Drawing in Perspective

Have you ever noticed that when something is far away it looks smaller than it does up close? This is an example of perspective. Things that are closer to us will always appear larger, and things that are far away appear smaller.

The technique of drawing in perspective allows an artist to give the appearance of three dimensional/3D space on a two dimensional/2D surface.

Before you can begin drawing you need to learn/review a little vocabulary:

Horizon Line: The Horizon Line is the place where the ground and the sky seem to meet. When drawing in perspective the horizon line represents the viewer's eye level. You can see the top of an object if it is below eye level, below the Horizon Line. If an object is above eye level, above the Horizon Line, you cannot see its top.

Vanishing Point: The place where receding lines converge, or the place where all lines go to.

In one point perspective the Vanishing point is always on the horizon line.Think of a road disappearing in the distance. The sides of the road seem to meet at the Vanishing Point. As things get closer to the Vanishing Point they get smaller and smaller until they appear to vanish.

Orthogonals:They represent receding parallel lines. The rails and the outside edges of the road are examples of orthogonals. Parts of orthogonal lines are often erased.

Vertical lines: Lines that go from the top of the page to bottom of the page and are perpendicular to the bottom edge of the picture.

Perpendicular: When two lines make a right angle, which is 90 degrees, they are perpendicular. Corners of rooms are great examples of right angles..

Parallel Lines: Lines that never cross and run near each other, like the “L”s in the word parallel

For you to start drawing in one-point perspective you need:

  • pencil
  • eraser
  • ruler
  • practice paper
  • ONE-POINT PERSPECTIVE:ROOM worksheet
  • Most importantly a positive attitude!

Information and Requirements for your Final Room

Supplies:

  • 9”x12” Drawing paper
  • Pencil
  • Eraser
  • Ruler
  • Colored Pencils
  • Positive attitude

Part 1: Complete Room Drawing practice with class

Part 2: Do

Use the “Steps for Drawing a Room in Perspective” to draw your room.

Before Moving on to Part III make sure your drawing includes:

  • Back wall
  • Door
  • At least one window
  • Bed
  • Some other piece of furniture -dresser, night stand, etc.

Extras: rugs, posters, pictures on the wall, etc.

Part III: Adding Color- Value, Pattern and Texture

You are now ready to bring your drawing to life with color!

Supplies:

  • Colored pencils
  • Positive Attitude

Use colored pencils to add color. Have fun! Think about things like wall paper, colorful patterned blankets on for your bed, wood floors, whatever you can think of!

You must include

  • Value-light to dark.
  • Pattern- repeating designs
  • Texture- what something might feel like if you touched it

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