How to Use Two-Point Perspective

Perspective drawing was developed during the Renaissance. It made realistic depiction of distance possible. Mastering two-point is a basic, yet valuable technique for artists and illustrators. Drawing using a two-point is best explained by the example of drawing a simple box or cube. This example can be expanded to draw numerous other shapes, such as a house, a sphere or a duck.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Draw a horizontal line across the paper. This line is the horizon line and is usually placed vertically about midway on the page. The exact location might be higher or lower depending on the viewpoint.

2. Mark two points on the horizontal line at the extreme edges of the drawing. These are called vanishing points and should be placed as far apart as possible. Call them "V1" and "V2." All parallel horizontal lines in the drawing will be drawn so as to recede to one of these two vanishing points.

3. Place a light vertical line, called "A," on the horizon line between the two vanishing points. The line represents the front corner of the box, or the edge of the box nearest the eye. The farther right or left the line is drawn, the more the left or the right face of the box will be visible.

4. Sketch the construction line. Draw a light construction line from the top and bottom of the vertical line "A" to both of the vanishing points, "V1" and "V2." Now there is a diamond shape and the function of the vanishing points becomes clearer.

5. Make two vertical lines, "B" and "C" on each side of the line "A." These lines will be parallel to "A." Lines "B" and "C" should not extend below or above the bottom or top construction lines. These lines represent the two back corners of the box.

6. Draw additional construction lines. Begin from the top and bottom points of the newly added vertical corner line "B" on the left to the right vanishing point "V2." Draw a similar construction line from the corner line on the right "C" line to the left vanishing point "V1."

7. Find the intersection. Locate where the top construction lines will intersect and draw a vertical line "D" down to where the bottom construction lines intersect. Line "D" represents the back corner of the box which would not be visible in the drawing. Erase all construction lines and interior lines. Darken the outer lines that remain.

Tips & Warnings

• Placing more of the vertical line below the horizon line will make the perspective point much higher in the air, and reveal more of the box top.
• Place the vanishing points as far apart as practical. It is possible that in some drawings the points may not be on the actual drawing paper or canvas, but beyond the edge, on an extended surface.
• Vertical lines must be 90 degrees from the horizontal line. Otherwise, the drawing becomes a three-point perspective drawing.