Perspective is the technique of showing three-dimensional space on a two-dimensional surface. It creates an illusion of distance and depth, where things that are closer, appear bigger and have more details than those that are further away. You can create this magic with practice, by keenly observing the views in front of you.

In order to visualise how the lines appear when seen in perspective —

• Visualise your eyeball as a circle with its centre as the vanishing point.
• Imagine the horizontal line across the centre of eye as the horizon line.
• Imagine other lines radiating from the centre in different directions.

To draw in perspective, three things are important —

1. Identifying the horizon line at eye level in the scene.
2. Visualising the vanishing point.
3. Observing the angle of lines that converge at the vanishing point.

Perspective can help you observe, and draw buildings and architectural monuments in a way that looks realistic. Take the example of the image printed on the 100 rupee note.

Notice how the lines of the upper and lower storeys of the stepwell appear to converge at the vanishing point.

Similarly, observe the lines converging at the vanishing point in other photographs of building interiors.

Once you learn and understand the principles of perspective drawing, you will find it easy to draw simple objects from different angles.

Materials:Unusued or discarded transparent sheet measuring scale, ball point pen or permanent marker, and scissors

Procedure:

• Cut the transparent sheet of A4 size.
• Use a measuring scale and mark the grid with a ball point pen or permanent marker as shown in the photo. This will be your viewing grid.
• Look at your surroundings through the viewing grid. Hold it straight and still, during the process.
• Align the horizon line on the grid with your eye level.
• As you look at the scene through the grid, find lines that align with the horizon line.
• Observe the other lines and the shapes of objects in relation to the lines and squares on the viewing grid.
• Compare the angle of lines in objects that are near with those that are far.
• Choose a scene that you want to draw.
• Replicate what you see through the transparent sheet on your drawing paper.

You can use the same viewing grid to draw different scenes to show perspective. With more practice, you will be able to draw without a viewing grid.

Mark the proportions for all the people in the picture as shown in the example.

• Mark the size of the head using two horizontal lines.
• Measure the distance between the two lines and use the same to mark more horizontal lines along the length of the body.
• Count the number of times the head repeated in each human figure.
• Write the ratio of the height in relation to the head.

There are small variations in the body proportions of every person, which makes them look different from others. There are no stereotypical proportions that everyone can fit into.

Observe the body proportions of your own friends and peers, and make drawings from it. Take turns to pose in standing positions so that you can observe and draw the whole body.

Step 1: Start with the head and note the proportions. You have learnt to use your pencil as a measuring tool while drawing still life objects. In the same way, use your pencil to measure the size of the head and note the number of times it repeats in the body.

Step 2: Based on the proportions that you have measured, make rough markings so that your drawing of the entire body fits comfortably on your paper.

Step 3: Continue to measure and verify the proportions as you draw each part. Focus on capturing the proportions that you see.

Step 4: Complete your drawing and share it with your friends. Take feedback from your teacher on the parts of your drawing that look proportionate and where you can improve.

Now that you have learnt about perspective and human proportions, it’s time to create your own compositions that show people in indoor or outdoor settings.

Step 1: Make a few preparatory sketches for the layout of your composition

• Use your earlier drawings to plan the foreground, middleground and background elements.
• Mark the horizon line and it vanishing point.
• To begin, use three human figures shown in varying distances — one can be near and another in a distance.
• Using your knowledge of proportion and perspective, draw the other elements, such as furniture, objects, trees, roads, vehicles, buildings, etc.

Note: The human figures should be proportionate to the landscape or indoor setting they are placed in.

Step 2: Choose one layout

Show your preparatory sketches to your teacher, take their suggestions and discuss your choice for your final artwork.

Step 3: Begin the final artwork

• Line drawing — Using the reference of your preparatory sketches, start drawing.
• Edits and changes — Make small changes or additions to your compositions while you draw.

Step 4: Colouring process

• Choose any medium to colour your artwork (colour pencils, pastels, crayons, watercolours, poster colours, acrylic colours, natural colours, etc.).
• Choose your colour theme based on seasons, time of the day, mood and so on.
• Try different combinations on your preparatory sketches.
• Now, you are ready to execute your final artwork.

Step 5: Title your artwork

• Jot down a few thoughts about your artwork (your ideas, inspirations, memories and personal connections).
• Based on these thoughts, write a short phrase that could be the title of your artwork.

Note: The teacher can display everyone’s work and have a class.