picture plane

The picture plane is the flat, two-dimensional surface on which an artist creates an image, such as a canvas or paper. Think of it as the "window" through which you view the scene—a barrier between the viewer and the three-dimensional world. Artists manipulate the picture plane by arranging objects, using perspective and composition to create depth, making a flat surface appear as if it has space and volume. In essence, the picture plane serves as the boundary that captures and conveys visual information from reality into a visual artwork.