Many years ago, I gave a lunch seminar on perspective drawing. It was my first step in advocating and sharing a "lost" architectural skill, one that seemed to fade into the shadows of computer generated designs. As my inspiration for becoming an architect, I felt (and still feel) that drawing is a skill worth preserving. Nostalgic sentiments aside, however, computer dependency has its limits, especially with power shortages and limited battery life. The ability to effectively communicate ideas with a pencil and paper can be an empowering design tool. What is more impressive than the architect who can "magically" sketch the client's vision before their very eyes with nothing but a pencil and paper?
My next step in saving this outmoded practice will be to provide some of my own personal perspective tips, to help educate those who never learned, refresh those who have forgotten, and inspire everyone to keep at it.
Whenever I start a perspective sketch, I always envision the view through my own eyes. I imagine myself in the perspective, and the horizontal line from my eye level is the Horizon Line.
The Horizon Line is a constant reference line that your perspective points intersect.
Where one places the points is based on trial and error, as well as experience. The placement can cause distortions, but it can also tell the story from your point of view.
In cases where buildings have a shifted geometry, additional points are added along the Horizon Line.
Stay tuned for the next installment of tips 3 and 4.
My next step in saving this outmoded practice will be to provide some of my own personal perspective tips, to help educate those who never learned, refresh those who have forgotten, and inspire everyone to keep at it.
Whenever I start a perspective sketch, I always envision the view through my own eyes. I imagine myself in the perspective, and the horizontal line from my eye level is the Horizon Line.
The Horizon Line is a constant reference line that your perspective points intersect.
Where one places the points is based on trial and error, as well as experience. The placement can cause distortions, but it can also tell the story from your point of view.
In cases where buildings have a shifted geometry, additional points are added along the Horizon Line.
Stay tuned for the next installment of tips 3 and 4.
