Linear Perspective is a geometric method of representing on paper the way that objects appear to get smaller and closer together, the further away they are.
The invention of linear perspective is generally attributed to the Florentine architect Brunelleschi, and the ideas continued to be developed and used by Renaissance artists, notably Piero Della Francesca and Andrea Mantegna. The first book to include a treatise on Perspective, 'On Painting' was published by Leon Battista Alberti in 1436.
Imagine driving along a very straight desert on a grassy plain - the road, the fences and power-poles all diminishing towards a single spot far ahead of you. That's single-point perspective. Single- or one-point perspective is a simplest method of making objects look three-dimensional. It is often used for interior views or trompe l'oeil (trick-the-eye) effects. Objects must be placed to that the front sides are parallel to the picture plane, with the side edges receding to a single point. Take a look at Da Vinci's Study for Adoration of the Magi to see the effect. (Notice how the building is placed so that it faces the viewer, with the stairs and side walls diminishing towards a single point in the center.)
Two-point perspective is slightly more complex, as both the front and back edges, and side edges, of an object must be diminished towards vanishing points. Two-point perspective is often used when drawing buildings in the landscape. The effect can be carried even further, with three-point perspective used to create impressive visual effects, such as a view from a skyscraper.
Learn to Draw One-Point Perspective
I never saw an ugly thing in my life: for let the form of an object be what it may, - light, shade, and perspective will always make it beautiful" - John Constable.
One-Point Perspective
How to Draw Perspective
Draw a Box Using One-Point Perspective
Let's draw a box using one-point perspective. First, draw a horizon line about one-third down your page. Mark a spot roughly in the middle of the line. That's your vanishing point.
Now, draw a rectangle about two-thirds down the page, roughly in the middle. Lightly draw lines from the top two corners to the vanishing point.
Draw a horizontal line between these two orthogonals ('vanishing lines'). This is the back of the box. Darken the lines between this horizontal and the box, and erase the rest of the vanishing lines up to the horizon. There! A 3-D box.
If you draw a box to the side of the vanishing point, you will need to also draw a vanishing line from the bottom corner, as show in the example. When you draw the horizontal to make the back of the box, just drop a vertical line from where it meets the top orthogonal down to the bottom one, to give you the rear edge of the box.
Experiment drawing boxes in different places in relation to the vanishing point and horizon.
Here's how to draw a box using simple two-point perspective. If you haven't tried it before it might look complicated, so just draw one step at a time.
First, draw your horizon line across the top of the page. Mark two vanishing points, as far apart as possible.
Draw a short vertical line for the front corner of your box (the black line in the picture) and then draw a construction line ('orthogonal') from the top and bottom of the line, to each vanishing point (the dark blue lines).
Next draw a vertical line to the left of your 'front corner', between the top and bottom construction lines (the magenta line). From the top and bottom points of this line, draw construction lines back to the RIGHT vanishing point (VP2). Next, draw a similar vertical line to the right of your 'front corner', and from the top and bottom points of this line, draw construction lines back to the LEFT vanishing point (VP1).
Where the top construction lines intersect, drop a vertical line to the intersection of the bottom construction lines - this will give you the back corner of the box (the green line).
Erase the construction lines and any interior lines (unless it's a fishtank!)
Try this exercise using a horizon line at different heights, and placing the box in different places in relation to the vanishing points. Note that 'realistic' perspective requires vanishing points that are very far apart - try using a large piece of scrap paper under your drawing paper, and making your vanishing points as far apart as the table (and your ruler) will allow.
Try this great Java Applet which allows you to move the vanishing points and points on the box and observe the effect on perspective. (It may take a little while to load.)
Use one of those ellipse guide templates! The are available from stationary and art stores. The ellipses on the template are circles in varying degrees of perspective. Just line up the little marks with your orthogonals (vanishing lines) and hey presto! A circle in perspective.
Constructing a Roof in 2-Point Perspective:
First, draw a box in 2-point perspective for the building.
1. Draw two diagonals joining opposite corners at each end of the building.
2. Draw a vertical from the intersection of the diagonals to the desired height of the roof.
3. Draw the slope of the roof from the top to the front corners.
4. Draw the orthagonal (vanishing line) from the top of the roof to the vanishing point in the direction of the rear of the building.
5. Draw a vertical from intersection of the diagonals drawn on the rear of the building to the orthagonal at the top of the roof.
6. Draw the slope of the roof from the back corner of the building to the intersection of the orthagonal and the central vertical you just drew.
Natural Perspective:
To look realistic, vanishing points need to be quite far apart. If you can't fit them on your page, try using thumbtacks and a string 'ruler' on a large table or wall. Kids, ask mom first!
Perspective Tips