Perspective is a fundamental art principle used to accurately draw 3D objects in 2D space, creating an optical illusion in which the 2D drawing appears 3D. This is immensely useful in many aspects of art and design: it can be used to accurately show the scale of environments, is used in the foreshortening seen in complex character poses and is used when drawing three-dimensional props and vehicles. It can also be used to enhance the composition of a piece and lean into the themes and ideas that a piece illustrates.
For example, three-point perspective is utilised to show a strong taper, with the horizon line at the top or bottom of the scene. This allows for an incredibly exaggerated sense of scale, with the forms illustrated in three-point perspective pinching away from the horizon line. This strong pinch gives an impression of scale and could be used to effectively demonstrate the thematic or tonal power of a location or character in a piece.
The two leftmost drawings, both labelled "3PP", show three-point perspective. The upper drawing shows a form with a strong upward pinch tilted at a canted angle, the point of view looking up to the form. The lower drawing showing a l shows the inverse of this, with the point of view looking down onto the form. This is demonstrated with a strong pinch towards the bottom of the form. The pinching effect represents how forms that are further away from the point of view appear smaller.
When drawing perspective pieces, a "perspective grid" is used to create a visual diagram of the perspective illusion. The leading lines on this grid trail from numerous "vanishing points". The quantity of these vanishing points, as well as the position of the horizon line in the scene, influences how exactly the grid appears. For example, a high horizon line with an incredibly low third vanishing point creates a three-point perspective grid in which drawn forms taper down towards the third vanishing point.
A five-point perspective grid can be created by drawing a one-point perspective grid that utilises four additional points situated around it. These leading lines of these points connect yet bend around the central vanishing point, creating a perspective grid that gives the effect of a fish-eye lens. This creates incredibly warped forms similar to those of one-point perspective yet that, in addition to leading towards the central vanishing point, bear faces that warp around a spherical plane. As such, the uses for a five-point perspective grid may be situational, yet may also assist in the creation of a visually unique composition.
I have also practised drawing linear perspective, a technique that allows for the creation of shapes that follow one another in a linear manner; equally spaced apart yet pinching towards the perspective of the scene nonetheless. This may be useful when drawing a number of similar objects in a row, such as when drawing lamp posts or fences.
This technique shows how linear shapes grow smaller the further they are to the vanishing point.
To practice drawing forms in perspective I have drawn a scene based around the theme of a submarine interior and done a value paint to show the light and dark areas. This was done using two two-point perspective grids, with the scene at large being set upon one grid and diagonal piping set upon another.
In this sketch, I applied perspective grids to allow me to more accurately portray the 3D forms in the scene. I found difficulty in this aspect of the piece, and feel that the diagonal pipes look slightly too warped as a result.
In future pieces, it is possible that I could use 3D models as a basis for the perspective seen in the illustration. This could assist me in making sure that forms in perspective remain accurate to one another. As such, this technique could be particularly useful in quicker sketches or pieces of concept art in which a large variety of designs are required.
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