This document provides instructions for drawing in one point and two point perspective. It begins with an introduction to perspective and helpful hints. It then walks through 8 steps to draw a cube in one point perspective, including drawing the horizon line, adding a vanishing point, drawing perspective lines, and erasing extras. Additional steps are provided to add a roof, windows, and doors. The document then introduces two point perspective and provides 8 similar steps to draw a cube, including adding two vanishing points and drawing bottom perspective lines. Practice worksheets are included to have students draw boxes in one and two point perspective.

1. ONE POINT
PERSPECTIVE
Title a page in your sketchbook –
Skills Workshop: One Point Perspective’

2. ONE POINT PERSPECTIVE: What and Why?
Pencil
going
back
in
space
Perspective is the way in which objects appear to the eye
based on the way they go back into space. One point
perspective is used when we are facing an object from the
front and want to draw how it disappears back in space.

3. BEFORE WE START: Helpful Hints
• Materials – always use a ruler, pencil and a good
eraser for perspective drawing
• Draw lightly – you’ll need to erase part of your
drawing so don’t press too hard with your pencil
• Pay attention – perspective drawing is one of the
more difficult concepts in Studio Art
• Have patience – keep trying, even when you’re
frustrated
• Practice, Practice, Practice – it takes a long time
to master a concept! Practice = knowledge
• Color Coding Tutorial = vanishing point; red =
a new line, = a new piece we’ve added to the
drawing. Watch for these arrows to help you along
the way!

4. BEFORE WE START: Notes
• Steps: – Save room at the top of your notes for
writing down the steps (8 in all)
• Definitions– Save room in your notes for
definitions of the different perspective parts
• Example– At the bottom of your notes, follow
along to create an example. Number the parts to
the example to correspond with the steps of the
notes. This is your reference sheet for perspective
drawing in 1 point perspective.

5. STEP 1: Draw the horizon line
HORIZON
LINE
Horizon Line: An imaginary horizontal line, sometimes referred
to as eye level, which divides your line of vision when you look
straight ahead. The place off in the distance where the sky
meets together with the earth.
Objects below this line are below your eye level, and objects
above this line are above your eye level. Artists draw horizon
lines to accurately establish perspective in their drawings.

6. STEP 2: Add a vanishing point
Vanishing
Point
Vanishing Point: the point on the horizon line where all of your
angular perspective lines will come together. For this tutorial,
place it slightly away from the middle of the paper so it looks like
our example.
Objects become smaller and smaller the closer they are to the
vanishing point and, at this point, seem to completely disappear
(or vanish).

7. ONE POINT PERSPECTIVE: What and Why?
Vanishing
Point
The vanishing point in Raphael’s School of Athens, fresco, 1509

8. ANOTHER NOTE ON PERSPECTIVE: Objects Above
and Below The Horizon Line/Vanishing Point
Below the Vanishing Above the Vanishing
Point/ Horizon Line Point/ Horizon Line
Use when you want to Use when you want to
make it look like you’re make it look like you’re
standing above an object standing below an object

9. NEXT UP: Perspective lines
Perspective
Perspective
Line
Line
Perspective
Line
Perspective Lines: Straight lines, drawn at an angle from the
edges of objects, back into space, until they finally come
together at the vanishing point on the horizon line.

10. STEP 3: Draw in perspective lines
Top of
Object
Bottom of
Object
Start by making one line with your ruler from the vanishing point
outward. This line will be the bottom of your object
.
Next, make the top line. This will form the base of one side of
your object

11. STEP 4: Connect the perspective lines
Vertical
Connecting
Lines
Use your ruler to draw 2 vertical lines that connect the bottom
and top perspective lines. This will complete one side of your
object.

12. A NOTE ABOUT PERSPECTIVE: Size and Depth
Shorter Line
Longer Line
Notice how the lines you just drew are not the same length? The
shorter line fools your eye into thinking that the object is moving back
into the 'space' of the page. Even though the page is flat, you've
created some artificial depth. This is the same kind of effect that you
see when you look at buildings outside. The further things are away
from you, the smaller they appear.

13. STEP 5: Create the Front of the Object
Horizontals
Use your ruler to create 2 horizontal lines of equal distance from
the top and bottom of the longer line.

14. STEP 6: Add in a Vertical Side Line
Vertical Line
Connect the 2 horizontal lines you just made with a vertical line.
This helps complete the front side of your object.

15. STEP 7: Erase the Extras
Erase all the extra lines that aren’t a part of your object. Carefully
erase the horizon line that goes through your object.

16. STEP 8: Congratulate Yourself!
You’ve drawn a box in one point perspective! You now have a
cube. Congratulations!

17. LET’S GO FURTHER: Adding a Roof
Let’s turn this cube into a building by adding a roof in perspective.
Start by drawing two diagonal lines from either side of the front of
the cube. Make them connect at the top.

