Art 230 Perspective
Fall 2014
Instructor: Laurel Long
Office Hours: 5:00 – 6:30 pm, Monday & Wednesday
Email: laurel.long@csun.edu
Room: ADC507
Catalog Description
Understanding and use of various systems of perspective. Emphasis on linear perspective and applications to rendering which
are based on perspective.
Course Description
Introduction to perspective systems and their use in the representation of three-dimensional forms. Instruction will be
conducted through projected diagrams, video presentation, lectures, reading assignments and individual tutoring.
Oblique Perspective:
•Plans and Elevations
•Oblique Projections: Isometric, Plan Oblique, Elevation Oblique
Linear Perspective:
•Terminology and Principles
•Perspective Measurements and Foreshortening: Using Diagonals and Measuring Lines
•Squares, Cubes and Circles in Perspective
•Sloping Planes and Stairs
•One and Two Point Perspective Drawing from Observation
•Architectural Systems
-Drawing Perspective Views from Plans and Elevations
-One and Two Point Measured Box Grid Systems
-Plan projection
Art Department Program Goals Addressed in this Course
• Basic Skills: Developing a foundation of art knowledge, theories, skills, craftsmanship and technologies, where ideas and
concepts are communicated in art making.
• Art Knowledge: Broadening knowledge of ancient through contemporary art and to develop an understanding of art
within theoretical, cultural, and historical contexts.
Student Learning Objectives
• Recognize and apply practical and theoretical concepts in creating perspective drawings.
• Acquire knowledge of and apply the elements and principles of perspective.
• Apply perspective knowledge, theory and skills to the creation of art by inventive processes and observation.
• Demonstrate knowledge of fundamental perspective systems for application in a variety of visual situations such as
Interiors and exteriors.
Assessment and Evaluation
Grading is in accordance with university policy: A, A-, B+, B, B-, C+, C, C-, D+, D, D-, and F
A= outstanding, B= good, C= average, D= unsatisfactory, F= failure
A = 95 – 100, A- = 90 – 94, B+ = 87 – 89, B = 83 – 86, B- = 80 – 82, C = 73 – 76, C+ = 77 – 79 C- = 70 – 72,
D+ = 67 – 69, D = 63 – 66, D- = 60 – 62, F = 0 –
Final Grading is based on: assignment grades, effort and attendance.
Assignment Grading:
•Assignments are graded on the basis of demonstrated knowledge of course content, ambitious solutions to
problems, craftsmanship, participation and effort.
•Each assignment is worth 100 points. Assignment points will be totaled and divided by the number of
assignments to determine a grade average.
•Assignments submitted without the required rough drafts that show construction work and applied
perspective methods will not be accepted.
•Assignments that are not worked on during class time will not be accepted.
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Assignments
#1
Plans, Elevations and Oblique Projections
#2
Perspective Measurements Exercises and Thumbnails
#3
Linear Perspective 1 pt.
#4
Linear Perspective 2 pt.
#5
The Picture Plane
#6
Observational Drawing/Sighting Techniques/Stairs
#7
Squares, Cubes and Circles
#8
Shadows in Perspective
#9
One Point Measured Grid
#10
Observed One Point Perspective/Grid
#11
Two Point Measured Grid
#12
Plan Projection
#13
Interior Design Challenge or Illustration Challenge
Points Earned
100 pts. ______________________
100 pts. ______________________
100 pts. ______________________
100 pts. ______________________
100 pts. ______________________
100 pts. ______________________
100 pts. ______________________
100pts. ______________________
100pts. ______________________
100 pts. ______________________
100 pts. ______________________
100 pts. ______________________
100 pts. ______________________
Total points______________________
Total Points Earned divided by 13 = grade average
Late Assignments
Assignments that are not submitted on deadline will not be accepted. Deadlines are indicated on the course calendar. If you
are unable to attend the class when the assignment is due, then you must submit the assignment in advance, or submit a
digital version by email until you are able to submit the actual assignment.
Revised Assignments
Revised work is accepted only when the revisions are completed during class or during my office hours with my supervision.
Attendance Policy
Attendance is required. The following will be applied in determining the final grade in the course.
• Three absences are allowed without penalty. More than three absences will result in a lower final course grade.
•Each absence over the allowed three absences will lower the course grade by a letter grade. For example: An “A” course
grade with four absences will result in a “B” course grade.
• A doctor’s note will not excuse absences beyond the three allowed. If illness results in excessive absences, a medical
withdrawal from the course is recommended.
• Attendance is taken every class.
• Two late arrivals and/or early departures of more than 15 minutes will be counted as one absence.
• You may ask at any time for your attendance and grade information.
Missed Class Policy
Lectures and demonstrations cannot be repeated. Contact another student in the class for missed information.
