Definition: Foreshortening occurs when an object appears compressed when seen from a particular viewpoint, and the effect of perspective causes distortion. Foreshortening is a particularly effective artistic device, used to give the impression of three-dimensional volume and create drama in a picture.
Foreshortening is most successful when accurately rendered on the picture plane to create the illusion of a figure in space.
Common Misspellings: forshortening
