Question from Peter, Drawing Academy student
I’m a complete beginner and want to learn how to draw man-made objects in perspective like furniture, cars, buildings, etc. Could you advise what is the best exercise to begin with?
Hi Peter,
You can begin with drawing a cube in perspective from life. The majority of man-made objects have some cuboid-shaped parts, and all such items can be inscribed into cuboids in perspective, so having good understanding of how to depict a cuboid is critical for a fine artist.
If you don’t have a cube model, you could make one from paper (20 cm side). Here’s the template of a cube.
Place a cube on a table and draw it from life in various viewpoints – one- and two-point perspective. Depict ovals inscribed on the cube’s sides.
Use the following constructive drawing principles:
1. Draw a cube as if it were totally transparent.
2. Keep in mind the horizon level. All perspective lines should converge on that horizon.
3. Draw on a big scale (A2-size paper) using a “candle grip.” Measure angles and proportions by eye and double-check with a pencil.
Here’s how to measure with a pencil »
4. Do drawings where vanishing points are beyond the paper’s edges. Do not plot vanishing points; instead rely on angles of perspective lines.
5. Depict virtual axes of ovals.
6. Make sure that the main axis of an oval is always perpendicular to a virtual main axis of a cylinder as if such a cylinder were inserted into a cube.
7. Keep all vertical lines absolutely vertical.
8. Use aerial perspective when lines that are closer to you are bolder and sharper.
9. Do not use any rulers; draw freehand.
10. Apply tonal rendering using the hatching technique described in Chapter 11 of this video //drawingacademy.com/help-i-cant-draw.
Let me know if you have any questions; I will be happy to help.
Best regards,
Vladimir London
Drawing Academy tutor
This was really helpful, thank you.