18. LET’S GO FURTHER: Adding a Roof
Starting where the two diagonals you just drew came together,
draw a line that connects to the vanishing point.

19. LET’S GO FURTHER: Adding a Roof
Add in one last diagonal line that connects the far point of the box
with the line you just created.

20. LET’S GO FURTHER: Adding a Roof
These two lines
need to be
parallel
Check to make sure that the last line you drew and the front
diagonal line are parallel. If they aren’t you might need to erase
and start the roof over from the beginning. Remember -
Patience!

21. LET’S GO FURTHER: Adding a Roof
Erase the extra lines that aren’t in your roof or your cube.

22. LET’S GO FURTHER: Adding a Roof
Congratulations! You’ve just drawn a building in 1 point
perspective!

23. LET’S GO EVEN FURTHER: Adding Doors and
Windows
Let’s make our building look even more realistic with doors and
windows in perspective

24. LET’S GO EVEN FURTHER: Adding Doors and
Windows
Add in a top and bottom perspective lines for your window.

25. LET’S GO EVEN FURTHER: Adding Doors and
Windows
Add in a two vertical side lines for your window. Check to make
sure one is slightly smaller than the other, giving the illusion of
going back in space.

26. LET’S GO EVEN FURTHER: Adding Doors and
Windows
Erase the extras of your perspective lines.

27. LET’S GO EVEN FURTHER: Adding Doors and
Windows
Insert a sash in your window to make it look realistic. Have it
start at about the middle of the larger vertical side line and
disappear into the vanishing point.

28. LET’S GO EVEN FURTHER: Adding Doors and
Windows
Insert a vertical sash in your window to make it look realistic.

29. LET’S GO EVEN FURTHER: Adding Doors and
Windows
Erase the extras of your sash’s perspective line. You now have a
building with a roof and a window.

30. LET’S GO EVEN FURTHER: Adding Doors and
Windows
To add a door to the front, draw 2 horizontal and 2 vertical lines.

31. LET’S GO EVEN FURTHER: Adding Doors and
Windows
Add in a doorknob or a window to your door to make it look even
more realistic.

32. Name_____________________________
Directions: Finish the worksheet by turning the lines and squares into boxes in one point perspective. Some of
your boxes may overlap a bit. Turn it into your class INBOX when you finish to be graded.
START HERE

33. Name_____________________________
Directions: Finish the worksheet by turning the lines and squares into boxes in one point perspective. Some of
your boxes may overlap a bit. Turn it into your class INBOX when you finish to be graded.

34. Name_____________________________
Directions: Finish the worksheet by turning the lines and squares into boxes in one point perspective. Some of
your boxes may overlap a bit. Turn it into your class INBOX when you finish to be graded.

35. Name_____________________________
Directions: Finish the worksheet by turning the lines and squares into boxes in one point perspective. Some of
your boxes may overlap a bit. Turn it into your class INBOX when you finish to be graded.

36. Name_____________________________
Directions: Finish the worksheet by turning the lines and squares into boxes in one point perspective. Some of
your boxes may overlap a bit. Turn it into your class INBOX when you finish to be graded.

37. Name_____________________________
Directions: Finish the worksheet by turning the lines and squares into boxes in one point perspective. Some of
your boxes may overlap a bit. Turn it into your class INBOX when you finish to be graded.

38. Name_____________________________
Directions: Finish the worksheet by turning the lines and squares into boxes in one point perspective. Some of
your boxes may overlap a bit. Turn it into your class INBOX when you finish to be graded.

39. Name_____________________________
Directions: Finish the worksheet by turning the lines and squares into boxes in one point perspective. Some of
your boxes may overlap a bit. Turn it into your class INBOX when you finish to be graded.

40. Name_____________________________
Directions: Finish the worksheet by turning the lines and squares into boxes in one point perspective. Some of
your boxes may overlap a bit. Turn it into your class INBOX when you finish to be graded.

41. Name_____________________________
Directions: Finish the worksheet by turning the lines and squares into boxes in one point perspective. Some of
your boxes may overlap a bit. Turn it into your class INBOX when you finish to be graded.

42. Video on One Point Perspective

43. CLASSWORK: Practice
• Start with a horizon line near the middle of your
paper.
• Begin creating a city in 1 point perspective
• Some buildings should overlap and be in front
of other buildings
• Add in details, windows, doors, trees, people,
cars, etc.
• You will turn it in at the end of class for a grade
– so working during the entire class means
you’ll receive a higher grade

44. Agenda and Due Dates
• Portraits Due: Tuesday May 5th for BD;
Wednesday May 6th for AC
• If you have yours finished please turn it in
on the front desk
• Sketchbook #8 due: Thursday May 14th for
BD; Friday May 15th for AC
• Today: 2 point Perspective
• Next Week: Perspective and Graffiti Art
• You’ll need your sketchbook, ruler, eraser,
pencil

