Spacing Vertical or Horizontal Elements
This picture is an example of how to space vertical objects such as
posts, poles. Study the picture to figure out how it is done. This also applies to horizontal elements that are evenly spaced.
This is based on this one simple fact.
An X drawn corner to corner inside a square, rectangle, or circle will show you where the center is and this will allow you to draw things that are regularly spaced such as tiles in floors, railroad tracks, and telephone poles, and so forth.
Consider this idea with a grid.
This image shows a model of squares with a diagonal line drawn through the corners. Take note of what we normally take for granted... the diagonal line crosses through the intersections of the squares.
Look at the foreshortened model of the squares. Notice that the diagonal measuring line (DML) crosses through the intersections in the same way.
Consider how understanding this simple fact this will help you draw in perspective.
View the image below. It contains terminology which may or may not be universal and it has a nifty drawing based on the DML. If that is not enough, it is drawn to scale. 1 square = 1 foot.
The blue grid paper which I made for my daughter's perspective class. If you want to use the blue grid image in a paint program, it is in the cd-dyorg\art\perspective folder. The file is named: perspective_grid.gif
| To start the drawing decide on some things... In this drawing: Drawing parameters: Scale: 1 square = 1 foot Eye level/horizon line is at 5 feet Station point: 9 feet away (this determines where to place the SVP's.) Station point indicates how far away the imagined observer is. The space represented, if fully drawn, would measure 8 feet high, 12 feet wide, and 12 feet deep. |
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The grid on the ground line (GL) or horizontal measuring line (HML) determines the spacing of the parallel lines that meet at the vanishing point. (Yes, the lines going toward the vanishing point are parallel.. They don't look parallel do they? In real life they would be.) |
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The DML determines where the horizontal lines will be drawn. Notice in
the image where the BLUE DML
intersects with the parallel lines (circled in yellow in the image to the
left.) The intersection of the DML with the parallel lines is where to
draw the horizontal lines. (Remember the grid?)
Now it is just a matter of precise drawing. |
Circles
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The DML (diagonal measuring line) will help you make circles
too.
Look at the image to the left. I have drawn a square and then I marked the square with two DML's making an x in the square. Next each DML half was divided into thirds.. that is what the tick-marks are on the lines. Next a circle was drawn using the tick marks and the square's 4 sides. Notice one thing... The circle is just beyond the tick marks; it is not on the tick mark. Now take this idea into a cube. See image below |
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Carefully look at the tick marks in this foreshortened cube.
Note that the tick marks furthest away are closer to the circle. Always
keep in mind that you are drawing in perspective and the parts of the
drawing which are "further away" become closer to each other and
smaller and thinner.
It takes some practice to be able to do this well, so don't give up if it seems difficult.
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Copyright 2006 Donna Young
All Rights reserved
