Wow, what fantastic worlds you created yesterday. I dig your wacky minds. By the way, if you’ve just joined us, you can start any time. Visit Instagram and search the hashtag #mymatsprep to see the vast array of terrific art being created this week for the MATS Prep.
Today, I’m going to teach you three giant tricks to create depth (distance) in your artwork.
–If you draw something on the top of your page, it looks like it’s far away. For example, if you draw a little house toward the top of your page, it looks like it’s in the distance. That’s because our understanding of distance in art is that the higher up the page, the farther away. And then, by making stuff smaller, it enhances the illusion of distance.
The converse is true: things at the bottom of the page are close to the viewer.
You can enhance this by altering the scale (size) of whatever it is you’re drawing.
–Second, things in the distance are affected by what’s called atmospheric perspective. That means that things far away are more muted (slightly grey-out). This is because there are particles in the air (and maybe even fog), plus human vision is less acute for distance, so it’s going to be softer.
–Third, if you draw something that starts at the bottom of your page, and travels up the page, we ‘read’ it to be moving to the far distance. For example a road, river or a fence will progressively get smaller as it goes up the page. Try it!
Mr. and Mrs. Robert Andrews, Thomas Gainsborough, c. 1748–1750.
Things get smaller and duller as you go up the page, creating distance.
These are three powerful techniques you can use to create a sense of depth in your work.
Why is depth worth creating? Well, I want you to have as many tools in your tool box so should you want to create distance, you know how. For example, let’s say your character is traveling from a lake to a city. You want the reader to enjoy the travel experience. For example, if you were to draw the lake on one page and the city on another, you miss the opportunity to illustrate the adventure.
So take some elements of your work from yesterday (or if you’re just joining us, read up on the previous assignments and jump in now).
Share your images on Instagram: Tag us @makeartthatsells and use hashtags #mymatsprep and #matskidbook
If you are enjoying this content, then you will love the Make Art That Sells courses, and in particular, our course Illustrating Children’s Books. Every day for five weeks, you’ll get a ton of awesomeness to help you grow your art. Sign up now! I am eager to help you kick butt as an illustrator and get some fantastic commissions. MATS works!
Lilla’s Tip of the Day: What’s the deal with art trends? Who cares, anyway? You are your own unique mix. Make your own trends. Lead the way. I have never met two people that are the same. Every person I get to know is an amazing and unique constellation of qualities and personal history. And so are you. Be yourself and you will create your own ‘trends’. Better to be yourself and see where that takes you.
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