Learning to draw in three-point perspective is easy to learn and fun to do! Drawing in 3 point perspective will enable you to render buildings and forms as if you are seeing them either from an ants-eye view or a birds-eye view. With a few simple tricks, you can be drawing like a pro!
What is 3 point perspective?
Diagrams of blocks showing the difference between 1, 2, and 3 point perspective drawings.
Three-point perspective drawing is a technique used in visual arts, particularly in drawing and illustration, where three vanishing points are used to create the illusion of depth and space in a two-dimensional image. In three-point perspective, there are three sets of parallel lines that converge towards three different vanishing points, which are typically located above, below, and at eye level of the viewer. This creates a sense of depth and realism in the drawing, as objects in the image appear to recede or converge towards these vanishing points, giving the impression of depth, height, and distance. Three-point perspective is often used to depict scenes with tall buildings, interiors, or dramatic compositions where the subject matter requires a strong sense of depth and spatial orientation.
The difference between 1, 2, and 3 point perspective
One-point perspective, also known as "parallel perspective," uses a single vanishing point on the horizon line and is suitable for depicting frontal views of objects or scenes. It is commonly used for portraying flat surfaces that are facing the viewer, such as building facades or roads receding into the distance.
Two-point perspective, also known as "angular perspective," utilizes two vanishing points on the horizon line, typically placed on the left and right sides of the drawing. It is often used for illustrating objects or scenes viewed from an angle, such as corners of rooms or street corners, as it allows for the depiction of depth and space along two sets of converging lines.
Three-point perspective, on the other hand, employs three vanishing points, usually positioned above, below, and at eye level of the viewer. This technique provides a greater degree of flexibility in illustrating height, depth, and distance, making it suitable for more complex scenes like tall buildings, interiors, or dramatic compositions where multiple planes or viewpoints are involved.
A Diagram of the basic rules of perspective
Diagram of blocks drawn in 2 point perspective.
3 Point Perspective Drawing Tutorial
Follow the slide show below to learn the steps for drawing in 3 point perspective. This simple tutorial walks you through each step as you draw a building in 3 point perspective. Art teachers are welcome to use this slideshow in the classes. Have fun drawing!
Art teachers & students: Feel free to download a copy of this drawing lesson.
3pt_perspective_slide_show.pdf
Download File
Photo gallery of three-point perspective drawings
Revolutionary Perspectives: Filippo Brunelleschi and the History of Linear Perspective
Cigoli's of Brunelleschi's dome of the Florence Cathedral.
Linear perspective, a crucial concept for architects and artists today, has a rich historical background. It is believed that the ancient Greeks and Romans possessed knowledge of perspective, which was employed in the construction of their grand buildings and temples. However, this knowledge was lost to civilization for centuries until a young man during the Italian Renaissance re-discovered, or perhaps reinvented, the perspective system that has become a cornerstone of artistic and architectural representation. This visionary figure was Filippo Brunelleschi (1377-1446), a renowned Italian architect and innovator.
During the Renaissance period, Brunelleschi developed revolutionary systems of linear perspective that transformed the world of art and architecture. He made significant advancements in representing spatial depth and distance in two-dimensional artworks, which allowed for a more realistic and natural depiction of the world. One of Brunelleschi's most famous works is the awe-inspiring brick dome atop the Florence Cathedral, an architectural marvel that exemplifies his mastery of perspective and engineering skills.
Brunelleschi's contributions to the revival of linear perspective during the Renaissance had a profound impact on the fields of art and architecture, inspiring countless artists and architects to adopt his techniques. His breakthroughs in perspective not only transformed the way buildings were designed and constructed but also revolutionized the way artists represented space, depth, and realism in their artworks.
Today, the study of linear perspective remains an essential part of architectural and artistic education, with Brunelleschi's innovations continuing to influence modern approaches to visual representation. The legacy of this pioneering architect and artist can still be seen in the way buildings are designed and artworks are created, making him a key figure in the history of linear perspective.
Brunelleschi Technique from a Lost Painting of the Battistero di San Giovanni. Kunsthistorisches Institut in Florenz, Max-Planck-Institut. © 2006, SCALA, Florence ART RESOURCE, N.Y.
Perspective is one of the first things that I teach my middle school and high school art students. Learning the basic rules and understanding how orthogonal lines work can turn a student, who is convinced that they can't draw, into a student who suddenly believes in their own drawing abilities! I strongly encourage art teachers, no matter what grade you are teaching, to do some lessons on one, two, and three-point perspective. Your kids will love it!
If you enjoyed this article please let me know. You are welcome to download and use any aspects of this article for art education.
You may also be interested in my article on five-point perspective HERE.
