Drawing Objects Using Two-Point Perspective (Freehand)

Lesson Summary 

In this lesson, the class will learn how to draw in two-point perspective freehand. A two-point perspective drawing has two vanishing points on a horizon line. Students will learn to draw objects such as chairs, tables, cars, airplanes, and houses using a two-point perspective drawing system.

Lesson Objectives

• Understand the basic principles of two-point perspective drawing.

• Quickly sketch simple objects in two-point perspective freehand.

• Become familiar with the terminology related to perspective drawing.

Discussion

1. Have you've ever drawn in two-point perspective? If so, what was the most challenging part of drawing in two-point perspective?

2. What is the importance of perspective drawing in creating realistic images?

3. What is the most common perspective view, one-point, two-point or three-point perspective?

4. Why is it important to practice drawing in freehand without a ruler?

Drawing Cubes in Two-Point Perspective

1. Horizon Line: Draw a horizon line across the middle of your paper and mark a vanishing point (VP) with an 'X' near both ends.

2. Cube Height: Determine the height and location of your cube with a vertical line.

3. Perspective Lines: Extend lines from each end of the 'cube height' towards both VP1 and VP2.

4. Cube Depth: Determine the depth of the cube with vertical lines within the 'cube height' perspective lines and converge the ends towards the opposing vanishing points.

5. Outlines: Darken the outlines of your cube.

6. Distant Cube: Draw an identical size cube in the distance by following the guidelines you used for your initial cube.

7. Floating Cube: Draw a cube floating directly above the 'distant cube'.

8. More Cubes: Draw several more cubes of the same size all over the page.

9. Cylinders: After drawing the cubes, turn some of them into cylinders following the teachers instructions.

10. (Optional) Using a Ruler: Use a long ruler to check if your lines are aligned with the vanishing points. Using a ruler can make your lines straighter and more accurate but can also make the drawing process stiff and slow.

Turning Cubes into Objects

1. Select a Cube: Choose one of the cubes you've drawn and decide on an object to turn it into, such as a chair, car, or house.

2. Draw Details: Sketch the various parts of the object using the vanishing points as a guide and light construction lines.

3. Darken Outlines: Once refined, darken the outlines of the object and clean up any unwanted lines with an eraser.

4. Draw Other Objects: Turn other cubes into objects of your choices.

5. Ink and Color: After drawing several objects, you may ink and color your drawings.

6. Optional Exercise: Draw a house in two-point perspective using a combination of five cubes.

Terminology Review

• Perspective Drawing: A drawing technique that creates the illusion of depth and distance. Objects farther from the viewer appear smaller, while those closer appear larger.

• Freehand Drawing: Drawing without the use of guiding tools like rulers.

• Horizon Line: The line where the sky appears to meet the land or sea, aligning with the viewer's eye level.

• Vanishing Point: The point at which parallel lines, when viewed in perspective, appear to converge.

• Guideline: Lightly drawn lines that assist artists in constructing their drawings.

• Cube: A three-dimensional square with six sides, serving as a fundamental geometric shape in drawing.

• Ellipse: An oval shape that represents a circle viewed in perspective.