Perspective

The representation of three dimensional objects on a flat surface to produce the same impression of distance and relative size as that perceived by the human eye.

One Point Linear Perspective

A way to show 3-D objects on a 2-D surface, using one vanishing point. One object faces the viewer; the lines defining other objects in the artwork recede at an angle to a single vanishing point on the horizon line.

Two Point Linear Perspective

A way to show 3-D objects on a 2-D surface, using two vanishing points and two sets of converging lines to represent forms. These forms are seen from an angle and have two receding sides.

Horizon Line

eye level

Picture Plane

A flat surface or plane that the artist organizes the picture in.

Converging Lines

In linear perspective, lines that represent the parallel edges of an object; these may be drawn to converge to a single vanishing point.

Vanishing Point

A point on the eye-level line, toward which parallel lines are made to recede and meet in perspective drawing.

High and Low Placement

A technique in which the artist places an object lower in the picture plane to make it appear closer to us than another object placed higher.

Overlapping

A technique in which the artist creates the illusion of depth by placing one object in front of the other.

Aerial Perspective

The diminishing of color intensity to lighter and duller hues to give the illusion of distance.