Wish you could capture scenes in plein air? Obsessed with urban sketching but don't know where to start? Do you find form and perspective intimidating or boring? Perspective is considered to be one of the fundamental components of drawing. A beginner artist may think that it only has to be mastered by landscape or cityscape artists, but this is not the case at all. Understanding perspective and how to create the illusion of depth is essential in order to render believable scenes in all kinds of art, whether it's still-life, interiors, and even animal and portraiture-based artwork. In this post I will explain a few key terms and ideas to grasp before moving on to the One and Two Point Perspective drawing techniques. I will also suggest specific exercises and provide you with downloadable grids that you can use to improve your drawing and visualization skills. With a bit of practice you'll gain the confidence to get out there and start sketching in plein air, which is so important and gratifying as an artist! I remember first learning very basic perspective in Art class at some point in Elementary school. Our teacher taught us about simple One Point Perspective and we were asked to create a landscape drawing including a path going off into the distance. I remember how my mind was blown back then as I started realizing that creating realistic artwork is quite simply knowing how to apply a series of optical illusions in order to make the viewer believe that a picture has real-life qualities (be it texture, volume, depth, etc.). Later on in life, I learned about more complex perspective in one of my first semesters at university, where I took an incredibly difficult course that architecture students took. I was super scared because this class involved numbers, Geometry and being extremely clean/precise. As a child, I had always been terrible at Math and, to the day, I have a tendency to tune out when calculations and numbers come up in conversations! The professor was incredibly strict and took off points for any little extra pencil or eraser mark on our assignments, but I passed the course and I honestly learned a ton. That class fast-forwarded my ability to visualize objects in space and gave me the abilities I needed later in order to begin creating realistic art. I promise it is not too hard! If I can do it, you can do it! Understanding Perspective in Real Life and in Art Perspective is what gives a picture a sense of three-dimensionality and depth. Take a moment to look out your closest window. Observe how the trees/buildings/houses closest to you appear larger, while the trees/buildings/houses farther from you appear much smaller. Even though the tree closest to you may, in reality, be the same size as a tree farther away from you, they appear to be different sizes to you due to the fact that you are standing at the specific point you are in. Artists must master the ability to create this effect on a flat, two-dimensional surface, be it paper, canvas, or whatever substrate is used. The more complex a picture is, the more important it is for the artist to approach the piece in a methodical and careful fashion. Take a minute to analyze the following famous masterpiece by the great artist Raphael. In this fresco we are able to see how the arches in the ceilings get smaller and smaller as they get farther away from us in the distance. Likewise, the human figures that are closest to us in the foreground appear larger that the people located in the middleground (more about these terms later). The combination of all of these things creates a very effective sensation of three-dimensionality, perspective and depth. Isn't it just astounding? This famous masterpiece is an excellent example of One Point Perspective, which we will get into in a bit. If we place the One Point Perspective grid on top of the artwork, we are able to see how the artist was able to visualize where to effectively place the elements within the painting. Starting our work with a grid made up of straight lines, allows us to better visualize the three-dimensional space which we will place our shapes upon. Before moving on, here's how the grid applies in a modern picture. Notice how the point at which the lines meet is off center in this image. Follow along with this tutorial to practice 1 and 2 Point Perspectives:
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Perspective Vocabulary Before explaining how to use the One and Two Point Perspective drawing techniques, I would like to just mention a few key art terms we need to be able to understand. 1. Horizon Line This is the line that separates sky from land (in landscapes) or sky from water (in seascapes). It is also referred to as the "eye-level" of the viewer. The Horizon Line doesn't necessarily have to be right in the middle of your picture. In fact, it is a lot better, compositionally speaking, if it is somewhere below or even above the halfway point of your drawing area. 2. Vanishing Point The Vanishing Point is placed somewhere on the Horizon Line and it represents the farthest point in your picture. There can be a number Vanishing Points (One Point Perspective has one, Two Point Perspective has two and Three Point Perspective has three). When creating a grid, this point is were the Orthogonal Lines all meet. 3. Orthogonal Lines Orthogonal Lines (also known as Convergence or Vanishing Lines) are key when drawing perspective. They are diagonal and recede back into the vanishing point(s). A perspective grid can have many Orthogonal Lines or very few of them, depending on the complexity of the picture. The more elements in the picture, the more lines you will probably have to include in your grid. 4. Transversal Lines These are completely horizontal or vertical lines that are either parallel or perpendicular to the horizon line. They form rectangles or right angles along the grid and are especially useful when drawing interiors (I will provide you with an example in a bit). 5. Vantage Point The Vantage Point refers to the specific place from which a scene is viewed. This point can actually be very high (referred to as bird's-eye) or very low (referred to as worm's-eye). It is crucial to decide where the Vantage Point is going to be in the very beginning because this will affect the placement and size of all elements within the composition. Foreground, Middleground and Background are also helpful terms to understand because including a variety of layers within a drawing or painting really helps transmit a sensation of depth. The layer closest to the viewer is referred to as the foreground, behind it is the middleground and the layer furthest from the viewer (which in many cases is simply the sky) is the background. It varies from image to image, but the important thing is that you are able to discern which layers are closest to the viewer and which layers are farther away. This will affect the color placement within the artwork, as well as the sharpness of the elements included in each layer. The image below is an excellent example that illustrates how the elements in the foreground are much more sharp and saturated than the layers behind it. As you can see, elements in the middle ground and background, also get cooler and cooler in temperature as they recede. This is related to another perspective technique called Aerial Perspective which artists can employ along with linear perspective (or by itself) in order to create a sensation of depth and space.
