One-point Perspective

Using one-point perspective, parallel lines converge to one point somewhere in the distance. This point is called the vanishing point (VP). This gives objects an impression of depth. When drawing using one point perspective all objects vanish to one common point somewhere on the horizon. The sides of an object diminish towards the vanishing point. All vertical and horizontal lines though are drawn with no perspective. i.e. face on. Linear perspective is based on the way the human eye sees the world—objects which are closer appear larger, and more distant objects appear smaller. To create this illusion of space, the artist establishes a vanishing point on the horizon line. Objects are drawn using orthogonal lines which lead to the vanishing point(s). In one-point perspective, the forms are seen face on and are drawn to a single vanishing point. Objects seen at an angle would be drawn with two-point perspective using two vanishing points. In this lesson we'll focus on one point perspective.

In one-point perspective objects are viewed "face on“ and there is only one vanishing point. Orthogonal lines are inserted here to show where the vanishing point is. All vertical lines are perpendicular to the bottom edge of the picture. Along with orthogonal and horizontal lines they make up a one-point perspective drawing. Renaissance artists were the first to use linear perspective to show depth. This is Raphael's School of Athens

To illustrate one-point perspective as seen in a photograph, the Orthogonal Lines have been drawn to the Vanishing Point.

Can you locate the horizon line, orthogonal lines and vanishing point in this painting? Edward Hopper - Gas, 1940

Edward Hopper - Gas, 1940

Vincent's bedroom in Arles is one of the best known painting by one of the most famous painter. The funny thing is that this painting was Van Gogh's own favorite scene and that he painted five versions of it : two sketches and three oil paintings. Vincent's bedroom as it is has been redone after the first of the three oil paintings, dated October 1888 and currently exhibited in the Van Gogh museum in Amsterdam. The painter describe his room in detail in several letters he wrote to his brother Theo. Another painting of his room is exhibited in the Musee d'Orsay in Paris and the third one is in the Art Institute of Chicago. The first painting is considered to be the most accomplished because of its vivid colours and elaborate technique. You are invited to walk into this major piece of art history. Vincent Van Gogh also used one-point perspective in this very different painting of his bedroom in Arles. Where are the horizon line, orthogonal lines and vanishing point in this painting?

Vincent's bedroom in Arles is one of the best known painting by one of the most famous painter. The funny thing is that this painting was Van Gogh's own favorite scene and that he painted five versions of it : two sketches and three oil paintings. Vincent's bedroom as it is has been redone after the first of the three oil paintings, dated October 1888 and currently exhibited in the Van Gogh museum in Amsterdam. The painter describe his room in detail in several letters he wrote to his brother Theo. Another painting of his room is exhibited in the Musee d'Orsay in Paris and the third one is in the Art Institute of Chicago. The first painting is considered to be the most accomplished because of its vivid colours and elaborate technique. You are invited to walk into this major piece of art history.

Constructing a box in one point perspective 1. Draw a horizon and place a vanishing point (VP) somewhere on this line.

2. Draw a square somewhere beneath the horizon 2. Draw a square somewhere beneath the horizon. This will be the front of your box

3. Draw four lines, one from each corner of the square which also pass through the vanishing point.

4. To complete the box, draw in the back vertical and an horizontal

The final box in all its glory!

Draw more boxes and add details to create a city street scene.