Name________________________________________ phone/email_______________________________________
Professional Attitude and Practice;
Academic dishonesty is a serious offense for which a student may be expelled, suspended or awarded a failing grade to an
assignment or the entire course. Academic dishonesty includes cheating, fabrication, facilitating academic dishonesty and
plagiarism. A student found to be committing academic dishonesty would be reported to the Office of the Vice President for
Student Affairs. The student code of conduct can be found on page 586 of the University Catalog or on the CSUN website:
http://www.csun.edu/studentaffairs/pdfs/standards_student_conduct.pdf.
Student Conduct Code
Students are expected to "act at all times with integrity and with respect toward all members of the campus community. The
University assumes that all students will conduct themselves as mature, responsible, and law-abiding citizens who will comply
with University policies and regulations." See the current University catalog.
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Classroom rules
• Cell phones must be turned off or put on vibrate. Phone talking or texting in class is not allowed.
• No headphones allowed.
• Using your laptop to work on anything outside of this course during class time is not permitted.
• You are welcome to bring food and drinks into class. However make sure that all drink containers have a tight fitting, spill
proof lid. Keep all food items and drinks away from art work at all times.
Required Supplies (Drafting supplies must be brought to every class)
Drafting tools:
18” minimum ruler
10” triangles: 45-45 and 30-60 degree, not with beveled edges
24” minimum metal T-square
Two Mechanical pencils: 0.5 mm
Mechanical pencils lead: H and 2H
Fine Point Sharpie or other permanent marker
Tracing paper or vellum: 18-inch roll or 18 x 24 inch pad: white only
Drawing paper pad 18 x 24 inch (not newsprint) Strathmore 400 series
Sketch pad 9 x 12 inch
One 8 x 11 inch page holders (clear only, not non-glare)
Erasers: kneaded and white vinyl
Drafting tape or dots
Required Text Book:
Architectural Graphics, by Francis D.K.Ching, John Wiley& Sons, Inc., ISBN 0-471-20906-6
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
Assignment Descriptions
#1 Plans, Elevations and Oblique Projections
From a plan and elevations of a table provided) draw three projections: isometric, plan oblique and elevation oblique. Show all
hidden lines using a thin dashed line. Show all construction lines. Do a rough draft first then a final draft on tracing paper laid
over the rough draft. For final draft use two different line weights: thick and thin. Rough draft and final draft due for grading.
#2 Perspective Measurements & Perspective Exercise
• Perspective Measurements worksheet with five measurement/foreshortening exercises.
• Exercise: -Draw 5 thumbnail sketches (2 x 2 3/4”) of a 1 pt. perspective design.
-Draw 5 thumbnail sketches (2 x 2 3/4”) of a 2 pt. perspective design.
-Vary eye levels and position of vanishing point.
Worksheet and thumbnails due for grading.
#3 Linear Perspective 1 pt.
Make a one point perspective drawing on 18x24” drawing paper. Draw a frame one inch from each side. The drawing must
include a minimum of 30 forms. 15 or more of the forms must have recessed planes (like a shelf or window). The forms must
be cropped on at least two sides of the composition. You must apply at two or more of the measurement techniques learned
from the #2 Perspective Measurements Worksheet for the foreshortening of the forms. You may draw architecture or an
abstract arrangement of forms. Use thick and thin line variation. Don’t erase construction lines. Refer to your thumbnail
sketches from Project #2 for ideas. Rough draft due for grading.
#4 Linear Perspective 2 pt.
Make a two-point perspective drawing on 18x24” drawing paper. Draw a frame one inch from each side. The drawing must
include a minimum of 30 forms. 15 or more of the forms must have recessed planes (like a shelf or window). The forms must
be cropped on at least two sides of the composition. You must apply at two or more of the measurement techniques learned
from the #2 Perspective Measurements Worksheet for the foreshortening of the forms. You may draw architecture or an
abstract arrangement of forms. Use thick and thin line variation. Don’t erase construction lines. Refer to your thumbnail
sketches from Project #2 for ideas. Rough draft due for grading.
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#5 The Picture Plane
At a site on campus tape a clear page holder to a window. Using a fine tip marker, trace exactly what you see through the
window. Include all architecture and any other important details. For the rough draft, put tracing paper over the window tracing
and determine the vanishing points. Using a foreshortening measurement method(s) learned in assignment #2, draw all
repeated, foreshortened forms correctly. Show all construction lines. When perspective is correct, lay another tracing paper
over your rough draft. Do final draft using thick and thin lines. Window tracing, rough draft and final draft due for grading.
#6 Observed Two Point Perspective / Stairs
Using a viewfinder and sighting techniques, freehand draw the site in two point perspective on 18x24” drawing paper. Produce
a rough draft that includes stair construction. Observational drawing and rough draft showing stair construction due for
grading.
