Interior -- Perspective Drawing

Raphael, The School of Athens, 1509-1511

Project:

Using charcoal pencil, draw a dramatic space within Burlington High School

(Below describes the project for the Portfolio class. AP Studio Art students will do a variation that involves fibers.)

Some examples of linear perspective on Pinterest


Objectives:

• Improve observational accuracy
• Establish linear perspective
• Improve your ability to create a strong sense of three-dimensional space
• Improve your ability to create a rich range of tonal value
• Become skillful with charcoal pencil

Materials:​

• Charcoal pencil
• Charcoal paper (18 x 24")
• Drawing board
• (Easel)

Parameters

Your drawing must have deep space. You should not be directly facing the back wall -- The walls should angle away from you (so position yourself close to a corner of the room.)


Grading Criteria:

• Composition
• Space - Including linear and atmospheric perspective
• Range of tonal value and good contrast
• "Completeness" - Craftsmanship

To Start:

Using a light pencil line, indicate the horizon line (You need to imagine this beyond the walls.), and determine the vanishing points. All parallel horizontal lines will go towards these vanishing points.

Then, lightly block out the basic arrangement of major shapes in your view. "See the forest through the trees", in other words. Don't get caught up in detail in the beginning.


Self Critique Questions

As you draw, ask yourself if you are doing the following (You should be!):

• Fill the page.
• Get the lines right -- Use the vanishing points for all parallel horizontal lines
• Get the tonal values right - Are the shadows and highlights as dark or light as they are in reality?