Drawing complex forms in perspective involves enclosing them within simpler shapes, typically boxes or cylinders, that you can easily draw in perspective, and then using perspective principles to define the complex form within those boundaries.
How to Draw Complex Forms in Perspective
The most effective way to draw complex forms accurately in perspective is to first place them within a simpler, manageable geometric shape like a box (cuboid) or cylinder, drawn correctly in perspective. This bounding shape acts as a guide for establishing the complex form's dimensions and orientation in three-dimensional space.
Here's a breakdown of the process, incorporating the technique from the referenced material:
Step 1: Establish Your Perspective Grid
- Start by drawing your horizon line and vanishing points (one, two, or three, depending on the type of perspective you need).
Step 2: Draw a Bounding Box or Simple Form
- Draw a simple box (or other basic shape like a cylinder or cone) in perspective that is large enough to contain your complex form. This bounding shape should be positioned and oriented according to your desired view.
- Ensure the sides of this box recede towards the appropriate vanishing points.
Step 3: Define the Complex Form's Boundaries within the Box
- Visualize or sketch the complex form inside this bounding box.
- Use the edges and faces of the bounding box as references for placing key points and lines of the complex form. For instance, mark where the complex shape touches the sides, top, or bottom of the box.
Step 4: Determine Depth and Dimensions Using Vanishing Points
- This is where the technique described in the reference comes into play. To accurately define the depth or other dimensions of the complex shape within the bounding box:
- Decide the specific depth or dimension you want to represent (e.g., how far back a part of the shape goes). The reference states, "First I will decide the depth of the shape. And make it smaller than the whole. Box."
- Mark this initial distance or depth on a front or side face of your bounding box.
- Then, to project this distance into perspective space (like across the box or back along its depth), "copy this distance to the other side using the vanishing. Point." This involves drawing a line from your marked point towards the appropriate vanishing point. Where this line intersects another line or edge of the bounding box or your shape indicates the correct position of that depth or dimension in perspective.
Step 5: Build the Complex Form
- Using the points and lines you've established within the bounding box (guided by vanishing points), begin to draw the actual lines and curves of the complex form.
- Connect the key points, using the perspective lines of the bounding box as guides to ensure curves and angles are foreshortened correctly.
Step 6: Refine and Detail
- Once the basic form is established, refine the lines, add details, and erase construction lines (the bounding box and guide lines).
- Consider how light and shadow will fall on the complex form, further defining its shape and volume in perspective.
Using this method allows you to break down intimidating complex shapes into manageable steps, ensuring accuracy in perspective by relying on the simpler bounding form and the fundamental rules of perspective projection via vanishing points.
Tips for Success
- Practice Basic Forms: Master drawing simple boxes, cylinders, and spheres in perspective first.
- Sketch Lightly: Start with very light lines for your bounding box and initial layout points so they are easy to erase later.
- Use Multiple Bounding Boxes: For very complex objects, you might need to enclose different parts of the object in separate, interlocking bounding boxes.
- Observe: Study how complex objects appear in perspective in real life or in photographs.
Drawing complex forms in perspective is an iterative process of enclosing, marking points, projecting with vanishing points, and connecting the dots within your perspective framework.
