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Figure 2.44. Sanford Gifford, A Coming Storm, 1863; retouched and redated in 1880. Oil on canvas, 28 × 42 in. Philadelphia Museum of Art, Philadelphia.
Explain how the formal elements of value, color, line, and texture help artists create an illusion of depth.
The transition of values and the blurry-like appearance of the work is the effect of atmospheric perspective, which tries to mimic real-life; as objects recede in space, the viewer sees these with reduced clarity.
Throughout the composition, contrast and balance are achieved using an intense warm palette of colors - predominantly oranges and red- oranges- anchored by a gradation of neutrals.
The paint's application in such areas as the clouds, the mountains, and the water's reflection gives the overall composition the illusion of depth and implies a smooth tactile quality. While the solid and expressive lines used to describe rock formation and the foliage invite the viewer to touch these.
The artist employs curvilinear organic lines and shapes to describe the lush landscape.