One Point Perspective Part 1

One Point Perspective Drawing Part 1

Transforming shapes into three dimensional forms

The information on this page has been taken from the one point perspective page by Matt Fussell on The Virtual Instructor website.

What is One Point Perspective?

One point perspective is a type of linear perspective. Linear perspective relies on the use of lines to render objects leading to the illusion of space and form in a flat work of art. It is a structured approach to drawing. One point perspective gets its name from the fact that it utilizes a single vanishing point.

Other forms of linear perspective include two point perspective and three point perspective. Each type gets its name according to how many vanishing points are used. The scene usually dictates which type of perspective is used by the artist.

It should be noted that not all forms of perspective are linear. Atmospheric perspective is used to create the illusion of space by manipulating the use of value and color in a scene. Often atmospheric perspective is used in tandem with a form of linear perspective to create a convincing illusion.

Although linear perspective is an effective way to create depth in a scene, it is only one of the six techniques an artist can use to create the illusion of space.

The Vanishing Point

Dots placed on the horizon are called the "vanishing points". One point perspective utilizes one vanishing point. All of the lines of perspective will recede back to this singular dot in space. This dot can best be thought of as the place where objects begin to disappear because of distance. Some of the lines used in one point perspective will use the "vanishing point" as an anchor.

Assignment 1: Making One Point Perspective Shapes

Create at least 5 three dimensional forms on your paper.
All corners of shapes must go towards the Vanishing Point.
All horizontal lines must be parallel.
All vertical lines must be parallel.

Step 1: Draw a line that runs horizontally down the middle of your paper. This is your horizon line.

Step 2: Make a vanishing point. You will use this point for all of the boxes.

Step 3: Draw the shape you want anywhere on the page. The shape can be whatever size you want it to be.

Decisions: If you are making a cube you will start with a square. If you are making a pyramid you will start with a triangle.

Step 4: Once the basic shape of the object is defined, lines that recede back to the vanishing point are added from each corner of the object. These diagonal lines are called orthogonals.

Step 5: The back "face" of the cube is added by drawing another square that touches all four orthogonals as they recede back in space.

Step 6: The shape of the cube has now been defined and the lines that were used to draw it can be erased, revealing a three dimensional cube in space.

This process is simply replicated to create additional forms. Each form that is drawn utilizes the same vanishing point. A new vanishing point is not created within the picture plane.

Step 7: Repeat the process until you have at least 5 three dimensional forms on your paper.

Note: The example below only has more than 5 three dimensional shapes. Also, you can have shapes other than rectangles.