Chapter 4 Linear Perspectives and Cubic Shapes

Objectives Understand the concept of linear perspective and explain its importance for realistic drawing. Create a line drawing of a cube using one-point and two-point perspective. See cubes in the underlying structures of objects and, therefore, understand how to draw them. Use shading and tone to render a realistic drawing of a cubic object.

Linear Perspective Horizontal lines appear to converge to the horizon line, the artist’s eye level. Closer objects appear larger than objects farther away.

One-Point Perspective Horizontal lines converge to one vanishing point. You see two (not three) surfaces of the cube. Measure position of back corners on front face for accuracy.

Two-Point Perspective Horizontal lines converge to two vanishing points. You see three surfaces of the cube. Measure relative sizes of sides and angles; position of corners on faces.

Cubic Shapes The six equal sides of a cube don’t appear equal in size. Linear perspective is important in drawing cubic (and rectangular) shapes. Adding tone gives the cube the appearance of volume.

Drawing Cubic Shapes (1 of 2) Determine whether you see the cube in one-point or two-point perspective. Edges are established by contrast in value.

Drawing Cubic Shapes (2 of 2) Light area is in the direct path of the light. Shadow areas have reflected light. A cube has two cast shadows—thin dark line under second side.

Summary (1 of 2) Linear perspective One-point perspective Parallel horizontal lines appear to converge toward the horizon line (your eye level). Nearby objects look larger than objects that are farther away. One-point perspective Lines converge at one point on the horizon line. Two-point perspective Lines converge on two points.

Summary (2 of 2) The cube is one of the four basic shapes. If you can see two faces of a cube, use one-point perspective. If you can see three faces of a cube, use two-point perspective.