Perspective

Perspective is a technique used by artists and designers to show three dimensional objects on a flat surface. It was first developed during the Renaissance by artists and architects to depict buildings in a more realistic way. It is based on the understanding that as objects go back into space they appear to get smaller, this is called foreshortening. To decide how much smaller the objects need to be, perspective uses lines that come together to a vanishing point, called converging lines.

One point perspective is used to show the interior of a room, In the drawing by Agnosti Romelli the artist uses 1 point perspective to show the interior of water pump, all the lines going back into space come together at a single vanishing point. Here, Romelli draws the rectangles in the background smaller than the ones in the foreground. Study the shapes on the sides of the structure, notice how the tops of each beam line up with each other and are angled upward towards a single vanishing point.

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I can create the illusion of depth in an interior space by drawing 3 converging lines that show where the walls and floor meet.

I can draw an interior space and make it look 3 Dimensional by using Vanishing Points and converging Lines and the rules of 1 point linear perspective.

I can create the feeling of light and shadow in an interior space by applying three shades of value to the different surfaces to show highlight, mid-tone, and shadow.

I can show objects in the space of the room by overlapping the horizontal and orthogonal lines and drawing objects on the floor and

I can draw tables and chairs by drawing horizontal ovals and trapezoids to represent the surface tops and extending vertical legs down from to the floor.

I can represent objects on the table’s surface by drawing the objects overlapping the top horizontal line of the table shape.

I can create the texture and look of wood by creating a series of striped patterns.

I can create the visual interest in an interior scene by adding details such as windows, curtains, and wallpaper patterns on the walls.

I can represent people in the scene by drawing the shapes of the figure’s clothing and placing the figures in the chairs and behind the tables.

I can assess, refine, and evaluate my drawings by comparing them to the components listed in the project rubric and adding attributes that are missing or need more refining.

Two Point perspective is similar to 1 point perspective except that there are two vanishing points. Two point perspective is used to show two sides of a building or structure when viewed from outside. In the picture below, artist Giotto uses 2 point perspective to show the steps that the two men are seated on. Notice how the lines on right side of the steps go to a vanishing point to the right, while the lines of the steps on the left go to the 2nd vanishing point.

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http://mrfatta.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/Ramelli_machine3a.jpg

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Vocabulary Terms - Click to learn more

Converge in perspective, lines coming together at the vanishing point.

Depth the illusion of real space on a flat surface

Foreshortening to portray or show (an object or view) as closer than it is or as having less depth or distance, as an effect of perspective or the angle of vision.

Gradient a gradual change from one value of color to the next or from one color to another.

Highlight the lightest part of an object that is under direct light.

Horizon a horizontal line dividing the sky & ground, or the wall & floor (interior).

Overlapping placing one object over another to give the illusion of space.

Perspective a system of drawing that gives the illusion of depth on a flat surface using parallel lines that converge at one or more vanishing points.

Scale the relationship of size when the same object is close and far away.

Shadow the darker areas of an object where light is not as strong.

Texture an element of design that refers to the surface, ex rough, smooth, fuzzy.

Vanishing point in perspective, an imaginary point or points on the horizon where parallel lines recede and converge.

Value the lightness or darkness of a color or a tone.

stuart davis perspective

National Core Arts Standards Visual Arts include the traditional fine arts such as drawing, painting, printmaking, photography, and sculpture; media arts including film, graphic communications, animation, and emerging technologies; architectural, environmental, and industrial arts such as urban, interior, product, and landscape design; folk arts; and works of art such as ceramics, fibers, jewelry, works in wood, paper, and other materials.

Learn More | The National Core Arts Standards

Creating VA:Cr1.1.HSI Use multiple approaches to begin creative endeavors. VA:Cr1.2.HSI Shape an artistic investigation of an aspect of present-day life using a contemporary practice of art or design. VA:Cr2.1.HSI Engage in making a work of art or design without having a preconceived plan. VA:Cr3.1.HSI Apply relevant criteria from traditional and contemporary cultural contexts to examine, reflect on, and plan revisions for works of art and design in progress. Presenting VA:Pr.4.1.HSI Analyze, select, and curate artifacts and/or artworks for presentation and preservation. VA:Pr5.1.HSI Analyze and evaluate the reasons and ways an exhibition is presented. Responding VA:Re7.1.HSI Hypothesize ways in which art influences perception and understanding of human experiences. VA:Re7.2.HSI Analyze how one’s understanding of the world is affected by experiencing visual imagery. VA:Re9.1.HSI Establish relevant criteria in order to evaluate a work of art or collection of works. Connecting VA:Cn10.1.HSI Document the process of developing ideas from early stages to fully elaborated ideas. VA:Cn11.1.HSI Describe how knowledge of culture, traditions, and history may influence personal responses to art.

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