Draw Tonally in Perspective.
In this section, you begin a complete drawing using everything that you have learned so far about
perspective. You must first set up a still life of your own. Use objects that are square or rectangular in
shape, as well as objects with a round top if you want to practice drawing ellipses. Then use a spot-
light to light your objects, as shown in the first image. You need to tone a sheet of paper (see “Tone
Your Paper” in Chapter 4), a selection of graphite pencils (using H to 6B or softer), and an eraser.The objects on this table are below the horizon line. The hori-
zon line (eye level of the viewer) is the level where all of the
sides or lines of the objects that are perpendicular to the
viewer converge. Judge accurately, with your eye, the level of
your horizon line and place a mark on the wall behind the
still life. It is good to place a mark somewhere, so that you do
not become confused and forget where it is. You can also
mark your eye level on a stick and place the stick next to your
setup, so that it is always clearly visible. This is useful when
working outdoors in a landscape where the horizon line is
obscured. You can place the stick vertically against a structure,
up against a tree, or allow for an extra 6 inches at the bottom
and stick it into the ground.
The Horizon Line
Eye LevelEye
LevelVanishing PointViewer or Vantage PointCreate your vanishing point by holding up a ruler along the
side of any object that is perpendicular to you. If you continue
the line of trajectory, it meets the horizon line. If you do this to
the other side of the same object, then you will find that this
line meets the other line of the object on the horizon line. You
have now established your vanishing point.
You can attach a board behind your drawing, as shown here,
to indicate the eye level. The eye level is measured here using
a scale that is the size of the central pot. The eye level is
about two pots high from the surface of the table. Map out
your drawing with light lines. Remember to measure (refer
to page 44) and draw in your converging lines if you need to,
but keep them light!