Linear perspective is a technique used in drawings to depict three-dimensional depth on a two-dimensional surface. It was developed in the 15th century and deals with the orientation and location of shapes in space. Key terms in linear perspective include the horizon line, vertical lines, horizontal lines, orthogonal lines that meet at a vanishing point, and the types of perspective drawings which vary based on the number of vanishing points used.

2. Linear Perspective
 Perspective drawing is a technique
used to show the third dimension
(depth) on a two dimensional
picture plane.
 This drawing technique was
developed late in the 15th century
 Linear Perspective deals with the
orientation and location of shapes
in space.

3. Perspective drawing terms

Horizon line – Line which shows where the
earth and sky meet.

Vertical line – Line which runs straight up and
down.

Horizontal lines – parallel to the horizon line.

Orthogonal lines – Meet at the vanishing point
of an image.

Vanishing point- Point where lines seem to
meet in a perspective drawing.

1 point perspective – Perspective drawing
where there is one vanishing point. (This has
vertical, horizontal, and orthogonal lines)

2 point perspective – Perspective drawing
which has two vanishing points. (This has
vertical and orthogonal lines)

3 point perspective – Perspective drawing
which has three vanishing points. (this has
only orthogonal lines)

5. The Last Supper, Leonardo
Da Vinci, c.1495
Renaissance

6. Persistence of Memory,
Salvador Dali, 1931
Surrealism

7. Running Fence, JeanClaude and Christo, 1976

9. Your assignment
 Using a ruler create a detailed one point perspective
cityscape.
 Your city must have at least four buildings. They
should be a mixture of above and below the horizon
line.
 You should have a road and a “sidewalk”.
 All buildings should have doors and windows.