CPE 216 ENGINEERING DRAWING 1
MODULE 8 : PERSPECTIVE DRAWING
LESSON PROPER:
Based on the preliminary activities, what did you notice about it?
7.1 One Point Perspective
One point Perspective is a drawing method that shows how things appear to get smaller as they get further
away, converging towards a single “vanishing point” on the horizon line. Using one point perspective Figure
(7.1), parallel lines converge to one point somewhere in the distance. This point is called the Vanishing Point
(VP). This gives objects an impression of depth.
Figure 7.1 Figure 7.2
The sides of an object diminish towards the
vanishing point. All vertical and horizontal lines
though are drawn with no perspective.
i.e. face on.
One point perspective though is of limited use, the
main problem being that the perspective is too
pronounced for small products making them looking
bigger than they actually are.
Figure (7. 2)
Although it is possible to sketch products in one
point perspective, the perspective is too aggressive
on the eye making products look bigger than they
actually are. Figure (7. 3). Figure 7.3
One point perspective is based on the concept that the lines and shapes in a drawing can be located in
reference to a single line, called the horizon line, and a single point, called the vanishing point. Single Line
defined as a straight set of points that extend in opposite directions, it has no ends in both directions or infinite
it has no thickness. Horizon Line / Eye Level refer to a physical / visual boundary where sky separates from
land or water. It is the actual height of the viewer’s eyes when looking at an object, interior scene, or an exterior
scene.
7.2 Two Point Perspective
Two Points Perspective is a much more useful drawing system than the simpler One Point Perspective.
Objects drawn in two point perspective have a more natural look Figure (7. 4). In two point perspective the
sides of the object vanish to one of two vanishing points on the horizon. Vertical lines in the object have no
perspective applied to them. Vanishing Point a point which receding parallel lines seem to meet when
represented in linear perspective. A Vertical Line is a line perpendicular to a horizontal line or the x-axis. In a
CPE 216 ENGINEERING DRAWING 1
MODULE 8 : PERSPECTIVE DRAWING
coordinate plane, the y-axis is a vertical line since it is perpendicular to the x-axis, the baseline. Thus any line
that is parallel to the y-axis is vertical. Perpendicular Line is defined as a straight line that makes the right
angle 90˚ with the other line. In other words, if two lines intersect each other at the right angle, then the lines
are perpendicular to each other. Perpendicular Lines are lines that cross each other at a 90˚ angle. This is
also known as a right angle. The word ‘perpendicular’ comes from the Latin word “perpendicularis” and
describes lines that lie at right angles to the horizon. A vertical Line represents the front edge of the house.
At the top of this edge, draw two additional lines to the vanishing points.
Figure 7.4 Figure 7.5
By altering the proximity of the vanishing points to the object, you can make the object look big or small Figure
(7.5). Parallel Lines are those lines that are equidistant from each other and never meet, no matter how much
they may be extended in either directions. For example, the opposite sides of a rectangle represent parallel
lines. On the other hand, if any two lines intersect each other at 90˚, they are called perpendicular lines.
7.3 Three Point Perspective
Three points perspective is a development of two point’s perspective. Like two point it has two vanishing
points somewhere on the horizon. But three points perspective also has a vanishing point somewhere above
or below the horizon which the vertical vanish to.
The nearer the vanishing point is to the object, the bigger the object looks. Look at these buildings Figure
(7.6), all the vanishing points are too close. This has caused an excessive amount of vertical perspective.
Learning how to apply vertical. Perspective is the key to making your drawing realistic.
Figure 7.6 Figure 7.7
In general most designers create drawings with a vanishing point far below the horizon so that the depth added
to the verticals is only slight. In many cases the vanishing point is not even on the paper Figure (7.7). Learning
CPE 216 ENGINEERING DRAWING 1
MODULE 8 : PERSPECTIVE DRAWING
how to apply vertical perspective will make your drawings more and more realistic. Vertical Perspective
projection represents view of the earth from space in which the view is from a point precisely facing the center
of the earth.
7.4 Four Point Perspective
Four Point Perspective is a method of drawing that adds a fourth vanishing point to the mix, typically used
for to represent distortion caused by a wide field of view, like a fisheye lens. This technique allows you to draw
more complex scenes with greater depth and realism. Think of it as the difference between looking at a building
from right in front of it, versus viewing it from a drone hovering above- the latter gives you a much more
dynamic, interesting view, doesn’t it. Four Point Perspective is all about seeing the world from a new angle.
Try drawing the same object from different viewpoints –from above, from below, from the side. You’ll start to
see how four point perspective allows you to create more dynamic, engaging drawings. Practice makes
perfect, so keep at it.
Drawing Buildings and Structures:
Four Point Perspective is particularly useful when drawing buildings and structures. It helps depict height and
depth more accurately. Start by sketching the overall shape of the building. Remember to consider the
vanishing points as you detail the windows, doors, and other architectural features. Practicing this will enhance
your understanding of how buildings look from various angles.
The purpose of perspective drawing is to learn to create three dimensional forms from a vanishing point.
Perspective is key to almost any drawing or sketch as well as many paintings. It is one of the fundamentals
that you need to understand in order to create realistic and believable scenes. The basic elements of
perspective drawing. In order to understand human perception, there are three important tools for perspective
drawing: the horizon lie, vanishing points, and vanishing line.
