How to Draw Perspective

If you are into drawing sketches, or even doodling, you may find your drawings becoming more complex after a while. A great way to take your drawing skill to the next level is to use perspective. This can make your drawing represent things as they may look in real life. It helps in drawing landscapes, buildings or even entire cityscapes. Start simple by drawing a road and a couple of buildings, but with more experience and confidence, it is also possible to draw entire cityscapes.

Things You'll Need

• Paper
• Pencil
• Ruler

Instructions

How to Draw Perspective

1. Draw a horizontal line across the paper. This will determine where the horizon will be. Depending on where this line is placed, it can determine the distance that can be viewed over terrain or provide a sense of altitude.

2. Mark the vanishing point. For simplicity, this can be located near the center of the paper and just above the horizon. The vanishing point can also be placed further left or right depending on how you want objects to be oriented.

3. Designate a second vanishing point, if you choose to do so. To do this, sketch a line from 1 point to the point of view. Do the same with a second line. Remember that these lines must form a 90-degree angle.

4. Draw an outline of objects. To draw buildings, for example, use a ruler to line up all of the sides extending away from the point of view with the vanishing point. Sketch other elements of the drawing.

5. Add detail to the drawing, sketching within the proportions of each object. Various buildings with different textures, windows and roof types can be created. If your horizon allows, you can add backdrop objects such as clouds or mountains.

Tips & Warnings

• Use a ruler to lightly draw guidelines to assure all details are in perspective. These can be erased later.

• Go to a place where things disappear into the horizon, such as the middle of a straight road or train track. If there is an observatory atop a high building nearby, this is also a good place to start.

• As you fill in your drawings, be sure to make sure your hands are clean. Pencil drawings can rub off on your hands as you lean against the paper. Check often and clean your hands as necessary. Too much smudging on the drawing can be difficult to erase.