In the Higher Art and Design Exam you could use any of the following to discuss Viewpoint:
position of subject in relation to the artist or viewer
description of the viewpoint — for example eye-level, elevated viewpoint, low viewpoint, bird’s-eye view, close-up
multiple viewpoints
effect on perspective
effect on the composition
effect on mood and atmosphere
effect on visual impact
Sheep Being Brought from their Grazing on the Island of Copinsay for Sale in Kirkwall (c.1978)
by Chick Chalmers
black and white photograph (19 x 30 cm)
An elevated viewpoint is used as the photographer is standing at the front of the boat slightly above the subject matter. We see this as we can see the tops of the sheep. This allows the edge of the boat to act as a frame for the detail of the sheep making them a focus within the composition.
the farmer’s body is facing the viewer showing a slightly more eye level view to the photographer as we progress through the photo. He is looking away into the distance causing to the viewer to look where he is gazing over the water which reinforces a laid-back atmosphere.
the expanse of water creates a wide viewpoint, reinforcing distance and the remoteness of the neighbouring island therefore creating a sense of expanse and depth within the photo.
the photographer’s viewpoint is off balance, which can be seen in the angled horizon line. This suggests movement in the water and the boat creating an illusion that you are on the journey with them.
In the Higher Art and Design Exam you could use any of the following to discuss Perspective:
linear perspective
one-point, two-point, three-point perspective
multiple perspectives
aerial perspective
illusion of depth and distance
perspective created by use of visual elements and expressive art elements
effect on mood and atmosphere
effect on visual impact
Venice, from the Porch of Madonna della Salute (c.1835) by JMW Turner
Oil on canvas (91 × 122 cm)
the artist has used a wide angle perspective, which creates a sense of depth as the buildings appear to gradually fade into the distance this gives realistic visual impact as it is what we expect to see within a landscape.
The artist has used a linear perspective, through using leading lines which get smaller towards a vanishing point, this gives an impression of distance with the buildings becoming progressively smaller towards the background of the painting further emphasing realistic depth.
The artist has painted the sky as a dominant feature, creating the perspective of a low horizon leading the eye from the foreground and through the artwork into the distant background this gives the impression the viewer is perhaps elevated and surveying the scene from perhaps a balcony.
The artist has painted the buildings and boats to have greater detail in the foreground emphasising their relative closeness, yet the more distant ones are smaller with less detail this also contributes to realistic depth within the piece through continuing to give the viewer what they expect.