Atmospheric Perspective Cool and Warm Colors

In this activity, students will examine images that illustrate atmospheric perception (a technique of rendering depth or distance in design by modifying the saturation of objects perceived as receding from the picture plane, especially by reducing distinctive local colors and contrasts of light and dark to a uniform color. source: Dictionary.com).

After making observations about the images below, students will use Pixlr, a graphics editing program to create an interpretation of a landscape that illustrates atmospheric perspective, cool or warm colors, color saturation, foreground and background relationship, and layering.

 

 

 

 

 

Look at the above images. What observations can you make? Are the mountains similar shapes? Colors? How many layers do you see in each picture? What happens to the mountains when they are farther away?

• Warm colors — such as red, yellow, and orange; evoke warmth because they remind us of things like the sun or fire.
• Cool colors — such as blue, green, and purple (violet); evoke a cool feeling because they remind us of things like water or grass.

Using Pixlr, students will create both a cool and warm colored landscape composition.

1. Open Pixlr.

2. Select “CREATE A NEW IMAGE.”

3. Set your Brush Tool to a diameter of 200.

Set the main color (Choose either a warm color or cool color).

Paint the sky.

Select a darker, more saturated color and paint the most distant landform.

Select a darker color and paint closer landforms.

Select File to Save your image.

Name the file “lastname-landscape” and save to your computer.

Upload to your Google Drive.

STANDARDS ADDRESSED

1.0 ARTISTIC PERCEPTION

Processing, Analyzing, and Responding to Sensory Information Through the Language and Skills Unique to the Visual Arts

Students perceive and respond to works of art, objects in nature, events, and the environment. They also use the vocabulary of the visual arts to express their observations.

Develop Perceptual Skills and Visual Arts Vocabulary

• 1.1 Perceive and describe repetition and balance in nature, in the environment, and in works of art.
• 1.2 Perceive and discuss differences in mood created by warm and cool colors.

Analyze Art Elements and Principles of Design

• 1.3 Identify the elements of art in objects in nature, the environment, and works of art, emphasizing line, color, shape/form, texture, and space.

Communication and Expression Through Original Works of Art

• 2.3 Depict the illusion of depth (space) in a work of art, using overlapping shapes, relative size, and placement within the picture.

Common Core State Standards K-12 Technology Skills Scope and Sequence : W 6, SL 5 Use painting and drawing tools/ applications to create and edit work.