A technique used by painters for representing three-dimensional space on a flat two-dimensional surface by creating the illusion of depth, or recession within a painting or drawing. Atmospheric perspective suggests that objects closer to the viewer are sharper in detail, colour intensity, and value contrast than those farther away. As objects move closer to the horizon they gradually fade to a bluish grey and details blur, imitating the way distant objects appear to the human eye. Also called aerial perspective.