Atmospheric Perspective: Two Color Theories

When painting depth in landscapes, color is just as important as value. This short lesson explores two main color theories that explain how pigments shift as they move into the distance.

This lesson is part of the Acrylic Landscape Painting Fundamentals Course.

Two Color Theories for Atmospheric Perspective

There are two popular approaches to describe how color changes with distance 

1. More Blue Theory – As colors recede, they gain more blue.
   Air and light scatter warm wavelengths, leaving cooler ones behind.
   The result: distant trees, hills, and mountains often appear lighter and bluer.
2. Less Yellow Theory – Instead of adding blue, you gradually remove yellow from your mixes.
   Foreground greens are warmer and more yellow; as they recede, yellow fades, leaving cooler greens that feel more distant and calm.

Both methods work. The key is to experiment and decide which approach gives your landscapes the most natural depth.

You can even combine them — reducing yellow and introducing subtle blue shifts — for the most convincing results.

Course Navigation

Previous Lesson: Atmospheric Perspective 101
Next Lesson: Atmospheric Perspective Color Demo
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Recommended Acrylic Painting Materials

• Princeton Catalyst Brushes – Flats (#6, #12), Rounds (#4, #8), Fan (#4), Liner Brush
  Durable synthetic bristles for versatile acrylic techniques
• Liquitex Heavy Body Acrylic Paint – Essential Colors
  Cadmium Yellow, Yellow Ochre, Alizarin Crimson, Cadmium Red Light, Ultramarine Blue, Cobalt Blue, Burnt Sienna, Titanium White
• Winsor & Newton Cotton Canvas
  Reliable stretched canvas for studio and plein air work
• Strathmore 400 Series Mixed Media Paper
  Heavyweight, acid-free paper for acrylic and mixed media
• Fabriano Artistico 140lb Cold Press Paper
  Excellent for acrylic, mixed media, and textured effects
• Blick Multi-Colored Painting Knife Set
  Variety of shapes for texture, scraping, and bold strokes
• Miscellaneous: Two pint-sized water containers, paper towels (from Home Depot or Walmart)
• Note: I use canvas or sturdy cardboard as my palette — no store-bought palettes needed.