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The way we see and the way we draw.
Many years ago, when religion ruled art, there was no such thing as perspective. Important objects were drawn large to attract attention, and unimportant objects were drawn small. It was only in the 5th century BC that artists began to attempt painting the illusion of space. It was discovered the relative size of an object could produce the illusion of space and depth.
Here is an example of a drawing that does not use perspective to create the illusion of depth.
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| Notice how the image appears flat. The only depth is created by over lap. |
Here are some early examples of perspective.
Perspective can be drawn (or painted) in many ways.
One way is called One point perspective.
Here is an example of One-Point perspective.
notice how all lines are drawn to a single point (the vanishing point).
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| one point perspective |
The perspective can be come more complicated by adding a second vanishing point. Here are some examples of Two-Point perspective.
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Two Point Perspective
VPL is the Vanishing point left
VPR is the Vanishing point right. |
Again this can be come more complex if a third Vanishing point is added. This is called Three-Point perspective. Here is an example.
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Three Point Perspective
Using three vanishing points the illusion of real space is enhanced.
Three point perspective is also called Parallel Perspective.
(note the lines drawn to the vanishing points) |
The most complicated form of perspective is called Four Point Perspective or Infinite Point Perspective. Here is an example of Three, Four, and Five point perspective.
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| Infinite Perspective. |
With out thinking about it we see perspective drawings everyday. We take for granted how useful it is and how difficult it is to draw. If you would like to practice here are some grids that can help you master one, two, three, and even four point perspective. click the link
the link.
Now if you just want to see what can be done with perspective check out these drawings from some of the masters.
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| M.C. Escher was a master of perspective. Here is an impossible staircase that he drew. Notice how it goes up and down, but never goes anywhere. |
