RGB BASIC DRAWING TECHNIQUES (updated Sept. 2005)

Seeing an Object Out of Nothing (?) 
Playing With Strokes
Understanding Perspective Drawing
Materials
Composing a Subject
Techniques in Copying a Drawing

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Understanding Perspective Drawing

A camera is a perfect replica of the human eye in capturing an image, except for the fact that the ours does not need a darkroom. To take matters simple, we see depth and solidity. In the Computer lingo, let us call it 3D (3-dimensional) view. In a more technical term, if we draw a Cartesian plane where we assign x and y axes respectively, any polygon that lies flat on these axes are considered 2D (2-dimensional). A flat representation of one side of a solid object is called an ELEVATION. Where is Z? From the drawing below, Z is pointing towards you.

2-dimensional Side Elevation

We cannot see objects as ELEVATIONS in real world. The certain amount of distortion our eyes perceive is PERSPECTIVE.

If you are walking or driving on a road, the two parallel curbs seem to converge into a certain point. The point where these two parallel lines meet is called the vanishing point.

The horizon line lies at the eye level, while the VANISHING POINT lies anywhere in the horizon where the two parallel curbs converge.    (Photograph by James)

The vanishing points always lie at the horizon. And the horizon is always at a person’s eye level. Whether you sit of stand or go to an apex of a building, the horizon remains at the eye level.  The point where the person stands is called as the station point.  OBSERVE the figure above.  The station point of the viewer is at the right side of the driver who took the photo.  

Experiment and cut a picture from a magazine and trace the vanishing points. This is the BIG outcome.  (See figure below)

A picture with 2-point perspective showing the 2 Vanishing Points (VP) and the horizon line. (Photograph taken by James)  

The figure above is a MAN'S EYE VIEW while the photograph below is a BIRD'S EYE VIEW.  Usually, aerial photos have three (3) or more vanishing points but all located in the same horizon.  

Birds’ eye view somewhere in Narita, Japan (Photograph taken by James )

Perspective is natural to the eye but a hard task in a drawing board. Applying it manually involves setting up a large sheet of paper, generous space and meticulous checking of accurate construction lines, otherwise, the drawing will surely look lopsided and imprecise. The principle of perspective drawing is like standing on a picture window and seeing the surrounding as is. Assume you are looking at a landscape scenery framed by a clear glass window. If you try to trace what you exactly see and draw on the glass literally, the drawing is surely be at an accurate delineation.  The application of the principle is shown in the link below...A very basic application of perspective drafting set-up. The drawing is 2-point perspective (with 2 vanishing points).

Click this thumbnail to see how Perspective Drawing is done in a drafting table   

By studying at least the link drawing above, is enough for an enthusiast to understand perspective the fastest way. You may print the drawing. You can try setting up about 15"x 20" tracing or plain paper on a table, tape it and get your rulers or T-square and copy the example.

THE PRACTICAL SIDE

Going back to my objective of giving a general idea on solid drawings. All you have to do is apply it in practical freehand drawing. This is mandatory to all artists to expand their capabilities especially when drawing massed objects with distance.

There are several techniques you can do to at least enhance a drawing and make it appear proportional and balance.

             

• Draw on a cube. Yes, why not try to put drawings in solid cubes? Assume your cubes are in the right perspective, anyhting you put inside it will automatically have perspective.

• Centering techniques. If you are conspicuous about the symmetry of your drawing, try this: Draw an x to find the center of a plane.  See figure above.

• In drawing a crowd, notice that all the eyes fall at a common eye level. Just adjust the proportion of the head depending on how it is to the viewer.  See the figure below:

THE POINT IS:

Why do I need to talk about this things when it is mostly considered in drafting? Yes, partly, but realistic drawing involves perspective. One must know about it in relevant ways. When drawing anything, one must always consider solidity and surface bumps which can only be achieved by knowing the idea of Perspective.  One must see through and draw what is actually seen, and NOT what one mistakenly thinks it is like. 

Having a strong foundation on perspective will help you see the points where parallel lines vanish; the gradation of colors with the effect of distance; the highlights, shadows and angles.  As the object gets far from the line of sight, it becomes smaller and blurred until it appears insignificant.  The color becomes lighter and the outlines indistinct.  So therefore, perspective drawing is crucial in effective freehand drawing and painting.

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