Atmospheric perspective

State College, Pennsylvania. September 6, 2018.

Atmospheric perspective is a way to create the illusion of depth in a painting. Generally, elements in the foreground have saturation and contrast, while elements in the distance are muted and lighter.

In nature, this can be seen when one looks toward the horizon – through an atmosphere full of particles and moisture – to see light-blue mountains or a hazy skyline. Off in the distance, things are less saturated. Foggy.

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Our long-term goals can fall victim to perceived atmospheric perspective.

It's easier to focus on what's in front of our faces – what's visible in high contrast, saturated with color.

It's possible to forget that the things on the horizon are vibrant too. That our job is not to remain still – where things are clear and in focus – but to aim just beyond our vision.

To point, and to go with purpose... knowing that the atmosphere has a muting effect. That what we can see of our destination is not nearly as vivid as it will be when we get there.