Finally, foreshortening is a drawing technique that helps us create the illusion of an object/person/animal receding into the distance. The object, person or animal is drawn shorter, in a way that makes it seem as if one part of it is closest to the viewer and the other end is far from the viewer. It is a great way to transmit a sense of depth, even when the only subject included in an artwork is an object or a person. When used in extremes, it creates very interesting artwork. Andrea Mantegna's famous Lamentation of Christ (1480) is an excellent example of foreshortening. The picture below also shows foreshortening. If you notice, the man's forearm appears wider than the width of his open hand. This is because his forearm is so much closer to us than his hand! Drawing 3-Dimensional Geometric Forms Knowing how to draw three-dimensional geometric shapes is absolutely necessary before moving on to using the One or Two Point Perspective drawing techniques. Why? Because, here in reality, everything around us has volume (length, width and height). First, practice drawing simple three- dimensional shapes (use the PDFs at the end of the post titled Geometric_Shapes1 and Geometric_Shapes2 for step-by-step instructions). Once you feel more confident, try placing them within the One and Two Point Perspective grids (I have also included both grids at the end for you to use). If you are already great at this, ignore this step. When attempting to draw any geometric shape, straight lines are important. This is even more important when creating three-dimensional shapes because they involve parallel lines and angles. Due to this, I recommend using a ruler in the beginning. If you want to get even more technical, bring out your protractor! Keep in mind that, once you have enough practice, you will be able to create 3D shapes without using any straight-edged tools. Unless you are going for a super clean and precise drawing, slight imperfections will not affect the picture if the perspective is successful overall. How to Apply the One and Two Point Perspective Techniques One, Two and Three Point Perspectives are referred to as ¨Linear Perspectives¨, which means that they rely on the use of straight lines to depict a three-dimensional space and the forms within it. In other words, to apply these techniques we will need to prepare for our drawings by creating grids using a ruler. It is important to note that this grid should be created lightly. Though it will be heavily used throughout the drawing phase, they will be erased later on.
One-Point Perspective
The One-Point Perspective grid is made up of straight lines that converge at the Vanishing Point. Firstly, decide where your Horizon Line will be placed within your drawing area. Secondly, place your Vanishing Point somewhere on your Horizon Line (remember it does not have to be placed right in the center). Then, carefully draw straight lines from one edge of your paper to the other using a ruler, making sure that they all cross at your Vanishing Point. This kind of perspective is excellent to draw simple cityscapes, landscapes and interiors. My suggestion would be to begin using this technique to draw simple landscapes and focus on adding in different organic elements with believable proportions. Then, master placing three-dimensional geometric shapes within the One-Point Perspective grid to effectively transmit a sensation of depth (see picture below). Afterwards, one can move on to buildings and interiors. How to do this exercise: 1. Prepare your One-Point Perspective grid (you can download the PDF at the end or draw it for yourself). 2. Draw a few flat (two dimensional) rectangles or squares anywhere on your grid. 3. Pinpoint the corners/angles of your shapes that are closest to the Vanishing Point (see red highlights in the image). 4. Using your ruler, draw straight lines from the corners of your shapes down to the Vanishing Point. Take into account here that there may be two to three lines, depending on where you placed your shape. 5. Finally, close your shapes with vertical or horizontal lines. Remember to make these lines parallel to the lines you used in your initial two dimensional shape. You're done! Take a moment to analyze this important artwork by Van Gogh. Judging by the lines you can see in the image, where would you say the Vanishing Point is located? Two-Point PerspectiveThe Two-Point Perspective grid is also made up of straight lines that converge at the Vanishing Point, only this time there are two! This grid is going to help us create the effect of viewing objects (think boxes or buildings) as if we are standing on a corner. It is slightly more complex and is often used when drawing buildings in a cityscape or objects at more extreme angles. Let's start practicing! You can decide if you'd like to use the Two-Point Perspective grid I have included at the end of the post, or if you'd like to create it for yourself. Here are the steps you need to follow to make it yourself! To prepare a Two-Point Perspective grid, I usually start by folding my paper in half both lengthwise and widthwise. The horizontal fold will be my Horizon Line in this case. Then, decide where your two Vanishing Points will be on this Horizon Line (I recommend placing them at a good distance from each other). You can see in the image below how I placed my two Vanishing Points close to the edges of my paper. I often like to place them at equal distances from the edges and use a ruler to help me do this. The vertical lines you can see here will be erased and are not really a necessary part of the grid. You can also see that I have folded my paper two more times. Sometimes I like to do this because the folds help me visualize straight lines as I am creating my grids, but they are not necessary either. Next, create small marks using a ruler right on the central vertical fold on your paper. You can decide how close or far apart you want these marks to be (I recommend somewhere between 1.5 to 2 centimeters to start out). To finish the grid, carefully draw lines starting at your Vanishing Points and ending at the marks you previously created on the central vertical line. The lines you draw coming from your