As a budding artist, you’ve likely heard people talk about the foreground, middle ground, and background of a painting. But what, exactly, do they mean by this? Here, we break down the meanings so that you can use them to your advantage as you begin your artistic career.
Foreground
The foreground refers to the area of space or object in the painting that is closest to the viewer. If your focal point is in the foreground, then it will appear close and intimate while objects in the middle ground and background are simply there to complement it.
Middle Ground
The middle ground is, as the name suggests, in the middle of the painting. If your focal point is in the middle ground of your painting, then it will appear balanced and natural. Many landscape paintings have their focal point in the middle ground.
Background
Finally, there’s the background. This is the area of the painting that is furthest away from the viewer. If your focal point is in the background, it will appear distant and will pull your viewer’s eyes towards the back of the painting. For example, many sunset or sunrise paintings have their focal points in the background.
Understanding the foreground, middle ground, and background of a painting is essential for creating a realistic space. To learn more, be sure to attend one of our classes or workshops! Look through our selection on our website or give us a call at 603-672-2500.