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There are so many factors that go into a well crafted architectural sketch. Tone, shading and landscaping are all very important factors in a drawing, but none is more crucial than proper perspective.

Perspective as an artist technique is a method of representing the depth and space of a 3-dimensional object on a flat surface. In a real world, and probably more relevant sense, perspective is caused by the angle of light coming off objects strikes your eye. The human eye is trained to be able to recognize perspective and interpret patterns in object orientation as 3-dimensional. For example, imagine you are looking down a long street lined with apartment buildings. Toward the end of the street the top of the last apartment building roof will be significantly lower than the first one relative to the horizon. The line that connects these two points will slant dramatically downward. The eye is able to use that information, along with other signs to interpret the street as long. In order to get the same effect in a drawing, the perspective needs to be right!

Lines of perspective converge on a single point, but it isn’t necessary to do a proper one or two point perspective layout on an architectural sketch. It is true that aligning perspective lines to that point will ensure perfect perspective in the drawing. However, I think it is a valuable skill to be able to eyeball perspective and use the skills that your eye (and your brain) already possess.

There are several ways to get started drawing perspective. Keep in mind that sketching perspective takes time, so don’t fret if your first few drawings turn out a little wonky. Some artists start by tracing key perspective lines off of reference photos to get a feel for it. This is fine for a while, but not something you’ll want to practice long term. Also, be aware of some of the pitfalls of drawing from a photo. Some artists never get away from using points of perspective and straight edges to create perspective. One technique that I use in almost every drawing I do is my flip book method. This is similar in concept to animation flip books, which allow the eye to see motion.

To do this method, start by sketching a few key perspective lines (major roof lines, walls, or prominent features of the building). Next, hold the basic lines up next to a reference building or photo. Now, quickly dart your eyes back and forth between the drawing and the reference repeatedly until you see a difference in your lines and the actual perspective lines of the building your are drawing. After a number of times darting back and forth you clearly see where your lines are different from the actual perspective. Use this information to make corrections to your lines until you are satisfied that the perspective is right! Eventually, you will barely ever need to do this because you’re eye will be so good at recognizing when the perspective

This technique can be used to start a new drawing, or as a 5-minute exercise to get better at perspective drawing. These techniques are usually better done in pencil so you can erase and make changes before putting ink down on paper.

For more details keep an eye out for a more in-depth post on how to set up 1, 2 and 3-point perspective.

Thanks for following and happy drawing!