Video 9: 3 Point Perspective

Three point perspective is a drawing method using lines to create the illusion of
space on a 2-Dimensional surface. Three point perspective is one of the six ways an
artist can create the illusion of space in a drawing.

The first step in three point perspective is to define a horizon line. The horizon line is
the line that divides the sky from the ground. It can also refer to a viewer’s line of sight.

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 Like two point perspective,
the next step is to draw two
vanishing points on the
horizon line. Be sure to
place these two vanishing
points apart from each other.

Next, draw two lines from

each of the vanishing points
towards the viewer. Where
these lines intersect will
become the bottom corners
of our cube.

Create a third vanishing point

either below or above the
points of intersection. In this
case, the third vanishing point
is placed below.

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 Next, draw three lines that
extend upward from the third
vanishing point to the
locations of intersection
above. Be sure to extend
these lines beyond these
points.

Draw two lines from each of

the vanishing points on the
horizon line to create the top
of the cube.

You may choose to make the

outlines of your cube darker,
so that it is easier to see.

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 You may also choose to
add value to further the
illusion of a 3-
dimensional form.

Now, that we have a basic understanding of the steps involved in three point
perspective, let’s see how they apply to a drawing.

Begin the drawing by defining a horizon line on the surface. If your third
vanishing point will be below the horizon line, you may want to consider placing
the horizon line at the top of your picture plane.

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Next, place two vanishing points on the horizon line. Be sure to place the two
vanishing points apart from each other. Remember, These points do not have
to be placed within the picture plane.

Next, draw two lines from each of the vanishing points so that they intersect.

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Add a third vanishing point. In this example, the third vanishing point has been
placed below the horizon line. Draw lines upward from the third vanishing point
so that they intersect with the lines that were drawn in the previous step.

Create the top of the cube by drawing two lines from each of the vanishing
points on the horizon line so that they intersect with the lines drawn in the
previous step.

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Erase any lines that you no longer need to reveal the cube.

A second form can be drawn by following the same steps and by using the
same three vanishing points.

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Adding value to the drawing will create the illusion of a light source and further
the overall illusion of form.

A third form can be added by following the same steps. The lines of
perspective from one of the two vanishing points can used to help guide the
artist as to where to add cast shadows in the scene.

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