Basics 101: Class 2 – Foundation of Perspective

[ShellyK01]

Hi, such a simple question, but I’m still having problems getting my vanishing points to not vanish off the paper (at least 6-12 inches on either side) and high up. What’s the solution? Is it just “use bigger/wider paper”?

Or do I have to change where I’m viewing my cube from? I’m sitting mostly straight onto my cubes and viewing them from just a bit above eye level.

Or do I need taller cubic forms? Have just realized that my second attempt was almost the same proportions as the tissue box.

I remember learning perspective in school, and needing a page at least a foot wide to include the vanishing points on my cityscape drawing.

Thanks,
Shelly

See latest attempt below. I’m well aware that the lines are wrong, but only because I just eyeballed and extended them out, without yet having a vanishing point to line them up with.

[Anonymous]

Shelly – You’re very perseverant :thumbsup:.

What’s the solution? Is it just “use bigger/wider paper”?

There are a few possibilities:
— tape a piece of scrap paper to the side
— (on a drawing table) use drawing pins and pieces of string
— (contemporary technology) use image manipulation software

Also, very often it is not necessary to draw the VL’s all the way up to the VP. At least with some experience :).
If unsure, you can take it further, but obviously there are 2 lines that need correcting:

But don’t dwell too long in this class. Be bold and draw the “still life” of 4 boxes. Don’t bother too much about the geometrically correct perspective, if it looks good it is good enough. As a matter of fact, linear perspective is only a mathematical approximation, it is NOT exactly as we see the real life.

[ShellyK01]

Hi Arnoud,

Here is my still life of 4 boxes. The second box is actually a rectangular vase peeking out from the back. The others are just cereal boxes.

Before I shade this, am I on the right track? To my untrained eye, the vanishing points look reasonable. (Although I’m a little unsure about the bottom of box 1.)
Box 3 was facing me straight on, which is why both vanishing lines are angled back up the page.

Thanks,
Shelly

[Anonymous]

Shelly – Very well done :thumbsup:.
The lines towards the “far” VP’s should converge a tad faster in order to come together on the EL. But no worries, only mathematicians would spot it :lol:.

Keep up the good work :thumbsup:

[Mimi007]

I need help understanding the idea of how to draw in perspective. I read a couple of the articles and looked at other students work. It all makes sense until I try to draw by myself.
Please look at Fig. A I can copy! But look at Fig B that I tried to do my myself. I drew lines from the rectangle to the VP but then could not figure out where to draw the second little rectangle.

Thanks in advance for your help. Kathy

[Mimi007]

I think I’m beginning to understand!

Thanks for looking at these attempts. I appreciate it.

[Anonymous]

I think I’m beginning to understand!…

Yes, very well :clap:.
Now using perspective to construct objects is only one aspect, mainly of interest to architects and illustrators who draw from imagination. When drawing from life or photos, perspective is a tool to check whether your interpretation is correct. That is by drawing vanishing lines on the existing drawing. There are a few photos where you can practice – these are not meant to be copied.
When doing the assignments of boxes, table, etc. draw first (the big shapes, no details) as well as possible, then check with VL’s and correct if needed. That is the fastest way to learn :thumbsup:.

[Mimi007]

Thanks again!

[ShellyK01]

Kathy, let me know how you go. I’m in exactly the same spot as you. Trying to draw the big shapes accurately, and find the vanishing points. And fit it all on the page.

I have trouble getting the horizon line to fit on the paper. My suggestion is to arrange your boxes, then sit and stare straight ahead. Eyes directly forward. Then keep your head still and look at your boxes. If you have to move your eyes down A LOT. or up A LOT. then the horizon line won’t fit on the paper. Re-arrange your boxes so that they are either to the left, straight ahead or to right of your eyes when you are staring straight ahead.

Arnoud, sorry if this is not correct or not good advice. It took me ages of drawing boxes to figure this out. Physics is not my strong point.

Good luck,
Shelly

[Mimi007]

Thanks Shelly! I’m working on the Kleenex box now.

Kathy

[ShellyK01]

Me too. I’m off to shade my four boxes.

[ShellyK01]

Hello Arnoud, I finished my four boxes. Got a couple of good learnings out of it.

1 is that I was focusing so much on accurate construction lines that I forgot these should be faint and incorporated into the shading. My drawing looks a little “shady” because of it.
2 is that it’s as much about shading around the background of the boxes as inside the edges of the boxes. I had a really cool elliptical lamp that was throwing a cool circular shadow behind them. Didn’t really do it justice with my shading though.
3. Shading technique will always be important, quality and not rushing really shows. Some parts I did better than others.
4. Having a second piece of paper taped underneath creates a line when I rub over it. I forgot about that.

Here it is…

[Mimi007]

These are my 4 boxes and the reference photo. Next I’ll try to find the VPs.

Thanks for your patience. I’m trying!

[Mimi007]

Kleenex box reference picture and the kleenex box with VL . VL are green.

Thanks for your assistance! Much appreciated.

[Anonymous]

…. If you have to move your eyes down A LOT. or up A LOT. then the horizon line won’t fit on the paper. Re-arrange your boxes so that they are either to the left, straight ahead or to right of your eyes when you are staring straight ahead.

Arnoud, sorry if this is not correct or not good advice. It took me ages of drawing boxes to figure this out…..

It is not wrong. On the other hand – I’ll admit you need some practice with it :thumbsup: – it is quite possible to guesstimate whether the VP’s are about on the same level without drawing them completely up to the EL.

[Author]

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