Perspective is one of those things that really require some training to become competent.
You can have loads of creativity and have a good eye for color, but if you don’t learn some of the ins and outs of perspective, your art will suffer.
Taking a class with a local artist is great, but if that’s not possible there are many books that can give you a boost up on your quest to perspective perfection.
Drawing And Sketching Objects And Environments
This book is a great deal, as well as a succinct and well-written book. Within its pages are links to on line videos that supplement many of the lessons. This is not an inexpensive book, but it’s filled with the kind of information that you would pay hundreds for in a classroom setting.
Chapters include drawing materials, perspective terminology, drawing techniques, using grids, working with volume and drawing environments. Every page is packed with images explaining the accompanying text. There are suggested practice exercises to help you master the skill of drawing and a lot of technical information that will help you gain a clear understanding of perspective. However, don’t be turned off by the technical stuff. Mr. Robertson’s book is not only informative; it’s very interesting and well thought out.
Perspective Made Easy
Perspective Made Easy (Dover Art Instruction) by Ernest Norling ASIN: B008TVM13G
This book first appeared in 1939. Since then little has really changed in the rules of perspective. That’s why this book is as valid today as it was 70 years ago. However, it’s now available as a digital book you can upload on your tablet or other reading device.
This book is set up into chapters that move from simple basics to concepts that are more complex. At the end of each chapter, there are exercises from which to practice, and the author summarizes the essential information and principles presented in that chapter.
If you’re looking for one, inexpensive book to explain the finer points of perspective drawing, keep this one in mind.
Perspective Without Pain
Perspective Without Pain by Phil Metzger ASIN: B005GLBHXW
This book originally was published in 1992. It’s now available a digital eBook, so you’ll be able to take it anywhere without fear of dog-eared edges, coffee rings or torn pages. Mr. Metzger has set this book up with the beginner in mind, and it’s broken down into three well-illustrated sections.
The sections include The Basics, Boxes and Beyond and Curves and Inclines. It includes examples and simple exercises to reinforce what you read. This instruction is perfect for beginning and intermediate art students who want to learn perspective. It doesn’t require a lot of drafting equipment or expensive tools. Add a straight edge to your collection of pencils, a piece of string and a couple of pushpins. You’re ready to learn from Mr. Metzger in an easy and productive manner.
Creative Perspective For Artists And Illustrators
Creative Perspective For Artists And Illustrators by Ernest Watson ASIN: B008TVME2E
Creative Perspective takes the rules of perspective past the point of accuracy and explains why it’s sometimes necessary to tweak reality. It suggests that sometimes the rules need to be broken for the artist to portray his vision.
Mr. Watson gives us all the rules and how to apply them in our own work before giving us permission and the wherewithal to veer from mechanical accuracy to artistic expression. As he points out, photographic representation has only been available for a few brief years compared to the thousands of years that artists have expressed themselves. The artistic voice is sometimes more important than realistic representation, and this book gives you help in walking that line.
Unless you’re a total abstract expressionist, a little perspective is good for you. Pick out a book on perspective. It will inspire you and perhaps give you a new outlook. If you’re already using perspective, a little refresher course won’t hurt. Plus, it’ll look good on your bookshelf and give a thoughtful, scholarly look to your studio.
