The Perspective: (2) BASIC PRINCIPLES
In this second part of our perspective guide, we dive into the fundamental rules that make classical perspective work. These basic principles are the foundation for everything that follows — from drawing simple cubes to complex scenes. Understanding them will help you create realistic depth in your drawings.
The Basic Principles
Classical perspective rests on the following principles:
- The observer is “placed” (sitting, standing, lying down — it doesn’t matter) on the theoretical ground which is a perfectly horizontal and infinite plane in all directions.
- The observer is considered vertical.
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Check Price on Amazon →The height of the observer’s eye (remember, we are always considering only one eye) defines the observer’s horizon line. The exact location where the observer’s eye is situated is called the point of view.
The Basic Principles (Continued)
The seated character’s eye level does not allow him to see either the top face or the bottom face of the cube. In this situation, he only sees a square.
The character perched on the step, on the other hand, is able to see the top face of the cube slightly.
The point toward which the lines extending the horizontal edges of the cube converge is the vanishing point.
Note: Without the representation of the non-visible edges, it would be difficult to understand certain represented volumes.
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Check Price on Amazon →The Main Lines of Perspective
To draw in perspective, it is necessary to base your work on numerous straight lines. There are 3 main types:
- Horizon lines: For now, we reduce them to the observer’s single horizon line. It corresponds to the level of the observer’s eye. It carries the vanishing points of all “cubes” where one face is parallel to the theoretical ground (whether the cube is resting on the ground or floating in the air).
- Vanishing lines (or receding lines / fuyantes): The lines that prolong an edge of the cube and join a vanishing point.
- Line of vision: The line that horizontally cuts the cone of vision through its middle. It coincides with the horizon line if the observer looks straight ahead, and separates from it if he looks down (plunge view) or up (counter-plunge view).
The same house can undergo very significant deformations depending on the perspective taken into account (2 vanishing points, 3 vanishing points in plunge view or 3 vanishing points in counter-plunge view, for example).
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Check Price on Amazon →Next in the series: Why do we always talk about cubes? + How to draw a cube in 0, 1, 2 and 3 vanishing points.