Perspective Notes

Perspective: A method of representing a subject that is three-dimensional on a two-

dimensional surface.

Atmospheric perspective: (also called aerial perspective) Distance and space are indicated by
the intensity of light, shade and color of objects. Nearby objects are shown clear
and bright while those in the distance are more dull and vague.

Bird’s eye view: The view from a high point looking down. Works where the eye level line is
near the top or even above the bottom of the picture plane.

Depth: Four ways of creating depth in your artwork are:

1. Overlapping shapes-when two shapes overlap, the eye perceives one as being
behind the other, thus creating a third dimension.
2. Diminishing size-same size objects which recede into the distance appear to get
smaller.
3. Converging lines- sets of parallel lines like highways, railroad tracks and telephone
lines will appear to converge as they meet the horizon.
4. Softening edges and contrast-As objects become more distant, the intervening
atmosphere will soften edges and lessen contrasts.

Eye level lines: The height at which your eyes are located in relationship to a ground plane,
sometimes called the horizon line.

Foreshortening: Shortening a subject in a drawing to make it look as if it extends backward in

space. This method reproduces proportions a viewer sees. When seen from an angle,
portions of an object near your eye are drawn larger than those farther away.

Linear perspective: Creating the fooling of distance and space through converging lines,
which, under close observation, are parallel.

One-point perspective: All horizontal parallel lines seem to converge to one point at the eye-
level line. (as in looking down a long hallway or railroad tracks)

Two-point perspective: All horizontal parallel lines seem to converge to one of two vanishing
points.

Vanishing point: A spot where straight parallel lines appear to meet or converge. They are
located on the eye level line.

Worm’s eye view: The view from a low point looking up. Works where the eye level line is
near the bottom or even below the bottom of the picture plane.