aerial perspective, atmospheric perspective definition

Often employed in painting, aerial perspective is the way in which an illusion of space and depth is created through the use of atmospheric techniques.  These techniques include making forms in the background region with less contrast and softer edges than those in the forefront of the picture plane.  Often in atmospheric perspective there exists a change from warmer hues to cool hues.  In general, warmer colors come forward, and cooler colors recede (advancing and retreating color).  The atmospheric effect in a picture is due to the degree of moisture suspended in the air.  Chinese painters especially employ atmospheric perspective by using clouds or inserting mists in various value tones among the middle areas of the picture plane and introducing fainter tones in the far distance.  Aerial perspective is often used together with linear perspective to create a strong sense of spatial depth in the picture.