from Mitch Baird

The picture below is complicated because it has many different levels, which can be confusing. But, by using some simple tools, you can figure out where the horizon line is. With buildings, a good way to find the horizon line is by looking for flat parts of the structure. For example, you can look at how the window sills or roof shingles line up to see where your eyes meet the horizon.

You can also figure out the height compared to other things like decks or water. By knowing the height of objects, like a grill or a chair, you can calculate your eye level and consequently position other elements accurately within the space. For example, if a grill is four feet high, you can use that to figure out where your observer’s elevation is. In turn, this helps with placing figures or objects consistently within the environment, and then placing other things correctly in the painting:

In a landscape, without buildings to help, you can still find the horizon line by looking at how plants like bushes line up. These plants get smaller and lead to a vanishing point on the horizon. Famous landscape painter James Reynolds used this trick to guide people through his paintings. See a painting of his below:

He didn’t do this by accident. He placed bushes in a line to help our brains find the horizon line.

Knowing how to find the horizon line and using measurements in both buildings and nature is important in creating an accurate representation. This knowledge allows artists to establish a viewer’s vantage point and integrate elements cohesively within the space.

Mitch Baird’s mentoring course offers personalized guidance, helping you understand and develop your unique style. Through detailed demonstrations and constructive feedback, Mitch is with you every step of the way. Join Mitch for his next open enrollment period: