Perspective Drawings

Understanding linear perspective

Objective:

Learn and the understand how to create shapes using linear perspective.

Supplies:

Paper, ruler, pencil.

Terms:

Perspective - The technique artists use to project an illusion of the three-dimensional world onto a two-dimensional surface. Perspective helps to create a sense of depth -- of receding space. Fundamental techniques used to achieve perspective are: controlling variation between sizes of depicted subjects, overlapping some of them, and placing those that are on the depicted ground as lower when nearer and higher when deeper. In addition, there are three major types of perspective: aerial perspective, herringbone perspective, and linear perspective.

Linear perspective - A system of drawing or painting in which the artist attempts to create the illusion of spatial depth on a two-dimensional surface. It works by following consistent geometric rules for rendering objects as they appear to the human eye. For instance, we see parallel lines as converging in the distance, although in reality they do not. Stated another way, the lines of buildings and other objects in a picture are slanted inward making them appear to extend back into space. If lengthened these lines will meet at a point along an imaginary horizontal line representing the eye level. Each such imaginary line is called an orthogonal. The point at which such lines meet is called a vanishing point.

The invention of linear perspective dates to the early 1400s, with Filippo Brunelleschi's experiments in perspective painting and Leon Battista Alberti's treatise on perspective theory.

Irregular applications of linear perspective have resulted in various optical illusions and anamorphous.

Vanishing point - In linear perspective, the place on the horizon where parallel lines seem to meet.

Horizon line - A level line where water or land seems to end and the sky begins. Vanishing points are usually located on this line. The image behind this text features a horizon line separating sky from sea -- which, as you look lower, morphs into sky again, etc. (Notice too, the way rows of waves are depicted as receding toward vanishing points.)

Parallel - Two or more straight lines or edges on the same plane that do not intersect. Parallel lines have the same direction.

Craftsmanship-A person who practices a craft with great skill; The technique, style, and quality of working. Having a high degree of excellence. The quality of a thing tends to be increased the more care its maker puts into its making.

Target skills:

Craftsmanship

Patience

Ruler/Straight edge drawing skills

Worksheet: Perspective Drawing Work Sheet

Rubric: Microsoft Word format

Pictorial Step by Step Instructions

Step #1 In three point perspective, draw the letter of your first name lightly in pencil. For the second letter of your name, make sure the the front of the letter faces a different direction. Vary the direction and size of the letters. Try to keep the name readable.   Step #2 Below your first name, start your last name. Follow the same procedure as your first name.   Step #3 When all the letters have been drawn, paint the letters using some type of color scheme such as: warm colors, cool colors, analogous colors, monochromatic colors, or neutrals.   Step #4 Use your sharpie to outline the letters. Make sure you use a straight edge. No free hand drawing.