Light perspective in Watercolor

Light perspective in Watercolor

Article by Vladimir London, Watercolor Academy tutor

Another type of perspective that deals with colors and tonal values is light perspective which characterizes the distance of the object from the source of light.

Painting by Vladimir London, Watercolor Academy tutor

It is not very detectable in daylight but becomes more apparent in mornings and evenings. It is also present in interiors with limited natural or artificial light.

When painting dawn and dusk landscapes, an artist has to keep in mind that the rules of aerial perspective can be affected by light perspective. For example, the colors of objects that are further away to the East during dawn can be seen brighter and more saturated than the colors of closer objects which are located to the West. Vice versa during dusk. The same rule applies to painting interiors: objects that are closer to the source of light (a lamp or a window) will appear more colored than closer objects that are less lit.

Painting by Vladimir London, Watercolor Academy tutor

Using linear, aerial and light perspectives, an artist has great possibilities for painting whatever one sees, thinks or imagines, depicting objects in space and distance, describing infinite nuances of light, and portraying nature with greater realism.

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