Without depicting natural forms, a painter can suggest three-dimensional space by:
• painting forms with strong contours so there seems to be a separation between figure and ground
• suggesting depth by overlapping forms
• size of forms to suggest receding space
• shading forms to suggest solidity
• using a single light source when shading or casting “shadows”
• decreasing intensity of color and tonal contrast to suggest distance (atmospheric perspective)
Paintings by Lydia Dona evokes a sense of space is evoked with overlapping forms and scumbling to diminish color intensity.