Linear Perspective

We started our linear perspective unit by learning the basics about this art technique. First, you begin by making a vanishing point on your paper, usually in the middle of the page. Then, draw a horizontal horizon line that intersects the vanishing point. As a general rule, this should be at about the height of a person in the drawing's eye. When making an object, start by drawing the 2D surface facing the viewer. Then, draw orthogonals coming off of the points in this 2D shape and connect them to the vanishing point. After this, extra lines can be erased and detail added to make the object more realistic. This way, the illusion is given that the object is 3D, and the farther away parts of it get, the smaller they appear. We started by using random shapes to practice this technique. I used a 2H pencil to draw interesting, unique shapes. Then I used a ruler to draw the orthogonals towards the vanishing point, the pencil again to draw in where the shape ended (these lines mirrored the original surface of the shape that is closest to the viewer), and an eraser to get rid of the exes lines. Our next step was to prepare for our final summative assessment by applying linear perspective to a drawing of a room. Again, I used a 2H pencil and followed a similar process. Originally, I was using a 2B pencil to make much lighter lines and shading. However, I then switched to a softer lead to make my lines more defined. Finally, we began our summative project. The criteria for this was to take a picture of a hallway somewhere in our school, and to use that as a bases for our drawing. I took pictures of a few different places, but decided they were all too boring. So, I went out into the school again in search of a more interesting and inspiring area. Eventually I found the portion of the hallway with windows on either side and plants, near the library. After I drew the basics of the image using the linear perspective technique, my original plan was to essentially mirror the image exactly and maybe add a few extra patterns. However, like my first hallway pictures, I found this to be too dull. Instead, I used colored pencil to draw in an abundance of plants, moss, flowers, and vines.

In this project, I used line elements to create principles of balance with the linear perspective technique so all of my objects and perspectives looked more realistic. I also used elements of color and value to bring principles of contrast and unity to the artpiece. I incorporated colors that would match those of the greenery I was drawing, and added different values to show shadows and the various types of plants Included. The overall use of color for the plants tied the entire thing together, giving it unity.

In my final art piece, I decided to take the ordinary halls of our school and add aspects of surrealism by covering the entire hallway with various plants, some creeping in through the windows, growing out of the floor, or emerging from vents. I was inspired to do this by all of the messages from the Earth Club posted around our school. Considering they've made it into every hall, locker room, and even bathroom, when I saw the plants in this hallway I immediately drew the connection. In this piece, I am proudest of how the overall aesthetic of the plant-takeover turned out. I haven't worked with colored pencils in a while and really enjoyed it. Because of this however, I did originally struggle with getting used to the style of colored pencil. I eventually adjusted though, and am happy with how my work turned out.