left and right Vanishing Points should meet, creating a symmetrical/mirrored effect. By this point your Two-Point Perspective grid should be finished. If you have never used this technique before, I recommend starting out by drawing simple three-dimensional geometric shapes on it. This will help you understand how it works and will set you up for success in your later drawings. Next, use the grid to create a cityscape! Remember, these buildings are nothing more than rectangular prisms with a few details added in. Nothing to be scared about! After enough practice, you will be able to easily conclude what kind of drawing technique you need to apply in each project. The sketch below is something I created a while back. Where would you say that the Vanishing Point is located in this case? Remember that even though certain elements are not always visible within a final piece, the artist must always have them in mind when working so that the sense of perspective is achieved at the end. If you still feel a bit unsure about taking it outside, I recommend searching for pictures of buildings or houses online and apply what you have learned. Draw one single house or building three-dimensionally and move on to groups of houses, then street views, etc. I assure you, you WILL get more and more comfortable. To conclude this post, I leave you with this great da Vinci quote about Perspective: Perspective is to painting what the bridle is to the horse, the rudder to a ship… There are three aspects to perspective. The first has to do with how the size of objects seems to diminish according to distance: the second, the manner in which colors change the farther away they are from the eye; the third defines how objects ought to be finished less carefully the farther away they are.
-Leonardo da Vinci
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27 Comments
Andrea Mae
5/16/2019 02:30:46 am
Thank you for this one. It is a great great help for me. Thank you so much.
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12/26/2019 09:16:25 am
Hi Andrea,
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12/26/2019 09:17:36 am
Hi Valerie,
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Ca Sandra
1/24/2020 12:32:29 am
This was an incredibly well-written, thoroughly researched, and extremely helpful article! I really appreciate the time you took to provide a clear description of each technique, as well as an easily understood drawing. Thank you so much!
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1/26/2020 02:01:42 pm
Hi, Ca Sandra! :)
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Valentin
7/3/2020 02:03:06 pm
Hello,
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7/3/2020 06:31:09 pm
Hi, Valentin!
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Timothy
9/29/2020 10:52:36 am
I would like some extra tips on inward corners in 2-point perspective
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9/29/2020 03:24:08 pm
Hi, Timothy!
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Nikhil
10/31/2020 02:25:11 am
Hey! I choose this website because how gently you've explained such a beautiful "perspective"! This is good teaching to all ages!
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11/2/2020 11:10:50 am
Hi, Nikhil!
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7/5/2021 03:15:03 pm
Hi, there!
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Irmin
3/26/2022 12:14:27 pm
I am a retiree venturing into drawing and painting to explore my creative side.I just happened upon this site in my search for explanation of one point perspective.
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3/30/2022 09:57:04 am
Hey, Irmin!
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Tamer
5/22/2022 02:00:59 pm
Thanks so much for your politeness and great work.
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5/25/2022 04:06:18 pm
Hey, there!
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Lisa
7/10/2022 08:03:23 am
Thank you for taking the time to make this tutorial. I have been desperately trying to understand and learn perspective, and have not been able to grasp it, until your post here. I have finally had my Aha moment with perspective. Thank you, Thank you for the great information and downloads sheets they are so ferry helpful.
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7/12/2022 01:12:01 pm
Hi, Lisa!
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11/4/2022 07:36:37 am
Hi. Amatuer artist here. Even with a bacground (years ago) in engineering drawing at Ga. Tech, at this current age I have struggled with perspectives (80). Been reading a lot of stuff and practicing ... just tried an idea this morning that I would like to pass on for your those who also struggle with the idea. I have created a large piece of cardboard with several anchor points in which I have permanently attached some spots for stretchy string. I do a lot of 16X20 art, so I lay the painting positioned on the work area of the cardboard and can move it around an place it for quick multiple perspective.
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11/4/2022 05:01:34 pm
Hey, Frank!
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Suzanne
5/11/2023 02:24:13 pm
Thanks, Erika, for a terrific lesson. But I need to know.....where is the vanishing point on the Van Gogh painting of the bedroom? I'm guessing the lower right corner of the window? Please let me know, as it's driving me crazy. I appreciate your time.
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5/13/2023 03:08:50 pm
Hi, Suzanne!
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Lori
8/10/2023 11:50:07 pm
My Dad is an artist and paints beautifully! I did not receive any of his talent. 😁 I really enjoy drawing, so I keep on doing it…regardless of not being so good at it. I always struggle with perspective, so this lesson will be most helpful! Thank you for sharing your knowledge!
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8/16/2023 09:58:01 am
Hi Lori,
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Diane Bieber Rawicz
11/21/2024 06:49:08 pm
You are an excellent teacher.
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