Atmospheric perspective

Standing in front of a grand view, you may have noticed that the colours of the objects, hills or mountains in the distance seem less vivid than those nearby. Details become less sharp, too. This is atmospheric perspective, also called aerial perspective, at work.

The effect comes from what the atmosphere does to colour and light in the distance. The more air between you and a mountain, the more its colours and details fade. If there’s mist, fog, dust or pollution, the effect can be more pronounced.

On a blue sky day, distant objects take on a bluer tone, ultimately gently blending into the colour of the sky. Have a look at the colour of distant hills compared to the sky next time you get the right view.

Leonardo da Vinci (one of my heroes) noticed this and used it in his paintings to add depth and realism. He understood that distant mountains weren’t themselves blue—the atmosphere between him and the mountains made them appear that way. With subtle changes in colour and tone, and details fading into the distance, he created the realistic haze of his far-off landscapes.

This scene painted from our ascent of Mt Rainier in the Pacific Northwest. And here’s a sunset version .

This sketch also appears in my book Big Ideas Little Pictures

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