How to Draw Exterior Perspective

Summary

This video takes viewers through the process of creating a perspective drawing of a structure, explaining the use of specific formulas derived from architectural principles. The tutorial covers key concepts such as plotting dimensions with a scale ruler, establishing horizon and 100 lines, and applying perspective to correctly subdivide grids. The presenter details how to measure width and depth, identify vanishing points, and refine the design by iterating on elements like light slits and property lines. The guide is both instructional and adaptable, offering insights for beginners and more experienced artists aiming to perfect their perspective drawings.

Takeaways

• 😀 Establish the **horizon line** and **100 line** as your constant references for accurate perspective drawing.
• 😀 Use a specific **formula** derived from architectural principles, applying **80% for width** and **40% for depth** for proportional accuracy.
• 😀 **Subdivide the framework** into equal parts using diagonal lines to help divide the space and maintain correct proportions in perspective.
• 😀 Always start measuring from the **horizon line** and adjust the **height** based on the given dimensions to maintain perspective.
• 😀 The **vanishing points (VPx and VPy)** are key to achieving depth. Extend lines toward these points to create the illusion of space.
• 😀 **Scale rulers** are essential for accurate measurements. Always measure the width and depth according to your scale to maintain consistency.
• 😀 Adjust for **shortening effects** in perspective by making distant faces or objects slightly smaller than those closer to the viewer.
• 😀 **Grid systems** and dividing the drawing into smaller sections allow for more precise placement of lines and structures in perspective.
• 😀 Keep refining the design by adding architectural details and adjusting the structure's elements, such as the placement of doors and windows.
• 😀 **Finalizing the design** involves creating a clean line drawing and adding shading to render the structure in a realistic, three-dimensional appearance.

Q & A

What is the significance of the horizon line in perspective drawing?

The horizon line serves as a constant reference in perspective drawing, determining the viewer's eye level and helping to align all elements of the drawing with the correct vanishing points.

How does the user calculate the width and depth of the framework in the drawing?

The user uses a specific formula derived from an architect's technique, applying percentage reductions to the actual dimensions. For example, the width is calculated as 80% of the actual size, and the depth is 40% of the actual size.

What role does the scale ruler play in the drawing process?

The scale ruler is used to measure and reduce real-world dimensions to the scale of the drawing, ensuring that the proportions are accurate and consistent across the perspective.

What is the formula used to calculate the proportions of the cube in the perspective drawing?

The formula is based on a 30-60 degree angle of a cube, and the resulting dimensions (80% for width and 40% for depth) are used to plot the cube within the perspective.

How does the user subdivide the perspective into equal parts?

The user subdivides the perspective by drawing diagonal lines across the framework and using the intersection points to divide the grid into equal segments, ensuring that each part maintains the correct proportion in perspective.

What are vanishing points, and why are they important in perspective drawing?

Vanishing points are points on the horizon line where parallel lines converge in perspective. They help create the illusion of depth and guide the viewer's eye through the drawing, making the 3D space appear realistic.

Why does the user emphasize drawing the vertical lines differently for objects in perspective?

In perspective, vertical lines taper as they recede into the distance. The user emphasizes drawing these lines proportionally smaller with each segment to accurately represent how objects appear in 3D space.

What is the process for determining the height and depth of a structure in the drawing?

To determine the height, the user calculates 80% of the required height from the horizon line, and for the depth, 40% of the actual depth is used. These measurements are then plotted according to the scale ruler.

How does the user handle the plotting of a property line in the drawing?

The user approximates the property line by referencing dimensions from the floor plan and then adjusting the line according to the perspective, ensuring it aligns with the scale and vanishing points.

What is the final step in the drawing process, and why is it important?

The final step involves refining the drawing with cleaner lines, adding design elements like slits for light, and considering iterations to improve the design. This stage allows for visualizing and adjusting the form before finalizing the perspective drawing.