1 Point Perspective
One point perspective: definition
Dictionary.com define one point perspective as:
…a mathematical system for representing three-dimensional objects and space on a two-dimensional surface by means of intersecting lines that are drawn vertically and horizontally and that radiate from one point on a horizon line…
Although this definition sounds complicated, the concept is relatively simple. One point perspective is a drawing method that shows how things appear to get smaller as they get further away, converging towards a single ‘vanishing point’ on the horizon line. It is a way of drawing objects upon a flat piece of paper (or other drawing surface) so that they look three-dimensional and realistic.
Rules of perspective: true shapes, vanishing points and horizon lines
In one point perspective, surfaces that face the viewer appear as their true shape, without any distortion.
Surfaces that travel away from the viewer, on the other hand, converge towards a single ‘vanishing point‘. This is a point that is located directly in front of the viewer’s eyes, on a ‘horizon line’ (also known as an ‘eye level line’).
Key Points:
Surfaces that face the viewer are drawn using their true shape
Surfaces that travel away from the viewer converge towards a single vanishing point
EXERCISE 1: CUBES AND RECTANGULAR BLOCKS
Drawing rectangular blocks is often the first one point perspective lesson given to students. It is a simple exercise that provides a solid foundation for things to come.
This worksheet explains how to draw a cube in one point perspective and takes you through drawing these above, below and in line with the horizon line. It introduces the importance of line weights and highlights the effect of positioning objects in relation to the horizon line.
By the completion of this exercise, you should be able to:
Use appropriate line weights (light lines for construction lines; dark lines for outlines)
Position a vanishing point and horizon line correctly
Understand that:
Objects above the horizon line are drawn as if you are looking up at them (you see the bottom of the object)
Objects below the horizon line are drawn as if you are looking down at them (you see the top of the object)
Objects that are neither above nor below the horizon line are drawn as if you are looking directly at them (you see neither the top or the bottom of the object)
Exercise 2: stacking, holes and angles
This worksheet illustrates how to stack blocks, cut away portions and add unusual angles in a one point perspective drawing, creating gradually more complex forms.
By the completion of this exercise, you should be able to:
Draw stacked blocks of different sizes
Draw blocks that have holes cut out of them, projecting construction lines to find the back edge of the cut area
Slice pieces off blocks and/or add unusual angles
Once you feel confident with drawing these items, you may wish to add more challenging forms, such as letters and/or triangular shaped prisms.
Exercise 3: finding centres and equal spaces
This video explains how to equally divide items in one point perspective, allowing you to draw fence posts, lamp posts, and equally spaced windows or buildings.
By the completion of this exercise, you should be able to:
Find the centre of any rectangular surface using the ‘corner to corner’ method (this works even on surfaces that are receding towards the vanishing point)
Divide the surface of any rectangular block into any number of equal parts
Draw tiles on a floor in one point perspective
Draw repeating elements, such as fence posts, receding into the distance
Exercise 4: one point perspective cityscape
Drawing a road and surrounding cityscape (either imagined or observed from real life) is a great follow-up activity to the previous exercises. A one point perspective street scene typically combines repetitive manmade elements with stacked, cut and angular forms. This exercise can be as challenging or minimal as desired, allowing able students to move ahead and produce detailed, elaborate drawings.
