Lesson Plan
Course Title: Graphic Design and Illustration
Session Title: One-Point Perspective
Lesson Duration: Approximately two to four 90-minute class periods
[Lesson length is subjective and will vary from instructor to instructor]
Performance Objective: Upon completion of this lesson, students will apply perspective, color,
and texture to create a 3D illustration with no fewer than three letter forms.
Specific Objectives:
1. Discuss and research the illusion of reality in art developed during the Renaissance.
2. Define terms associated with the lesson.
3. Develop a 3D illustration of three or more letter forms utilizing one-point perspective.
Preparation
TEKS Correlations:
130.88(C)(1) The student applies academic knowledge and skills in art and design projects. The
student is expected to:
(B) apply mathematics knowledge and skills by identifying whole numbers, decimals, and
fractions applied to measurement and scale; demonstrating knowledge of arithmetic
operations; using conversion methods such as fractions to decimals and inches to points;
and applying measurement to solve a problem.
130.88(C)(5) The student understands design systems. The student is expected to analyze and
summarize the history and evolution of related fields.
130.88(C)(8) The student applies ethical decision making and understands and complies with
laws regarding use of technology in graphic design and illustration. The student is expected to:
(B) discuss and apply copyright laws in relation to fair use and acquisition
130.88(9) The student develops employability characteristics. The student is expected to:
(D) maintain a career portfolio to document work experiences, licenses, certifications, and
work samples
130.88(C)(11) The student develops an increasing understanding of graphic design and
illustration. The student is expected to:
(A) research art and design career opportunities and qualifications;
(B) research the history and evolution of art and design by:
(i) explaining the history of visual arts and design;
(ii) understanding general characteristics in artwork from a variety of cultures; and
(iii) comparing current visual arts technologies with historical technologies;
(C) interpret, evaluate, and justify design decisions;
(D) conduct oral or written critiques of designs by:
(i) applying a critical method of evaluation;
(E) analyze and apply art elements and principles;
(F) employ a creative design process to create original two- or three-dimensional projects
by:
(i) creating designs for defined applications;
(ii) applying elements of design;
(iv) using good composition;
(vii) creating a project by applying color
AAVTC: Graphic Design & Illustration: One-Point Perspective
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2013. All rights reserved.
1
Interdisciplinary Correlations
Fine Arts:
117.52 (c)(3) Historical/cultural heritage. The student demonstrates an understanding of art
history and culture as records of human achievement. The student is expected to:
(A) compare and contrast historical and contemporary styles, identifying general themes
and trends;
(B) describe general characteristics in artworks from a variety of cultures; and
(C) compare and contrast career and avocational opportunities in art.
Instructor/Trainer
References:
The Artist’s Toolkit:
http://www.artsconnected.org/toolkit/watch_space_perspective.cfm
Science & Art of Perspective:
http://www.webexhibits.org/sciartperspective/raphaelperspective1.html
Instructional Aids:
One-Point Perspective slide presentation
Examples of one-point perspective elements in contemporary art
Handout from the J. Paul Getty Museum, Elements of Art:
http://www.getty.edu/education/teachers/building_lessons/elements_art.pdf
One-Point Perspective Handout
One-Point Perspective Guided Practice Handout
One-Point Perspective Vocabulary Quiz
One-Point Perspective Vocabulary Quiz answer key
One-Point Perspective Rubric
Materials Needed:
18” x 24” newsprint
18” x 24” drawing paper
Rulers, pencils, color pencils, or markers
Equipment Needed:
Computer and projection system with appropriate software to display slide presentation
Computer with internet access
Learner
None
Introduction
MI
Introduction (LSI Quadrant I):
SAY: We see things in 3 dimensions, but to create that look in 2 dimensional
artwork, without using a photo, means using perspectives to ‘fake’ the look of 3D.
SAY: Perspectives require more than just light, shadow and color. To create the
effect of 3D depth, you need horizon lines and at least one vanishing point.
AAVTC: Graphic Design & Illustration: One-Point Perspective
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2013. All rights reserved.
2
Outline
MI
Outline (LSI Quadrant II):
Instructor Notes:
I. Discuss and research examples of one point
perspective in Renaissance art and
contemporary design
NOTE: Go to the Science &
Art of Perspective website to
better understand how
Renaissance art used
perspectives.
II. Define terms associated with the lesson
A. Vanishing Point
B. Horizon line
C. Unity
D. Emphasis
E. Proportion
F. Pattern
G. Rhythm
1. Progressive
2. Regular
3. Alternating
H. Form
I. Space
J. Visual Texture
Use the slide presentation
and the handouts to review
and understand the terms.