45. CLASSWORK: Review
Without your notes answer the following
questions:
• In a cube drawn in perspective, floating above
the horizon line you would see the front, side
and _____________
• In a cube drawn in perspective, floating below
the horizon line you would see the front, side
and __________.
• Where would a cube be located if you could
only see the front and the side?
• Objects get ____________ as they approach
the vanishing point
• Draw a cube in 1 point perspective, ABOVE the
horizon line

46. TWO POINT
PERSPECTIVE

47. TWO POINT PERSPECTIVE: What and Why?
Perspective is the way in which objects appear to the eye
based on the way they go back into space.
2 point perspective allows you to draw perspective objects at
an angle - not just straight on like one point perspective.
Mastering 2 point perspective drawing will give you the info
you need for drawing more interesting things.

48. BEFORE WE START: Helpful Hints
• Materials – always use a ruler, pencil and a good
eraser for perspective drawing
• Draw lightly – you’ll need to erase part of your
drawing so don’t press too hard with your pencil
• Pay attention – perspective drawing is one of the
most difficult concepts in Studio Art
• Have patience – keep trying, even when you’re
frustrated
• Practice, Practice, Practice – it takes a long time
to master a concept! Practice = knowledge
• Color Coding Tutorial = vanishing point; red =
a new line, = a new piece we’ve added to the
drawing. Watch for these arrows to help you along
the way!

49. STEP 1: Draw the horizon line
HORIZON
LINE
Remember: Horizon Line: An imaginary horizontal line,
sometimes referred to as eye level, which divides your line of
vision when you look straight ahead. The place off in the
distance where the sky meets together with the earth.

50. ANOTHER NOTE ON PERSPECTIVE: Objects
Above and Below The Horizon LINE
Below the Horizon Line Above the Horizon Line
Use when you want to Use when you want to
make it look like you’re make it look like you’re
standing above an object standing below an object

51. STEP 2: Add in 2 vanishing points
Vanishing Vanishing
Point 1 Point 2
Vanishing Point: the point on the horizon line where all of your
angular perspective lines will come together. For this tutorial,
place your vanishing point on opposite sides of the horizon line.

52. STEP 3: Draw vertical guideline
Using your ruler, add in a vertical line that will help begin your
cube in 2 point perspective. For this tutorial, place yours above
the horizon line. This means we will be able to see 2 sides and
the bottom of the object.

53. STEP 4: Draw perspective lines
Vanishing
Point 1
Perspective Lines: Straight lines, drawn at an angle from the
edges of objects, back into space, until they finally come
together at one of the two vanishing points.
Remember, every non-vertical line must converge on one of the
two vanishing points

54. STEP 5: Add in vertical length and width lines
Width
Length
Line
Line
Vertical Length and Width Lines: Straight up-and-down lines
that define how long and how wide your object will be.

55. STEP 6: Draw in bottom perspective lines
Start from Start from bottom of vertical
bottom of and extend to opposite
vertical and vanishing point
extend to
opposite
vanishing point
Lines intersect, making the
bottom, farthest away corner
Starting at the bottom point of the one of the vertical lines you just
added, draw a line that extends to the opposite vanishing point.
Repeat this same action, using the bottom point of the other vertical
line you just added, extending to the opposite vanishing point. The
lines should cross, making the furthest away corner of the underside
of your object.

56. STEP 7: Erase unnecessary lines
Erase all your perspective guidelines that are not part of your
object.

57. You’ve just made a cube in 2 point perspective!

58. STEP 8: Practice Makes Perfect
On your own, try making more cubes in 2 point perspective. Try
one on the horizon line, one below the horizon line and another
above the horizon line.

59. Name_____________________________
Directions: Finish the worksheet by turning the lines and squares into boxes in two point perspective. Some of
your boxes may overlap a bit. Turn it into your class INBOX when you finish to be graded.
DO THIS BOX AFTER FINISHING THE
FIRST
START HERE

60. Name_____________________________
Directions: Finish the worksheet by turning the lines and squares into boxes in two point perspective. Some of
your boxes may overlap a bit. Turn it into your class INBOX when you finish to be graded.

61. Name_____________________________
Directions: Finish the worksheet by turning the lines and squares into boxes in two point perspective. Some of
your boxes may overlap a bit. Turn it into your class INBOX when you finish to be graded.

62. Name_____________________________
Directions: Finish the worksheet by turning the lines and squares into boxes in two point perspective. Some of
your boxes may overlap a bit. Turn it into your class INBOX when you finish to be graded.

63. Name_____________________________
Directions: Finish the worksheet by turning the lines and squares into boxes in two point perspective. Some of
your boxes may overlap a bit. Turn it into your class INBOX when you finish to be graded.

64. Name_____________________________
Directions: Finish the worksheet by turning the lines and squares into boxes in two point perspective. Some of
your boxes may overlap a bit. Turn it into your class INBOX when you finish to be graded.