#7 Squares, Cubes and Circles
This assignment will be completed in class. Draft squares, cubes and circles in one and two point perspective using a variety
of perspective methods. Draw circles in perspective. Show all construction lines. Drawings completed in class due for grading.
#8 Shadows in Perspective
In this assignment you will draw cast shadows and lighting in a room (worksheets provided). Worksheets due for grading
#9 One Point Measured Grid
You will be provided a plan and elevations for a room. You may use your own plans and elevations if you prefer and if they are
not too complicated. Draft a one point measured box grid on 18x24” drawing paper. Lay tracing paper over the grid and rough
draft the room and furniture in perspective. Show all construction lines. Grid, rough draft and final draft due for grading.
#10 Observed One Point Perspective / Applied Grid
Using a viewfinder and sighting techniques, freehand draw a site in one point perspective on 18x24” drawing paper. Note the
measurements of your site (width of elevation wall, columns, spacing etc.) Draft a box grid for your site based on the
measurements. Lay tracing paper over the grid and draft your site. Observational drawing, grid and rough draft due for
grading.
#11 Two Point Measured Grid
You will be provided a plan and elevations for a simple room. You may use your own plans and elevations if you prefer and if
they are not too complicated. Draft a two point measured box grid on 18x24” drawing paper. Lay tracing paper over the grid
and rough draft the room in perspective. Show all construction lines. Grid, rough draft and final draft due for grading.
#12 Plan Projection
A plan and elevations for a simple room will be provided. You may use your own plans and elevations if you prefer and if they
are not too complicated. Using the plan projection method, draw a two-point perspective of the room. Show all construction
lines. Rough draft and final draft due for grading.
#13 Interior Design Challenge: Design and Draw a Room in Perspective
Working in pairs, you will be the designer and the client for each other. As the client, supply your designer with descriptions
and magazine pictures of the room you want to redesign. As the designer, draw a plan and elevation of your client’s room.
Using plan projection or an expanded two-point box grid from project #11, draw the room in perspective. The perspective
drawing must be consistent with the measurements indicated by the plan and elevation(s). Plan, elevation(s), grid or plan
projection, and rough draft due for grading.
#13 Art Major Challenge: Alice in Perspective
“In that direction,” the Cat said, waving his right paw round, “lives a Hatter; and in that direction,” waving the other paw, “lives a
March Hare. Visit either you like: they’re both mad”…She had not gone much further before she came in sight of the house of
the March Hare, she thought it must be the right house, because the chimneys were shaped like ears and the roof was
hatched with fur. It was so large a house, that she did not like to go nearer till she nibbled some more of the mushroom, and
raised herself to two feet high…” from the “Pig and Pepper” chapter from Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.
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Your drawing includes the following. You may expand and use your 2pt grid if you like, or start fresh. You must use a vertical
measuring line for heights (the nearest house corner would be good for this) and you must use foreshortening methods
-2 or 3 pint perspective view with low eye level
-Large house with peaked roof and windows with shutters
-A curved or zigzag road leads to the house; a fence runs along the entire length of the road
-Use trees as a framing device and throughout the composition
-There is a vegetable garden near the house with equal parallel rows
-Alice is on the road (she is two feet high)
-The light is in front and to the left of the viewer
-There is distant landscape and clouds
-Realistic scale and proportions
-Remember this is Wonderland. Be creative and have fun. Add things not included above.
Procedure:
• Thumbnails: Start with 3x5” thumbnails. Pick one you like.
• Tracing Overlay 1: Put tracing paper over the thumbnail. Correct the perspective: verify vanishing points and scale
• Enlarge tracing overlay 300% (9x15” minimum)
• Tracing Overlay 2: Resolve perspective, vertical measurements, foreshortening, lighting, all details and final
elements.
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Perspective Art 230 Calendar (Dates are subject to change)_______________________________
Mon, Aug 25
Introduction to the course Homework: order book and bring supplies
Wed, Aug 27
#1 Plans, Elevations and Oblique Projections
Mon, Sept 1
Labor Day Holiday
Wed, Sept 3
#1 Plans, Elevations and Oblique Projections , read: 35–39, 102-116, 132–133
Mon, Sept 8
Wed, Sept 10
Mon, Sept 15
#2 Perspective Measurements & Exercises
#2 Perspective Measurements & Exercises
#2 Perspective Measurements & Exercises
#1 Obliques due
Wed, Sept 17
Mon, Sept 22
#3 Linear Perspective: 1 pt.
#3 Linear Perspective: 1 pt.
#2 Measurements & Exercise due
Wed, Sept 24
Mon, Sept 29
#4 Linear Perspective: 2 pt.
