Atmospheric Perspective

Atmospheric perspective, also called aerial perspective is the diminishing of distant objects via color, clarity, and contrast.  Particles in the atmosphere cause distant objects to appear to fade into the distant atmosphere or take on some of their color.  This is a real effect that nature displays over great distances, especially in climates in which there are particles in the air, whether that be humidity, dust, pollution, etc.

In this acrylic tutorial I explain how to create more depth in a landscape painting through the use of atmospheric perspective. The painted techniques are simple enough and although the demonstration is in acrylics the same technique can be applied to oil paints as well.