The Picture Plane in Fine Art

The picture plane in art is the flat surface on which artists paint, i.e. canvas. This flat surface is also a make-believe plane; artists can create false spatial impressions. Forms can seem flat on the picture plane, i.e the lower edge of the water. Forms can be behind the picture plane, i.e. the windmill and green trees. Forms can appear in front of the picture plane. In my painting, Impression Windmill, my forms are behind the picture plane and create a feeling of depth and space. In the image I altered with Photoshop, I made the bottom fence extend in front of the picture plane. The fence is protruding into the viewers’ space. Artists may paint a figure with the lower leg stepping outside and in front of the picture plane. There are many other forms that artists use to create an illusion of space extending in front of the picture plane, i.e. the petal of a flower, the wing of a bird. These are intimate and animated connections with viewers.

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