Producing a basic perspective of a three dimensional object was once a time consuming and exact hand drafting process. Now with many digital tools, we can produce accurate perspectives of our design concepts with minimal time and effort. Using digital photography, computer modeling and even physical models, we are able to visualize projects with more perspective choices and with incredible accuracy.
The examples below briefly explain several sources for creating a perspective and then focuses on a single residential project and how I was able to arrive at the same perspective conclusion using three different techniques. I will explain each process and also identify the amount of time I spent on each. It was a fun exercise and revealed that there is no one preferred source for finding the right perspective with any given project!
Basic Perspective Methods
Perspective Chart Photographic Method
Projection Method 3D Model (physical or computer)
Perspective Projection Method
In 1930 when Perspective Projection by Ernest Irving Freese was published, architectural renderings were accurately constructed using a projection method involving building plans and elevations. I found this perspective exercise in Freese’s book and decided to explore alternative methods using his original material. The above graphics show his complex technique for developing a 2-point perspective of a small residence. There is no indication of how much time Freese spent creating his perspective using this technique.
Photograph of the residence that matches the view angle from Freese’s drawing. (from the book Perspective Projection)
Physical Model Method
I scanned a page from Freese’s book, printed several copies on bond paper, then spray mounted the house plan and elevation to lightweight cardboard. As you can see from the above photographs, the small size of the massing model enabled me to build it quickly without much detail. The most difficult aspect of constructing this physical model was the intersection of the two roof forms. I completed the 2-sided model in less than two hours and then photographed it with a digital camera replicating the same view angle and camera lens as the original 1930 perspective. The perspective match was practically identical!
3D Computer Model Method (SketchUp)
I imported the 1930’s house plan and elevation into Google SketchUp and built this massing model in just 60 minutes! I constructed the massing in two primary pieces and finally added the sloped front yard. I then adjusted the viewing angle and focal length to match the same perspective as the original house photograph in the book.
SketchUp massing model view.
Composite Drawing from a SketchUp Model
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Step 1- Detailed SketchUp Model. I added more materials and components to my SketchUp model, keeping the windows and fence from the original scanned elevation. I inserted the car, landscape components and added a roof material. I exported a high resolution jpeg of the scene after fine tuning the shadow angles.
Step 2 - Image Modification. I opened the jpeg in Adobe Photoshop then lightened the image and desaturated much of the color. I printed the perspective view 11”x17” on Epson Ultra Premium Matte Presentation Paper and proceeded to add color and linework to the print.
Step 3 - Final Illustration. I first applied very light colored Chartpak AD markers to the people, trees, ground, house and car. I then illustrated the primary objects with Prismacolor pencils. I outlined the building edges with roughly drawn pencil lines and added loose hatching to the wall and ground surfaces. I highlighted window mullions and the roof with white pencil. The entire coloring process only took 60 minutes.
Look for other interesting articles on my blog, visit my website www.drawingshortcuts.com and read my new book Drawing Shortcuts Second Edition.
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Posted by: promoter hostess | 08/04/2011 at 11:29 PM