Principles of art: depth
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can use a range of methods to create depth in my artwork
Key learning points
- Depth is the illusion of distance between the foreground and background of a composition on a flat surface
- There are several ways of creating depth in an image, such as overlapping objects
- Shading and contrast can also be used to create an illusion of depth
Keywords
Depth - the distance between the background and the front of an image
Foreground - the area at the front of the picture space
Atmospheric perspective - replicates how your eye sees a scene with more colour and detail towards the front
Common misconception
Depth can only be created in a realistic scene or in a realistic way.
Depth can be entirely imaginary or realistic. Artists can manipulate elements to create the illusion of shapes, colours and lines standing out or recessing in an image.
Teacher tip
For Task A, consider using artworks you have seen in galleries or musuems first hand or you could use works made by older students from your school. Additional information on referenced artists can be found in the additional materials.
Equipment
Coloured paper, scissors, glue, pencils, still life objects (bottles, jars boxes etc)
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match the term to its definition.
The distance between the background and the front of an image
Line where sky meets land
Lines in linear perspective intersect here
Q2.How does perspective create an illusion of depth?
Q3.What describes atmospheric perspective?
Q4.What are isometric drawings often used for?
Q5.What distinguishes linear perspective?
Q6.Why might an artist choose not to apply the Western convention of perspective?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match the method to its description as it relates to depth.
Closer objects cover parts of distant ones
Bright or warm colours appear closer
Smaller objects seem farther away
Q2.Which technique enhances depth with colour?
Q3.How does atmospheric perspective suggest depth?
Q4.What role does shading and contrast play in creating depth?
Q5.Match the keyword to its meaning.
Illusion of distance in a flat image
Non-representational, expressive forms
Technique to show space and dimension
Q6.Why do objects appear lighter and less detailed as they move away?
To help you plan your 9 art and design lesson on: Principles of art: depth, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 9 art and design lesson on: Principles of art: depth, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 3 art and design lessons from the The principles of art unit, dive into the full secondary art and design curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.