Place special emphasis on
Proportion, Rhythm, Form
and Space.
III. Practice one-point perspective:
A. Draw a horizontal line on a large piece of
newsprint (horizon line).
B. Place a dot on the horizontal line (vanishing
point).
C. Draw simple geometric shapes in the space
above, below, and on the line.
D. Place a ruler next to a corner of a geometric
shape and the vanishing point. Draw a light
line. The line does not have to meet the
vanishing point. Repeat on each corner with
an unobstructed path to the vanishing point.
NOTE: This is a practice
exercise to make sure that
students understand the
principle of one-point
perspective. Refer to the last
slide for a visual
representation.
Show contemporary art
pieces that reflect the
elements of one-point
perspective. Encourage
students to brainstorm other
uses of one-point perspective
and 3D in Graphic Design.
The teacher will illustrate the
method while students work
independently.
Application
MI
Guided Practice (LSI Quadrant III):
The instructor will present the slide presentation on One-Point Perspective to the
students, and provide visual examples for better understanding.
The instructor will monitor individuals during the one-point perspective practice.
The teacher will also demonstrate one-point perspective drawing technique while
students observe. The teacher will post examples, objectives, and rubrics with the
specifics for the final artwork.
AAVTC: Graphic Design & Illustration: One-Point Perspective
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2013. All rights reserved.
3
MI
Independent Practice (LSI Quadrant III):
Students should come up with their own 3D illustration of no fewer than three letter
forms. All letters should have a single vanishing point to create the illusion of depth
and space.
Have students sketch and practice their designs on
8.5” x 11” paper before moving up to larger drawing paper. When working on the
final, remind students to use a light pencil line.
Students will decide on a color and/or texture scheme and use markers or color
pencils to finish the 3D illustration.
Summary
MI
Review (LSI Quadrants I and IV):
Review the terms associated with the lesson.
Review history of the origin of one-point perspective in Renaissance art.
Evaluation
MI
Informal Assessment (LSI Quadrant III):
Teacher will circulate during independent practice checking for understanding of
concepts and techniques. Teacher will observe student progress and make
suggestions / provide guidance as necessary.
Teacher will administer the One-Point Perspective Quiz.
MI
Formal Assessment (LSI Quadrant III, IV):
Students will participate in a formal class critique using the criteria outlined on the
One-Point Perspective Rubric. The completed 3D illustration projects will be
evaluated by the instructor using the One-Point Perspective Rubric.
Extension
MI
Extension/Enrichment (LSI Quadrant IV):
Students may wish to scan their designs and apply them to a consumer object such
as a skateboard or t-shirt.
AAVTC: Graphic Design & Illustration: One-Point Perspective
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2013. All rights reserved.
4
One-Point Perspective Handout
Vocabulary
Vanishing Point – the point on the horizon where parallel lines seem to converge.
Horizon line – the line that represents your eye level; where the sky meets ground or
water.
Unity – a quality that occurs when all parts of an artwork combine to create a sense of
completion and wholeness.
Emphasis – the visual sense of importance given to objects or areas in artwork. This is
accomplished with the size, color, shape, or placement of an object or area to create
dominance, contrast, or a focal point.
Proportion – the size relationship of the parts of an artwork to each other and/or to the
whole piece. Example: the size relationship of the nose to the whole face shows
proportion.
Pattern – repetition of line, shape, color, texture, space, or form in an artwork. A pattern
is a model or plan to be followed when making something.
Rhythm – a sense of visual movement or motion caused by the repetition of the
elements of art in an artwork. In music, rhythm refers to the pattern of the notes.



Progressive Rhythm – Rhythm created by showing regular changes in a
repeated element, such as a series of squares that progressively increase in size
from small to large. The changes may also progress from top to bottom, or dark
to light.
Regular Rhythm – Rhythm in an artwork created by repeating the same element,
such as a shape, without variation.
Alternating Rhythm – Rhythm created by repeating two or more elements on a
regular, interchanging basis.
Form – three-dimensional shapes expressing length, width, and depth. Balls, cylinders,
boxes, and pyramids are forms.
Space – the area between and around objects. In visual art, when we create the feeling
or illusion of depth, we call it space.
Visual Texture – the surface quality that can be seen. As opposed to actual or tactile
texture; visual texture fools the eye to make the viewer believe that a two-dimensional
surface has three-dimensional characteristics.
