Depth Perception

I have always been fascinated by the phenomena of the reflectiveness, refraction and transparency of water. It can be easily seen by standing at the end of a large swimming pool or in knee deep crystal clear Caribbean ocean water on a sunny day. 

As you look at the water in the distance, you mostly see the reflection of the sky on the surface of the water. As your eye draws a little closer to where you’re standing, the surface reflection diminishes and you begin to see through the water to the bottom. Also, at the transition point, underwater objects seem flattened by the angle of your line of site sight and the refraction of light through the water. As you look down toward your feet the refraction diminishes and you see objects in there truer form.

This is what I wanted to portray with this peaceful painting, Depth Perception (24”x48” acrylic on gallery wrap canvas).

Depth Perception by Alan Zawacki

Clouds and blue sky reflect off of the surface of the calm water in the distance. As your eye moves down closer to where you are standing you begin to see the somewhat flattened appearance of the coral outcroppings on the bottom. 

 

Depth Perception - close-up detail

Then, you look down just a few feet away and you can see completely though the water at the fish swimming around their coral homes. The sunlight that penetrates through the shallow water dances across the bottom in fleeting geometric shapes. 

Depth Perception by Alan Zawacki - available on Houzz

I enjoyed this process so much, I think I will have to do more of these scenes. 

Have a great week, everyone!

Alan