This is a painting from the 14th Century This is a painting from the 14th Century. What looks odd about this picture?

This is a slightly later painting. How does this artist show space?

Elements of Art: SPACE & VALUE The feeling of space in a drawing or painting is always an illusion; the illusion of depth on a 2-D surface.  Artists combine the use of the degrees of light and dark value with other techniques to create the illusion of depth or volume to a subject. SPACE! Some of these are: simple overlapping, and linear perspective.  Let’s see how each is used to create the illusion of space in flat, two-dimensional objects like paintings.

The painting on the right is the Mona Lisa by Leonardo Da Vinci The painting on the right is the Mona Lisa by Leonardo Da Vinci. How is it different from the painting on the left?

Simple overlapping In simple overlapping a figure partially hides an object that’s supposed to be behind it. Since our eyes are easily fooled, we willingly agree that one is closer, the other is further away. 

Linear perspective Linear perspective is a geometric, mathematical method using receding lines called orthogonals that move toward a vanishing point.  1 and 2 point perspective .

Leonardo da Vinci used one point perspective to indicate depth in his paintings.

Look at this painting again Look at this painting again. This room is the inside of a cube in one point perspective “The Last Supper” by Leonardo da Vinci

Where is the vanishing point? How can you tell?

We are going to learn how to draw in one point perspective. Start by drawing a line for your horizon line

Add a vanishing point

Draw a square somewhere below the horizon line

Draw converging lines from the corners of the square to the vanishing point

Here is the finished cube in one point perspective

Draw 3 cubes above the horizon line 2 cubes on the horizon line 3 cubes below the horizon line

2 Point Perspective

2 Point Perspective

Birdhouse Roof

Now you can add details… try adding a door and/or window