#4 Linear Perspective: 2 pt. review: 115-117, 126–35, 165 -170, 188-192
Wed, Oct 1
Mon, Oct 6
#5 The Picture Plane
#5 The Picture Plane, read: 134–136, 212–225
Wed, Oct 8
Mon, Oct 13
#6 Stairs/Observational 2 pt. Drawing / Sighting Techniques
#5 Picture Plane due
#6 Stairs/Observational 2 pt. Drawing / Sighting Techniques, read: 117–122, 131, 137
Wed, Oct 15
#7 Squares, Cubes and Circles
Mon, Oct 20
Wed, Oct 22
#8 Shadows in Perspective
#7 Squares, Cubes & Circles due
#8 Shadows in Perspective read:117–122, 131
Mon, Oct 27
Wed, Oct 29
#9 One Point Measured Grid
#9 One Point Measured Grid, read: 222–224
Mon, Nov 3
Wed, Nov 5
Mon, Nov 10
#10 Observed 1 pt. Drawing/Applied Grid
#9 One Point Grid due
#10 Observed 1 pt. Drawing/Applied Grid
#10 Observed 1 pt. Drawing/Applied Grid, Homework: read: 123-130
Wed, Nov 12
Mon, Nov 17
#11 Two Point Measured Grid, read:106, 110–114
#11 Two Point Measured Grid
Wed, Nov 19
Mon, Nov 24
Wed, Nov 26
#12 Plan Projection
#12 Plan Projection
#12 Plan Projection, read:44, 54, 186, 129-130
#11 Two Point Grid
Mon, Dec 1
Wed, Dec 3
Mon, Dec 8
#13 Interior Design Challenge
#13 Interior Design Challenge
#13 Interior Design Challenge
#12 Plan Projection due
Mon, Dec 15, 8-10am
Exam time, #13 Interior Design Challenge returned
#3, #4 Linear 1 & 2 pt. due
#6 Stair Drawing due
#8 Shadows due
#10 Observed /Applied Grid due
#13 Design Challenge due
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Perspective
Art 230
Assignment Procedures and Grading Criteria
When preliminary drawings (rough drafts, grids, observational drawings) and final drawings are required, they must be handed
in together or the assignment will not be accepted.
The preliminary drawings that are required vary by assignment (see assignment descriptions on syllabus page 4):
• Thumbnails – small, rough drawings to try out ideas, basic composition and perspective.
• Observational drawing (freehand or roughly drafted from observation) –perspective established, rough details.
• Rough draft: this drawing shows your work and process. It includes all construction lines and measurement methods. It has
correct perspective/foreshortening and resolved details.
• Final drawing: tracing paper drawing over rough draft: cleanly drafted with all details resolved.
#1
#2
#3
#4
#5
#6
#7
#8
#9
Plans, Elevations and Oblique Projections
Perspective: Three projections (25 pts. each)
Drawing quality: Line variety and drafting quality, neatness
75 pts.
25 pts.
Perspective Measurements & Exercises
Worksheet with five foreshortening methods (5 pts. each)
Ten thumbnails (5 pts. each)
Exercise worksheets
25 pts.
50 pts.
25 pts.
Linear Perspective 1 pt.
Drawing: Perspective/Foreshortening
Complexity: creativity, initiative, design
70 pts.
30 pts.
Linear Perspective 2 pt.
Drawing: Perspective/Foreshortening
Complexity: creativity, initiative, design
70 pts.
30 pts.
The Picture Plane
Drawing: Perspective/Foreshortening
Complexity
Drawing quality: Line variety and drafting quality, neatness
70 pts.
15 pts.
15 pts.
Observational 2 pt. Drawing /Sighting Techniques/ Stairs
Drawing: Perspective/Foreshortening
Observational Drawing
Complexity, initiative
Stair construction
40 pts.
20 pts.
20 pts.
20 pts.
Squares, Cubes and Circles
Two perspective squares
Two horizontal perspective circles (ellipse)
One cube
Two vertical perspective circles (ellipse)
15 pts. each
15 pts. each
20 pts.
20 pts. each
Shadows in Perspective
Two worksheets (50 pts. each)
100 pts
One Point Measured Grid
Grid
Perspective:
Cabinet
Windows
Table
Sofa
Round rug
25 pts.
5 pts.
5 pts.
20 pts.
35 pts.
10 pts.
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#10
#11
Observed One Point Perspective/Grid
Drawing: Perspective/Foreshortening
Grid
Observational Drawing
Complexity, initiative
#12
Two Point Measured Grid
Grid
Perspective:
Window
Table
Sofa
Round rug
Observational Drawing
#13
Plan Projection
#14
Interior Design Challenge: Design and Draw a Room in Perspective
Plan/Elevation(s)
Perspective
Complexity: creativity, initiative, design
or
Illustration Challenge: Alice in Perspective
Perspective
Complexity: creativity, initiative, design
40 pts.
20 pts.
20 pts.
20 pts.
25 pts.
5 pts.
20 pts.
35 pts.
15 pts.
100 pts.
20 pts
40 pts.
40 pts.
60 pts.
40 pts.
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