Linear perspective involves using techniques like converging parallel lines and vanishing points to create the illusion of depth and three-dimensionality on a two-dimensional surface. One point perspective uses a single vanishing point that all parallel lines recede towards on the horizon line. This technique was pioneered during the Renaissance by artists like Brunelleschi who studied optics and the visual perception of depth and distance. Key terms in linear perspective include the horizon line, orthogonal lines, and vanishing point, which are used to accurately depict the relative sizes of objects based on their distance from the viewer.

1. Linear perspective to show depth and realism in your drawings
ONE POINT PERSPECTIVE
Marsha Devine 2008

2. LINEAR PERSPECTIVE
 We see parallel lines as converging in the distance, although in reality they
do not.
 The lines of buildings and other objects in a picture are slanted inward
making them appear to extend back into space. If lengthened these lines
will meet at a point along an imaginary horizontal line representing the eye
level. Each such imaginary line is called an orthogonal. The point at which
such lines meet is called a vanishing point.
 Renaissance artists achieved through careful observation of nature,
including studies of anatomical dissections, a means to recreate the 3-
dimensional physical reality of the human form on 2-dimensional surfaces.
 The first to carry out a series of optical experiments that led to a
mathematical theory of perspective was the Florentine architect and
engineer Filippo Brunelleschi in the early 1400s.

3. TERMS USED IN LINEAR PERSPECTIVE
 Horizon line: An imaginary horizontal line, sometimes referred to as eye level, which
divides your line of vision when you look straight ahead.
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.
 Orthogonal lines: Straight lines, drawn at an angle from the edges of objects, back
into perceived distant space, until they finally converge at a point on the horizon line.
These lines establish guidelines for drawing objects in proper perspective.
 Vanishing point: The point on the horizon line where the angular perspective lines of
an object visually continue past its edges and eventually converge.
Objects become smaller and smaller the closer they are to the vanishing point and,
at this point, seem to completely disappear (or vanish). Some objects can even have
more than one vanishing point.
Image from the University of Hertfordshire

4. 1 PT PERSPECTIVE STEPS
 Locate & draw the Horizon Line
 Locate the Vanishing Point
 Draw Orthogonal Lines (perspective lines) from the
front edge of the object to the Vanishing Point
Horizon Line Horizon Line with Vanishing Point
object
Orthogonal Lines

5. LOCATING THE HORIZON LINE
Looking at your subject, decide where your eye level would be.
Remember -- it will change depending on your position.
Draw this line on your paper and then locate the vanishing points.

6. HORIZON = EYE LEVEL

7. LOCATING THE VANISHING POINT
The following steps explain how you can find a vanishing point in a photograph or sketch. These
basic principles also apply to locating a vanishing point in observational drawing.
Find an image that includes a level, man-made
object with horizontal lines, such as a railing,
deck, or wharf, or the roof, horizontal siding,
or steps of a building. Then follow these
steps:
1. Find an object in the image that you know is
level and has more than one horizontal
line.
In image at right, the horizontal lines on the edge
of the railing and the wooden planks in the
deck are level.
2. Tape a piece of tracing paper over the entire
image.
3. With a pencil and a ruler, outline the upper and
lower horizontal edges of this object, as well Adapted from http://www.dummies.com
as any other lines that you know to be
parallel, such as railings, decks, or the upper
and lower edges of doors and windows.

8. VANISHING POINT (P.2)
4. Tape your traced drawing to a larger sheet of
drawing paper, leaving room to extend the
horizontal lines of the object.
Refer to the lines on your tracing and take note of
the direction in which they point. You can visually
identify which lines are going to eventually
converge.
Tape only the outer edges so that the tape doesn't
tear the center area of your drawing paper when
you remove it.
5. Use your ruler and a pencil to extend all of the
horizontal lines until they meet.
Keep your lines light, so you can erase them later.
Note the point where most lines converge. This is
your vanishing point, which is located on the
horizon line. Adapted from http://www.dummies.com
When an object has only one vanishing point, its
perspective is referred to as one-point perspective.
6. Draw a straight line (the horizon line) through the
vanishing point, horizontal to the top and bottom of
your drawing paper.

