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Year 9

Principles of art: depth

I can use a range of methods to create depth in my artwork

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New
New
Year 9

Principles of art: depth

I can use a range of methods to create depth in my artwork

Download all resources
Share activities with pupils

These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.

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These resources were created for remote use during the pandemic and are not designed for classroom teaching.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Depth is the illusion of distance between the foreground and background of a composition on a flat surface
  2. There are several ways of creating depth in an image, such as overlapping objects
  3. 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.


To help you plan your year 9 art and design lesson on: Principles of art: depth, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

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.
Teacher tip

Equipment

Coloured paper, scissors, glue, pencils, still life objects (bottles, jars boxes etc)

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

Lesson video

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Prior knowledge starter quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
Match the term to its definition.
Correct Answer:Depth,The distance between the background and the front of an image

The distance between the background and the front of an image

Correct Answer:Horizon,Line where sky meets land

Line where sky meets land

Correct Answer:Vanishing point,Lines in linear perspective intersect here

Lines in linear perspective intersect here

Q2.
How does perspective create an illusion of depth?
By using bright colours
By arranging items in a line
Correct answer: By converging diagonal lines
By adding texture
Q3.
What describes atmospheric perspective?
When bright colours are vibrant
When clear outlines create shapes
Correct answer: When colour and clarity reduce with distance
When accurate proportions are used throughout
Q4.
What are isometric drawings often used for?
Correct answer: Products and designs
Architectural drawings
Interior design
Q5.
What distinguishes linear perspective?
Colourful patterns combine to create interest
Different viewpoints are captured
Correct answer: Diagonal lines converge to meet at a point
Uneven scaling creates an abstract image
Q6.
Why might an artist choose not to apply the Western convention of perspective?
Correct answer: To present symbolic or spiritual meaning rather than something realistic
Correct answer: To show power relationships through a visual hierarchy (who is more important)
To present a realistic illusion of 3D space as the eye sees it
Correct answer: To present their own unique way of seeing the world

Assessment exit quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
Match the method to its description as it relates to depth.
Correct Answer:Overlapping objects,Closer objects cover parts of distant ones

Closer objects cover parts of distant ones

Correct Answer:Colour choice,Bright or warm colours appear closer

Bright or warm colours appear closer

Correct Answer:Altering size,Smaller objects seem farther away

Smaller objects seem farther away

Q2.
Which technique enhances depth with colour?
Correct answer: Using bright, warm colours for closer objects
Making all objects the same colour
Using dark, dull colours for foregrounds
Brightening all areas equally
Q3.
How does atmospheric perspective suggest depth?
Sharpening details in the background
Using clearer textures further away
Correct answer: Lightening colours and reducing detail in the distance
Making distant objects larger
Q4.
What role does shading and contrast play in creating depth?
They flatten the image
They highlight important objects
Correct answer: They create the illusion of three-dimensions
They only add colour variety
Q5.
Match the keyword to its meaning.
Correct Answer:Depth,Illusion of distance in a flat image

Illusion of distance in a flat image

Correct Answer:Abstract art,Non-representational, expressive forms

Non-representational, expressive forms

Correct Answer:Perspective,Technique to show space and dimension

Technique to show space and dimension

Q6.
Why do objects appear lighter and less detailed as they move away?
Correct answer: Due to atmospheric effects and focus
Because of the paint texture
To make the scene look flatter
To reduce contrast in the image

Additional material

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