The dictionary defines perspective as:
The art of drawing solid objects on a two-dimensional surface so as to give the right impression of their height, width, depth, and position in relation to each other when viewed from a particular point.
A particular attitude toward or way of regarding something; a point of view, as in "most guidebook history is written from the editor's perspective."
Seeing Clouds on Their Level
I had the great opportunity to visit Europe twice in the last twelve months. Before that, I had not been on an airplane in 15 years, and much to my disappointment the seats are smaller and the boarding process is worse than ever. The window etiquette has changed too.
I have many great recollections of cloud-viewing from planes, mostly from below, through, or above them. What’s the deal with people being adamant about keeping the window shutters closed to such beauty?
As my plane approached Savannah we were flying in clear skies with cloud bank a hundred miles away toward the Atlantic Ocean. We were flying at the same level as the clouds, which gave me the impression of the clouds being landscapes. Cliffs and mountains, amazing! I have never seen or noticed the clouds from this angle before.
Perspectives and Painting
Linear perspective is thought to have been devised about 1415 by Italian Renaissance architect Filippo Brunelleschi and later documented by architect and writer Leon Battista Alberti in 1435.
Linear perspective is creating the illusion of distance.
When one is drawing or painting there are a few ways to create the effect of distance.
One can use a point or multiple points on the canvas horizon line as guides to diminish the size of buildings, trees, people, or any object as it recedes into the distance.
One can add bluish tints to a receding mountain’s color (as opposed to the local/real color), creating a distance effect.
One can place one object in front of another and vary the size. This creates the illusion of depth.
Perspective and Magic
Somewhere along my painting journey, I was taught this gem:
Your job as a painter is the same as that of a magician. You are creating an illusion.
I have often voiced dislike of what many people define as abstract painting, at least until the obvious fact that putting a 3-dimensional scene on a 2-dimensional canvas is abstracting the painting, thus creating an illusion.
My Plans for the Clouds
I have painted many landscapes and seascapes with dramatic clouds. Now I plan to paint the clouds as if they are the landscape.
Another Perspective
So there is this person who gets to read two or three books a week. They get to work out at the gym a couple of times a day. They have their meals prepared for them. And there are a lot of people who want to have sex with them.
But still they complain about being in jail. Ha!
Two perspectives at work there.
Fall Special
Until the end of November I am offering a free, original,14x11, oil painting with every painting purchased from my website.
I have 40-50 to choose from.
Don’t forget—a painting lasts for generations. From now until the end of November you will be able to hang a meaningful painting on your wall and receive a second one to give as a gift or also hang on your wall.
Please contact me directly at ravensnatureart@yahoo.com and I will promptly email images of the 14x11s to anyone who is interested.
My perspective changes dramatically if I don't get enough sleep, LOL. Here's to babies sleeping through the night!!!
I hear that.