The visual field can be loosely defined as “everything a person sees.” The visual field includes everything that is visually perceived. In the case of examining a painting, the visual field includes not only the painting but also the area around the painting and any shapes that can be perceived in the periphery of vision… the picture frame, the color of the wall that the painting is hung on, etc.

In terms of the visual arts, the visual field is a starting point for understanding visual awareness and can become a directly relevant concept when considering display and presentation.