AAVTC: Graphic Design & Illustration: One-Point Perspective
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2013. All rights reserved.
5
One-Point Perspective Guided Practice Handout
Practice
On a sheet of 18” x 24” newsprint, use a ruler to draw a horizontal line across the paper
and mark a point on the line as a vanishing point. Draw shapes below, above and on
the horizon line. Place a ruler next to a corner of a shape and the vanishing point. Draw
a light line. The line does not have to meet the vanishing point. Repeat on each corner
with an unobstructed path to the vanishing point. All your shapes should go back to the
SAME vanishing point.
AAVTC: Graphic Design & Illustration: One-Point Perspective
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2013. All rights reserved.
6
One-Point Perspective Quiz
Directions: Draw a line from the vocabulary word on the left to the appropriate
description on the right.
Visual Texture
The point on the horizon where parallel
lines seem to converge.
Pattern
The line that represents your eye level
where the sky meets ground or water.
Emphasis
A quality that occurs when all parts of an
artwork combine to create a sense of
completion and wholeness.
Proportion
The visual sense of importance given to
objects or areas in artwork.
Vanishing Point
Repetition of line, shape, color, texture,
space, or form in an artwork.
Unity
Rhythm
A sense of visual movement or motion
caused by the repetition of the elements of
art in an artwork.
Three-dimensional shapes expressing
length, width, and depth such as spheres,
cylinders, boxes, and pyramids.
Horizon Line
The area between and around objects.
Form
The surface quality that can be seen. The
illusion of three-dimensional characteristics
on a two-dimensional surface.
Space
AAVTC: Graphic Design & Illustration: One-Point Perspective
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2013. All rights reserved.
7
One-Point Perspective Quiz – Answer Key
Directions: Draw a line from the vocabulary word on the left to the appropriate
description or on the right.
Visual Texture
The point on the horizon where parallel
lines seem to converge.
Pattern
The line that represents your eye level
where the sky meets ground or water.
Emphasis
A quality that occurs when all parts of an
artwork combine to create a sense of
completion and wholeness.
Proportion
The visual sense of importance given to
objects or areas in artwork.
Vanishing Point
Repetition of line, shape, color, texture,
space, or form in an artwork.
Unity
A sense of visual movement or motion
caused by the repetition of the elements of
art in an artwork.
Rhythm
Three-dimensional shapes expressing
length, width, and depth such as spheres,
cylinders, boxes, and pyramids.
Horizon Line
The area between and around objects.
Form
The surface quality that can be seen. The
illusion of three-dimensional characteristics
on a two-dimensional surface.
Space
AAVTC: Graphic Design & Illustration: One-Point Perspective
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2013. All rights reserved.
8
ONE-POINT PERSPECTIVE RUBRIC
Criteria
Discussion
Participation
(10 points)
Illustration
Project
Criteria
(30 points)
Understanding
of Perspective
(30 points)
Creativity
(20 points)
Professional
Appearance &
Presentation
(10 points)
Comments:
Exceptional
Above Average
Below Average
Unacceptable
9-10 points
5-8 points
1-4 points
0 points
Contributes to
the discussion,
adds new points
of consideration.
Contributes to the
discussion.
Some
participation in
discussion.
Not engaged in
discussion.
25-30 points
12-24 points
1-11 points
0 points
Elaborates
using more than
three letter
forms to create
an interesting,
well designed
project.
Uses three or
more letter forms
to create an
interesting, well
designed project.
Only three
simple letter
forms used.
Less than three
letter forms used.
25-30 points
12-24 points
1-11 points
0 points
Completes
illustration
correctly with
perspective on
objects above,
below, and on
the horizon line.
Completes
illustration with
assistance
showing
perspective on
objects above,
below, and on the
horizon line.
Completes
illustration with
incorrectly
drawn
perspective.
Does not
complete
perspective
illustration.
17-20 points
8-16 points
1-7 points
0 points
Design ideas
are original in
thought and
exceptionally
creative.
Design ideas are
somewhat
original and
creative.
Limited
evidence of
creativity and
originality in
thought.
No evidence of
creativity or
originality in
thought or
execution of
project.
9-10 points
5-8 points
1-4 points
0 points
Professional
project.
Final product is
neat and
professionally
presented.
Good
presentation of
project. Only
minor corrections
are needed
Fair
presentation of
project. Several
errors are
evident.
Project is
unprofessional.
Errors distract
significantly from
the content.
TOTAL
POINTS:
AAVTC: Graphic Design & Illustration: One-Point Perspective
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2013. All rights reserved.
9
Points