Space
The Elements of Art
TheVirtualInstructor.com
In terms of art, space is the area
above, around, and within an
object.
TheVirtualInstructor.com
With consideration to drawings
and paintings, our goal is to
create the illusion of space.
TheVirtualInstructor.com
There are six ways to create the illusion of
space on a 2-dimensional surface.
Overlapping
Size
Placement on the surface
Detail
Color and Value
Linear Perspective
TheVirtualInstructor.com
Overlapping occurs when objects that are
closer to the viewer prevent the view of
objects that are behind them.
TheVirtualInstructor.com
Objects that are smaller will appear further
away from the viewer.
TheVirtualInstructor.com
Objects placed higher on the picture plane
will appear further away.
TheVirtualInstructor.com
Objects that are further away should have
less detail than objects that are closer.
TheVirtualInstructor.com
Objects that are further away are cooler in
color temperature.
TheVirtualInstructor.com
Objects that are further away are lighter in
value.
TheVirtualInstructor.com
Linear perspective is a drawing
method that uses lines to create
the illusion of space on a flat
surface.
TheVirtualInstructor.com
One point perspective uses one
vanishing point to accomplish
this illusion.
TheVirtualInstructor.com
The first step in one point perspective is to
define the horizon line.
TheVirtualInstructor.com
The horizon line divides the sky from the
ground. It can also be the “eye level” of the
viewer.
TheVirtualInstructor.com
Next, define the vanishing point on the horizon line.
The vanishing point is the point placed on the
horizon line where objects begin to disappear
because of distance.
TheVirtualInstructor.com
Next, the shape of the object is drawn. Most
commonly, a geometric shape is drawn. Organic
objects can be “carved out” of a geometric shape.
TheVirtualInstructor.com
Lines are drawn from all four corners back
to the vanishing point.
TheVirtualInstructor.com
Next, a smaller rectangle is drawn so that
each corner touches a line that was drawn
in the previous step.
TheVirtualInstructor.com
Lines that are no longer needed can be
erased to reveal a cube.
TheVirtualInstructor.com
Two point perspective uses two
vanishing points to create the
illusion of space.
TheVirtualInstructor.com
Two vanishing points are placed on the
horizon line.
TheVirtualInstructor.com
Next, the corner of the object is drawn
between the two vanishing points.
TheVirtualInstructor.com
Lines are drawn from each end of the
corner to one of the vanishing points.
TheVirtualInstructor.com
This is repeated on the other side of the
corner to the other vanishing point.
TheVirtualInstructor.com
Next, the ends of the cube are defined by
drawing vertical lines.
TheVirtualInstructor.com
A line is drawn from the edge of one of the
back corners of the cube to the opposite
vanishing point.
TheVirtualInstructor.com
This is repeated for the opposite corner.
TheVirtualInstructor.com
Lines that were used as guides can be
erased, revealing a 3-D cube.
TheVirtualInstructor.com
Perspective Drawing Exercises
Draw a small city using one point
perspective. Include a fence and a line of
trees.
Draw a box above the horizon line and
one below using two point perspective.
Draw your name using two point
perspective
Draw a 3-dimensional maze using two
point perspective.
TheVirtualInstructor.com