Perspectives Drawing
Activity: My Town with Atmospheric Perspective
Level: 2nd year EPVA (lower secondary)
Duration: 1 session (50–60 minutes)
Objective: Understand atmospheric perspective by showing how objects appear lighter, less detailed, and softer as they move farther away.
1. Introduction (5–10 minutes)
Explain that when we look at a town or landscape from a distance, things that are far away look different from things that are close.
Key ideas of atmospheric perspective:
- Near objects → darker colours, more detail
- Far objects → lighter colours, less detail
- Very far objects → slightly bluish or grey
Near objects → darker colours, more detail
Objects close to the viewer appear sharper and more saturated because there is little air between the viewer and the object.
Far objects → lighter colours, less detail
As distance increases, air and tiny particles scatter light, making objects look paler and softer.
Very far objects → slightly bluish or grey
2. Basic Drawing of the Town (10–15 minutes)
Students draw a view of their town from a distance, as if they were looking at it from a hill.
Steps:
- Draw a horizon line.
- Sketch the shape of the town with houses and buildings.
- Add elements such as:
- hills or mountains behind the town
- trees
- roads
- a church tower or important building
Objects closer to the viewer should be larger, while distant elements should be smaller.
3. Applying Atmospheric Perspective (15–20 minutes)
Students apply three simple zones:
Foreground (near):
- darker colours
- more details
- stronger outlines
Middle ground:
- medium colours
- some details
Background (far):
- lighter colours
- fewer details
- softer outlines
They can lightly use blue or grey on distant mountains or buildings.
4. Colouring (10–15 minutes)
Students colour the drawing keeping the distance effect:
- stronger colours in the foreground
- softer, lighter colours in the background
Encourage them to simplify shapes in the distance.
5. Discussion (5 minutes)
Ask students:
How did colour and detail create depth?
Which parts of the drawing look closest?
Which parts look far away?
