Artists use the term space in a variety of ways. We are using it to describe both the area that surrounds shapes/forms and the illusion of depth on a picture plane.
Picture Plane- the flat surface on which a picture is created.
Perspective- refers to a wide variety of techniques that artists use to create an illusion of three-dimensional space beyond the picture plane, including diminishing scale perspective, stacked perspective, overlapping forms, atmospheric perspective, and chiaroscuro.
Diminishing Scale Perspective- artists can create the illusion of depth on a two-dimensional surface by making some objects smaller than other. The smaller objects will appear to be farther away.
Stacked Perspective- Artists can create an illusion of depth on a two-dimensional surface by placing some objects higher in the composition. The objects higher up in the composition will appear to be farther away.
Overlapping Forms- Artists can create an illusion of depth on a two-dimensional surface by placing two or more figures next to each other so that one figure is presented only in part and its missing part corresponds to the position of another figure. The whole figure will appear to be in standing in front of the partial figure.
Atmospheric Perspective- This term derives from the way certain weather conditions (atmosphere, haze, fog) can make distant objects seem fuzzy. Artists can create the illusion of depth on a two-dimensional picture plane through gradations of texture, tone or color. Objects that the artists wants to appear to be close are made more detailed, darker, and warmer in color. Objects that the artist wants to appear to be farther away are made less detailed, lighter and cooler in color.
Chiaroscuro- In two dimensional works of art, artists use chiaroscuro to create the illusion of depth through the dramatic contrast of light and shadow. The term chiaroscuro derives from an Italian compound word meaning light (chiaro) and dark (oscuro).