When landscape painting a subject at medium to far distance, it can often appear flat. Include an object of interest in the foreground to enhance the sense of depth. This leads the viewer’s eye into the scene, from the foreground to the subject in the distance. Generally, use less detail, and texture in the background.

A vanishing point, or point of convergence, is a key element in many works of art. In a linear perspective drawing, the vanishing point is the spot on the horizon line to which the receding parallel lines diminish. It is what allows us to create drawings, paintings, and photographs that have a three-dimensional look.

Linear perspective is a technique used by artists to create the illusion of depth and space using relative size and position of a group of objects. To achieve this effect, there are three essential components needed in creating a painting or drawing using linear perspective: Orthogonals (also known as parallel lines)

However, for an initial sketch or when drawing from imagination, there are several proven methods to create the illusion of depth.

1. Volume. Unlike flat objects, 3D objects appear to have volume and therefore indicate depth in the painting.
2. Size.
3. Overlap.
4. Position/Height.
5. Contrast & Details.
6. Edges.
7. Horizon.
8. Perspective.

There are endless ways to apply texture mediums. You can apply the texture mediums with: palette knife – a very useful tool if you want to mix the medium with paint or other mediums on your palette before applying it to canvas. A palette knife is usually my main tool for applying texture mediums.

Sand. The most common substance added to paints to create a textured final product is sand. Specifically, silica sand that is sold by home improvement and hardware stores for mixing with paint.