The perspective of an open door

[ArtWench]

Hi all! Having problems figuring out how much to foreshorten an open door. This is coming from my imagination, so I don't have any reference photos. I was going on the theory that the swing path is an elipses whose depth is dependent upon the perspective; however, I am wondering if there is not an easier method available?

[jwcarroll]

Got a door where you are at? If so open it to the approximate spot as in your painting and then position yourself in about the same spot as the point of view of the painting and see how the door looks. I do this all the time.

[KrystalB333]

JWCarroll is right - the best way to figure it out is to see it. If you need a smaller perspective of a door, maybe use the cover of a hardcover book to see the angles.

[Basalt]

Originally Posted by ArtWench

Hi all! Having problems figuring out how much to foreshorten an open door. This is coming from my imagination, so I don't have any reference photos. I was going on the theory that the swing path is an elipses whose depth is dependent upon the perspective; however, I am wondering if there is not an easier method available?

I'm not sure if its easier, but there is a way. It's been a very long time and I don't think I can explain it like this.

image from:
http://www.khulsey.com/tutorialimage...grid-final.jpg

You have to draw a top view (Plan) of the door (shown at top, not a door in this case). If you drew your door swing in this view it would be a circle.

Connect your edges to the SP, (Station Point).
Where they intersect the picture plane, bring them straight down.
Heights are determined by the side elevation.

That's the basics...there's more rules on where to place vanishing points etc. etc. etc

[FarisBermamet]

Just download google sketchup. It's free. You can easily draw the dimensions in meters or whatever you need then position the camera to get the perspective you need. Take a screenshot, done.

This program can help you in many other scenes from your imagination as well if simple structures is what you need.

I studied perspective and the best source I found was from a Gwen White book. I understand it now, but really after I understood how much calculation that thing needs some things are just not worth the hassle.