History : Linear Perspective

In 1435, Leon Battista Alberti (1404-1472), provided the first theory of what we
now call linear perspective. The impact of this new system of measurement in
paintings was enormous and most artists painting in Europe after 1435 were
aware of the principles Alberti outlined in his book.

History: Linear Perspective Re-discovery

Artists in the early 15th century had learned to portray the human form with
accuracy through careful observation and anatomical dissection. In 1420
Filippo Brunelleschi’s experiment provided a correspondingly accurate
representation of physical space. When Brunelleschi (re)discovered linear
perspective, Florentine painters and sculptors became obsessed with it.

1 Point Perspective Drawing

One-point perspective is normally used when simple views are depicted, such as a railway track
disappearing into the distance directly in front of the spectator. The front plane of the object is
directly in front of you, verticals parallel, and all lines of perspective meet at a single vanishing point
on the horizon. Objects you draw in one point perspective are drawn face on.


1 Point Perspective Drawing
1 Point Perspective Drawing
2 Point Perspective Drawing

Two-point perspective is typically used to depict two receding views, such as those visible to a person
standing at the street-level corner of a building, where one wall recedes (to the left, one to the right.)

When an object or viewpoint is rotated and two sides of an object are angled away from your view,
each side of the object has it's own unique lines of perspective. You now must use two vanishing
points, one for each plane of the surface in view with the vertical lines parallel.

2 Point Perspective Drawing



2 Point Perspective Drawing



3 Point Perspective Drawing

Three-point perspective is typically used for buildings viewed from above, or below. There is now a
third vanishing point which reflects how those walls recede into the ground or above into the sky. If
your point of observation is higher or lower a third vanishing point comes into use. From the Worm’s
Eye view (looking up) the upper vanishing point is called the Zenith. From the Bird’s Eye or Helicopter
view (looking down) the lower vanishing point is called the Nadir.

3 Point Perspective Drawing



3 Point Perspective Drawing



Perspective Drawing : Viewing Plane
Perspective Drawing : Viewing Plane



Perspective Drawing : Shadow



Perspective Drawing : Shadow



Perspective Drawing : Shadow



MC Escher



MC Escher