The visual system is a “funny” thing sometimes, which projects a variety of unique functions. These can be related to many things such as simply viewing the words on a large screen or understanding the depth cues that are presented within a simple piece of art. Many times they are designed within these paintings and images, which allow our eyes to adjust to the depth or even the overall artwork itself. Ever wonder why a flat canvas looks like it goes beyond the actual painting or frame? If its just a flat screen or piece of paper why do these objects or things look farther away then others, when really its only 3 feet from my face? It’s because of monocular and binocular depth cues. The image crosses both retinas in each eye, and is the same. There are certain times were there is retinal disparity or even convergence occurring as we look at these paintings or images. For artists, they have been able to create the impression of depth on a 2-dimensonial surface by using the depth cues in which create our visual perception within everyday society. When this occurs it happens so easily, and for us it occurs so frequently that it is never really noticed or appreciated. There are two types of monocular depth cues that depend only on what’s available on a certain page, which are pictorial depth cues. Additionally, there are those that rely on the perception of motion called motion parallax or relative motion. Shown in the images within this article you can see how your eyes will adjust accordingly. For the painting your eyes will observe all the little details within it, while you climb through the painting itself all the way to the very back at the horizon line. Whereas, the other photo illustrates how you eyes will focus on one specific image at a time, because they can’t generate both simultaneously. You will either see a vase or two people facing one another, but not together. Your eyes will simply shift back and forth between the two to produce the image. So next time you get lost in a painting or your eyes generate simple images for you, take a moment and say thanks a lot eye balls for being so awesome!