Fall 2012
Art 230 Perspective
Instructor: Laurel Long
Email: laurel.long@csun.edu
Office Hours: 5:00 – 6:30 pm, Monday/Wednesday
Room: ADC 506/507
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.
• Linear Perspective:
Terminology
• Geometric Tools and Perspective Methods

Perspective Measurements: Diagonals and Measuring Lines

Squares, Cubes and Circle

Sloping Planes and Stairs
• One and Two Point Perspective Drawing from Observation
• Architectural Systems

Plans and Elevations and Oblique Projections: Isometric, Plan Oblique, Elevation Oblique

Drawing Perspective Views from Plans and Elevations:
-One and Two Point Measured 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 writing, speaking and 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.
•
Use 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.
Professional Practice and Plagiarism:
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.
Classroom rules

Cell phones must be turned off or put on vibrate. Talking or texting on phones in class is not allowed.

No headphone or laptop use.
Missed Class Policy: Lectures and demonstrations cannot be repeated. Contact another student in the class for missed information.
Name________________________________________ phone/email_______________________________________
1
Supplies (Drafting supplies must be brought to every class)
Drafting tools:
18” minimum ruler
10-12” triangles: 45-45 and 30-60 degree
24” minimum T-square
Two Mechanical pencils: 0.5 mm
Mechanical pencils lead: H and 2H
Fine Point Sharpie 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)
One 8 x 11 inch page holder (clear only, not non-glare)
Erasers: kneaded and white vinyl
Drafting tape or dots
Inexpensive Compass
Required Text Book: Architectural Graphics, by Francis D.K. Ching, John Wiley& Sons, Inc., ISBN 978-0470399118
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 grade in the course.

The three allowed absences are given for illness and other unavoidable events. A doctor’s note will not excuse more than
three absences in a semester. If an illness requires more than three absences, a medical withdrawal from the course is
recommended.

Roll is taken every class. Late arrivals and early departures will be counted as absences.

You may ask at any time for your attendance and grade information.
Grading

Final Grading is based on: Assignments that are graded on the basis of demonstrated knowledge of course content, ambitious
solutions to problems, craftsmanship, effort and Attendance (see above)

Assignments that are not submitted on deadline will not be accepted.

Assignments submitted without the required rough drafts showing preliminary construction work will not be accepted.

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
Grade Point Scale
A = 95 – 100
A- = 90 – 94
B- = 80 – 82
B+ = 87 – 89
B = 83 – 86
C- = 70 – 72
C+ = 77 – 79
C = 73 – 76
D- = 60 – 62
D+ = 67 – 69
D = 63 – 69
F = 0 - 59
Assignments
#1
Plans, Elevations and Oblique Projections
Points Earned
100 pts. ______________________
#2
Perspective Measurements & Exercise
100 pts ______________________
#3
Linear Perspective 1 pt.
100 pts. ______________________
#4
Linear Perspective 2 pt.
100 pts. ______________________
#5
The Picture Plane
100 pts. ______________________
#6
Observational Drawing/Sighting Techniques/Stairs
100 pts. ______________________
#7
Squares, Cubes and Circles
100 pts. ______________________
#8
One Point Measured Grid
100pts. ______________________
#9
Observed One Point Perspective
100 pts. ______________________
#10
Two Point Measured Grid
100 pts. ______________________
#11
Plan Projection
100 pts. ______________________
#12
Interior Design Challenge
100 pts. ______________________
Total________________________________
Total Points Earned divided by 12=
2
Perspective Art 230 Calendar (Dates are subject to change)_______________________________
Homework: Supplies, read 2 – 34, 86 - 100
Mon, Aug 27
Introduction to course
Wed, Aug 29
#1 Plans, Elevations and Oblique Projections
Mon, Sept 3
Labor Day
Wed, Sept 5
#1 Plans, Elevations and Oblique Projections
Homework: read: 35 – 38, 102 - 116, 132 – 133
Mon, Sept 10
Wed, Sept 12
#2 Perspective Measurements & Exercise
#2 Perspective Measurements & Exercise
Mon, Sept 17
Wed, Sept 19
#3 Linear Perspective: 1 pt
#3 Linear Perspective: 1 pt
Mon, Sept 24
Wed, Sept 26
#4 Linear Perspective: 2 pt
#4 Linear Perspective: 2 pt
Homework: review: 115 - 116, read: 188 - 192
Mon, Oct 1
Wed, Oct 3
#5 The Picture Plane
#5 The Picture Plane
Homework: read: 134 – 136, 212 – 225
Mon, Oct 8
Wed, Oct 10
#6 Observational 2 pt. Drawing / Sighting Techniques/ Stairs
#6 Observational 2 pt. Drawing / Sighting Techniques/ Stairs
Homework: read: 137
Mon, Oct 15
Wed, Oct 17
#7 Squares, Cubes and Circles
#7 Squares, Cubes and Circles
Homework: read: 117 – 122, 131
Wed, Oct 22
Wed, Oct 24
Mon, Oct 29
#8 One Point Measured Grid
#8 One Point Measured Grid
#8 One Point Measured Grid
Homework: read: 222 – 224
Wed, Oct 31
Mon, Nov 5
Wed, Nov 7
#9 Observed One Point Perspective/Applied Grid
#9 Observed One Point Perspective/ Applied Grid
#9 Observed One Point Perspective/ Applied Grid
Homework: read: 123 - 130
Mon, Nov 12
Wed, Nov 14
#10 Two Point Measured Grid
#10 Two Point Measured Grid
Homework read: 106, 110 – 114
Mon, Nov 19
Wed, Nov 21
Mon, Nov 26
#11 Plan Projection
#11 Plan Projection
#11 Plan Projection
Homework: read: 44 - 54, 186, 129 - 130
Wed, Nov 28
Mon, Dec 3
Wed, Dec 5
Mon, Dec 10
#12 Interior Design Challenge: Design and Draw a Room in Perspective
#12 Interior Design Challenge: Design and Draw a Room in Perspective
#12 Interior Design Challenge: Design and Draw a Room in Perspective
#12 Interior Design Challenge: Design and Draw a Room in Perspective
Mon, Dec 17
Exam time 8:00-10:00am
#1 Obliques due
#2 Measurements & Exercise due
#3,4 Linear Perspective: 1 & 2 pt due
#5 Picture Plane due
#6 Observational drawing due
#7 Squares, Cubes and Circles due
#8 One Point Measured Grid due
#9 Observed One Point Perspective due
#10 Two Point Measured Grid due
#11 Plan Projection due
#12 Design Challenge due
3
Perspective
Art 230
Assignment Procedures and Grading Criteria
Project Procedures: Preliminary and final drawings must be handed in together or a failing grade for the assignment
will be assigned. The preliminary drawings that are required vary by assignment (see assignment descriptions on next page):

