Perspective in Art

We live in a 3-D (3-dimensional world) where most things around us have height, width, and depth - think of an apple or a puppy or a car. But drawings are a 2-dimensional art form - the paper or canvas is flat. So how do you make something look 3-D on a 2-D surface? How do we get that sense of depth and space? That’s the work of perspective!

What is perspective and how does it work?

Have you noticed that things look bigger if they are close to you and smaller if they are further away? This is perspective. It is perspective that helps make things look three dimensional – and creates a sense of space receding into the distance. In these three illustrations of a snowman, the perspective is from the ground level looking toward the sky. The base is much larger than the head, giving you the sense of space and dimension. Also, shading gives us the appearance of a round-shaped snow ball, adding to the 3-D effect on a flat surface. These snowmen really show off perspective in art!

Learn more about perspective by visiting the Tate Gallery’s website.

You might have to sneak around the corner of 57 W. Main to see the works from these fantastic young artists, but after you see them, be sure to add 57 to your game card in the PERSPECTIVE block.