3-Point Perspective Drawing

Key Concepts

3-point perspective drawing is a technique used to create the illusion of depth and space in a 3D scene. It involves using three vanishing points to represent objects that are seen from an extreme angle, such as looking up at a tall building or down at a city from a high vantage point.

1. Vanishing Points

Vanishing points are the points on the horizon where parallel lines appear to converge. In 3-point perspective, there are three vanishing points: one for each set of parallel lines that extend in different directions.

Imagine you are standing at the base of a tall skyscraper. As you look up, the edges of the building appear to meet at a single point in the sky. This is one of your vanishing points. The other two vanishing points would be for the horizontal and vertical lines that extend in different directions from the building.

2. Horizon Line

The horizon line is an imaginary line that represents the viewer's eye level. It is where the sky meets the ground. In 3-point perspective, the horizon line is crucial because it determines the placement of the vanishing points.

Think of the horizon line as the edge of a flat, infinite table. When you look at a scene from a high vantage point, the horizon line is above the objects you are viewing. When you look at a scene from a low vantage point, the horizon line is below the objects.

3. Angles and Directions

In 3-point perspective, the angles and directions of the lines are key to creating the illusion of depth. Each set of parallel lines in the scene will converge at one of the three vanishing points, depending on their direction.

For example, if you are drawing a cityscape from a high vantage point, the vertical lines of the buildings will converge at a vanishing point above the horizon line. The horizontal lines that extend to the left and right will converge at the other two vanishing points, which are usually placed on the horizon line.

Examples

To practice 3-point perspective, try drawing a tall building from a low vantage point. Start by drawing the horizon line and placing the three vanishing points. Then, draw the vertical lines of the building, making sure they converge at the vanishing point above the horizon line. Next, draw the horizontal lines that extend to the left and right, converging at the other two vanishing points. Finally, add details to the building to make it look more realistic.

Another example is drawing a cityscape from a high vantage point. Start by drawing the horizon line and placing the three vanishing points. Then, draw the vertical lines of the buildings, making sure they converge at the vanishing point below the horizon line. Next, draw the horizontal lines that extend to the left and right, converging at the other two vanishing points. Finally, add details to the buildings and streets to create a realistic cityscape.