9. HOW TO DRAW A CUBE IN 1PT PERSPECTIVE

10. EXAMPLES
VP Horizon Line
Horizon Line VP
Orthogonal Lines
Orthogonal Lines (in red)

11. CHURCH OF SANTO SPIRITO
Filippo Brunelleschi sketched this
drawing before building the
Church of Santo Spirito,
using 1 point perspective.
The actual church as it stands today.

12. STUDENT WORK: A HALLWAY IN 1PT

13. RAPHAEL'S "SCHOOL OF ATHENS.“ 1518

14. MASSACCIO’S HOLY TRINITY
Masaccio's Trinity, painted for S. Maria Novella in
Florence around 1427, is usually considered to be
the oldest surviving perspective painting.

15. A COLONNADE IN 1 PT

16. DIVIDING A WALL
This method
of dividing a
wall may be
used for
floors,
ceilings, or
any flat plane.

17. PLACING OBJECTS ON A WALL
Maintain perspective
of objects hanging
on a wall.

18. HEALING OF THE CRIPPLE MASOLINO 1425
Note how the figures also appear smaller toward the horizon line.

19. STUDENT: INTERIOR IN 1 PT

20. DISPUTATION OF ST STEPHEN CARPACCIO 1514
This vanishing
point is out of
the picture --
this off side
location of the
VP is more
dynamic than
straight on.

21. STUDENT: INTERIOR IN 1PT
Use of 1 pt perspective
adds depth to this
Drawing.

22. LAYOUT OF A 1PT KITCHEN

23. ANALYZING A 1 PT DRAWING
Estimating that the far
wall is 8 feet tall, I will
approximate the width of
the wall at 11 feet. Then I
can divide the wall to
insure that the cabinets,
stove, and other items are
the correct size.

24. LAYOUT OF A BEDROOM IN 1PT

25. STUDENT: BEDROOM IN 1PT

26. 1PT PERSPECTIVE
See how the horizon line
is at eye level?
See how all parallel lines
converge at the vanishing
point?
Note how the tiles on the floor
appear to be smaller as they
get closer to the horizon line –
actually they are all
the same size.

27. LAS MENINAS VELASQUEZ 1656
Here the orthogonal lines
converge at the mirror
reflecting the king
and queen, creating a
focal point.

28. STUDENT : INTERIOR IN 1PT

29. ANALYZING A 1PT DRAWING

30. VOCABULARY REVIEW
Horizon Line -- The apparent intersection of the earth and sky as
seen by an observer
Vanishing Point -- The point in linear perspective at which all
imaginary lines of perspective converge. The point at which parallel
lines receding from an observer seem to converge. The point at which
a thing disappears or ceases to exist.
Convergence or Orthogonal Lines -- The lines that make up the sides
of an object in a perspective drawing that relate directly back to the
vanishing point.
Horizontal -- Parallel to or in the plane of the horizon.
Vertical -- Being or situated at right angles to the horizon; upright

31. LYDIA CROCHETING IN THE GARDEN AT MARLY.
CASSATT 1880.

32. OTHER REFERENCES
 http://www.cartage.org.lb/en/themes/Arts/painting/principl-tech/art-
studio/interior/circles.htm
 http://psych.hanover.edu/krantz/art/linear.html
 http://www.dartmouth.edu/~matc/math5.geometry/unit11/unit11.html
 http://www.myamericanartist.com/2006/12/linear_perspect.html
 Behind the Scenes with David Hockney - "Hosted by famous illusionists Penn and Teller, this
segment in a PBS art primer series for children offers insight into "how depth is created on a
flat surface." Using multiple animated and live-action examples, Penn and Teller cattily and
chattily illustrate principles of perspective, vanishing point, and composition." amazon.com
review
"Perspective is the rein and rudder of painting"
Leonardo da Vinci
Marsha Devine 2008