The Picture Plane in Art

What is the picture plane? The flat surface on which artists work is the picture plane. Artists may use elements on their support to emphasize the flat surface. Artists may also use elements to emphasize space behind the picture plane. It is this use of elements that produce space and depth. For example, in space, colours move toward cool blue and are muted. The first colours that fade are yellow and orange hues. Artists might use linear perspective and overlap to achieve depth. I like some depth in my paintings. I am also constantly aware of the need for a well designed picture plane. Many people see space as a move backwards; artists can also use elements to make their image move in front of the picture plane. We see art works where a child’s leg appears in front of the picture plane as if the child is moving forward and out of the picture.

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