How to Make a Painting Appear to Have Depth

This image softens the hills in the background.

Depth and space first appeared in paintings in the Renaissance. Artists developed a system in which all forms followed orthogonal lines converged on a single point. Buildings, people and landscapes within these lines appeared smaller and darker as they grew closer to the single point called the vanishing point. With the use of color, shadow and foreshortening, painters can create a sense of depth to their two-dimensional surfaces.

Instructions

1. Overlap objects to show that they are closer to the viewer. Paint trees or people in front of other forms in the image. Paint these images larger depending on how close or far they are from both the viewer and the other forms in the painting. Use greater detail in the larger objects.

2. Use shading to create space. Mix several colors beginning with the color of the form you wish to shade and darken each subsequent color until you have an adequate range. Use lighter tones on the areas only lightly shaded and darker tones where the shadows are heavier. Use the same imaginary light source throughout the painting.

3. Add softer cool colors to forms far in the distant such as mountains. Make each subsequent form slightly more blue than the last. Lessen the contrast and detail; this creates the feeling of atmosphere. Use brighter, warmer colors for images in the foreground.

4. Paint objects that are closer to the viewer near the bottom of the painting and objects that are farther away near the middle and top, if painting outdoors. Utilize ceilings and floors in indoor paintings by painting the ceiling at a downward angle and the floor at an upward angle.

References

• Cycle Back; Trying to Make 3D into 2D; David Rudd
• Art History; Learn About Renaissance Art
• Empty Easel; How to Paint Landscapes with Depth; Doris Glovier

Resources

• Christopher Tyler; Darkness and Depth in Early Renaissance Painting