Which technique helps an artist create depth in a landscape painting?

The technique that helps an artist create depth in a landscape painting is through overlapping and size variation. When objects in a painting overlap, it suggests that one object is in front of another, which establishes a sense of spatial organization and helps the viewer perceive the layering of the landscape. Additionally, varying the size of objects plays a crucial role; smaller objects tend to appear further away, while larger objects seem closer to the viewer. This principle, often referred to as atmospheric perspective, enhances the three-dimensional quality of the painting and allows the viewer to feel as though they are looking into a deep space rather than a flat surface.

In contrast, while the use of bright colors can attract attention and suggest different moods or times of day, it does not inherently create depth. Similarly, shadowing techniques can add dimension and volume to objects but may not be sufficient on their own to establish a comprehensive sense of depth relative to a landscape. Flat coloring lacks the visual cues necessary to convey depth, as it presents objects without variation in color intensity or contrast that could indicate distance or layering.