Atmospheric Perspective

Atmospheric perspective works on the premise that objects in the foreground are darker and, as they recede from the viewer, become lighter. This technique and concept is very common in landscape artwork. Another principle of atmospheric perspective is that objects closer to the viewer have more detail. Detail always comes forward, regardless of whether it is light or dark.

Notice how the foreground rocks in this drawing have more detail and contrast and are larger. As they move toward the horizon line, the detail, contrast, and size diminish.

Artists use atmospheric perspective to achieve greater depth and realism in their artwork. In botanical illustration, leaves are often so close together that a drawing can look compressed. To create a more open feeling, use a natural progression of fading to achieve atmospheric perspective.

In this example, I faded all the leaves on the back of the branch. I toned the back leaves first, lifted some of the values with a kneaded eraser, and then toned the leaves in the foreground, adding more of the light source, contrast, and detail.