Linear Perspective • Linear perspective is a mathematical system for creating the illusion of space and distance on a flat surface. • To use linear perspective an artist must first imagine the picture surface as an "open window" through which to see the painted world. Straight lines are then drawn on the canvas to represent the horizon and "visual rays" connecting the viewer's eye to a point in the distance. • The horizon line runs across the canvas at the eye level of the viewer. The horizon line is where the sky appears to meet the ground. • The vanishing point should be located near the center of the horizon line. The vanishing point is where all parallel lines (orthogonals) that run towards the horizon line appear to come together like train tracks in the distance. • Orthogonal lines are "visual rays" helping the viewer's eye to connect points around the edges of the canvas to the vanishing point. An artist uses them to align the edges of walls and paving stones.

10. In this study for Adoration of the Magi, Leonardo has carefully drawn all of the lines needed to create perspective before sketching in all the figures. Look carefully and see if you can find the horizon line, orthogonals, and vanishing point.

12. One method used to attract attention in the design of a page or work of art is the use of a focal point. • A focal point draws your attention to the most important element on the page. There are several techniques used to emphasize the most important object on a page. Ways to Create a Focal Point: Emphasis by Contrast  • In realistic art the focal point is usually quite easy to spot. • Larger figures, usually found in the foreground, provide a focal point. • Even in non-realistic art, it is usually easy to spot the focal point. If most of the figures are horizontal, a vertical element will stand out as a focal point. Emphasis: regular vs irregular If the rest of the elements are irregular, a geometric shape will stand out. Emphasis: contrast

13. If most of the elements are dark, a splash of light color will catch the eye Emphasis by Isolation  If most of the elements in a work of art are grouped closely together, an object by itself stands out as a focal point.

14. Emphasis by Placement  An object placed in the center will often be perceived as a focal point. If all eyes in the painting look at one object, or if an object is placed at the center of the lines of perspective, that object will be perceived as the focus of the work. This painting by John Trumbull, entitled The Surrender of Lord Cornwallis, shows how a focal point can be emphasized both by placement and by eye direction.