One-point Perspective

• Using one-point perspective, 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.

• When drawing using one point perspective all objects vanish to one common point somewhere on the horizon.

• 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.

Renaissance artists were the first to use linear perspective to show depth. This is Raphael's

School of Athens

• In one-point perspective objects are viewed "face on“ and there is only one vanishing point.

• Orthogonal lines are inserted here to show where the vanishing point is.

• All vertical lines are perpendicular to the bottom edge of the picture. Along with orthogonal and horizontal lines they make up a one-point perspective drawing.

To illustrate one-point perspective as seen in a photograph, the Orthogonal Lines have been

drawn to the Vanishing Point.

Edward Hopper - Gas, 1940

Can you locate the horizon line, orthogonal lines and vanishing point in this painting?

Edward Hopper - Gas, 1940

• Vincent Van Gogh also used one-point perspective in this very different painting of his bedroom in Arles.

• Where are the horizon line, orthogonal lines and vanishing point in this painting?

1. Draw a horizon and place a vanishing point (VP)

somewhere on this line.

Constructing a box in one point perspective

2. Draw a square somewhere beneath the horizon.

This will be the front of your box

3. Draw four lines, one from each corner of the

square which also pass through the vanishing point.

4. To complete the box, draw in the back vertical and an horizontal  

The final box in all its glory!

Draw more boxes and add details to create a city street scene.