How To Use Diagonals To Find Depth

The techniques of perspective drawing are based on principles of simple geometry.

For instance, you can find the center, or midpoint, of any square or rectangle by drawing the diagonals of that shape.

The center is the point where the two lines intersect.

Knowing that, you can quickly find the center of rectangles and squares no matter how they're angled.

This is very helpful in putting a roof on a house, for instance, since you know that the roof usually peaks directly over the center of one side of the house.

Find the center of that side using diagonals, draw a vertical guideline straight up from it, and choose a point on that line to be your roof height.

Diagonals also allow the artist to quickly determine where to place a row of retreating objects or lines.

Simply place the first two objects the distance apart that you want the rest to be, draw the diagonals to find the midpoint, and draw that midpoint through the vanishing point on the horizon line.

Now you've found the midpoint for every shape retreating on that plane.

To place the next object in line equidistant from the first two, draw a line through the top of the first post through the midpoint of the second post, all the way to the vanishing line.

Where the line intersects the vanishing line is the beginning of the third post, which you can draw to its height on the upper vanishing line using a triangle.

Continue this process until all of the posts are placed, then erase the guidelines to finish.

Want To Learn More...

Perspective is the set of techniques that anyone involved in representational drawing uses to transpose a 3D scene onto a 2D format.

Or in simple words, it's how you make your drawings look real!

You have to study it and know the principles if you have any chance at all of bringing our drawings to life.

Learning perspective is a fundamental element that you need to master before you can draw like a true professional.

The good news is that Perspective Mastery is generously illustrated showing you step-by-step how to make your drawings come to life.

With clear (and fun) instructions on how to draw ... you'll learn at your own pace in the comfort of your home.

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Warm Regards

Chris Elmore
Drawing Made Easy