Art Vocab: Linear Perspective

Perspective

A method of drawing or painting so that objects appear correctly in space.

Horizon line

The imaginary or real line where the sky meets the earth, or where an artist’s line of vision lands.  Eye level of the artist.

Vanishing point or points

Points on the horizon line where all receding lines meet.

Orthogonal lines

Invisible diagonal lines that lead to the vanishing point or points.

One point perspective

A type of drawing where all orthogonal lines recede to one point on the horizon line.

Two point perspective

A type of drawing where all orthogonal lines recede to two points on the horizon line.

Perspective was used by the

Egyptians and Greeks used perspective, but not often.   Later, the Greeks used it more.

The Renaissance

This is the era where perspective was used very well and with great skill by many artists

Foreshortening

Drawing an object that is compressed from a certain angle, for instance, if a person holds their arm out so that their hand is right in front of them, this will make their hand look larger compared to the rest of their arm.

Foreground

All area closest to the artist in a drawing or painting.

Middle ground

All area of the painting or artwork that appears in the middle area.

Background

All areas of a piece of art that are as far as visible in the space.