Thumbnails – small, rough drawings to try out ideas, basic composition and perspective.

Site drawing (freehand or roughly drafted from observation) – final size, perspective established, rough details.

Rough draft: tracing paper overlay drawing over site drawing or grid - Correct perspective, use of vanishing points, correct
foreshortening, resolved details.

Final drawing: tracing paper drawing over rough draft: cleanly drafted, details resolve.
Grading Criteria
#1
Plans, Elevations and Oblique Projections
Perspective: Three projections (25 pts. each)
75 pts.
Drawing quality: Line variety and drafting quality, neatness
25 pts
#2
Perspective Measurements & Perspective Exercise
Worksheet exercises
Thumbnail drawings
50 pts.
50 pts.
Linear Perspective 1 pt.
Perspective
Complexity, creativity, initiative
70 pts.
30 pts.
Linear Perspective 2 pt.
Perspective
Complexity, creativity, initiative
70 pts.
30 pts.
The Picture Plane
Perspective
Complexity
Drawing quality
70 pts.
15 pts.
15 pts.
Observational 2 pt. Drawing /Sighting Techniques/ Stairs
Perspective
Stair construction
Complexity
40 pts.
40 pts.
20 pts.
Squares, Cubes and Circles
Five Perspective drawings (20 pts. each)
100 pts.
One Point Measured Grid
Grid
Perspective
40 pts.
60 pts
Observed One Point Perspective
Perspective
Complexity
70 pts.
30 pts.
Two Point Measured Grid
Grid
Perspective
40 pts.
60 pts
#10
Plan Projection
100 pts.
#11
Interior Design Challenge: Design and Draw a Room in Perspective
Perspective
Complexity, creativity, initiative
Drawing Quality
60 pts.
25 pts.
15 pts
#3
#4
#5
#5
#6
#7
#8
#9
4
Perspective
Art 230
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 required.
#2 Perspective Measurements & Perspective Exercise
• Perspective Measurements worksheet with five 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 for the 1 point.
#3 Linear Perspective 1pt & #4 Linear Perspective 2pt.
Make a 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 only.
#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 perspective measurement method learned in assignment #2, draw correctly foreshortened forms. Show all
construction lines. When perspective is correct, lay another tracing paper over your rough draft. Do final draft using thick and thin lines.
Tracing, rough draft and final draft required.
#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. Site drawing and rough draft required.
#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. Rough drafts only.
#8 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 required for grading. Add an object to the
perspective drawing and the plan and elevations.
#9 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. Use thick and thin lines on final draft. Site drawing, grid, rough and final drafts
required.
#10 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 required.
5
#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 required.
#12 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). Use thick and thin lines on final draft. Plan, elevation(s), grid if
used, rough and final draft required.
6