Art Speak - Define: Orientation

ORIENTATION
Portrait or Landscape
There are 2 ways that a rectangular painting 
can be turned and 
it is referred to as a paintings orientation. 
A paintings orientation can be either 
Portrait or Landscape

Portrait is where a painting is taller (vertical) 
than wider (horizontal). 

 Landscape is wider (vertical) than taller (horizontal). 

A couple tricks to remembering which is which - 
Portrait - when we look at a person we look 
up and down (vertical) & 
people are taller that wider

Landscape - we look side to side (horizontal) &
the horizon is vast and wide

It is not the content of the painting that determines orientation. A painting of a person reclining can have a landscape orientation and a painting of tall trees can have a portrait orientation.

Landscape Orientation

'FAITH' 6' X 2' Oil on Canvas on Board

Portrait Orientation

Local 36' x 16' Oil on Board