Cinematic Perspective

Below is some inspiration for our cinematic perspective drawing. At some point during the making of these movies, an artist had to create a perspective drawing for the Backdrop or CGI to be made. Our project is to do this process in reverse. We will learn from these created scenes and take them back to their beginning (their skeleton) by finding the horizon line, vanishing points, etc. and make a Perspective linear drawing.

Inception Trailer click here

Tron click here

Titanic click here

Star Wars

Alice in Wonderland

Raiders of the Lost Ark

Gladiator

Student Example- "Inception"

Student Example- "A Single Man"

Student Example

BASIC PERSPECTIVE

Perspective- a technique of depicting volumes and spatial relationships on a flat surface.

Linear Perspective - a mathematical system for representing three-dimensional objects and space on a two-dimensional surface by means of intersecting lines that are drawn vertically and horizontally and that radiate from one point(one-point perspective),two points (two-point perspective), or several points on a horizon line as perceived by a viewer imagined in an arbitrarily fixed position.

Atmospheric Perspective (or Aerial Perspective)- a technique of rendering depth or distance in painting or drawing by modifying the tone or hue and distinctness of objects perceived as receding from the picture plane, esp. by reducing distinctive local colors and contrasts of light and dark to a uniform light bluish-gray color.

Picture Plane- An imaginary "pane of glass" at which the viewers gaze meets the illusion created on the two dimensional surface. To extend the analogy, the viewer would trace on this glass the three- dimensional object. Not just the material surface, a concept.

Horizon Line- A level horizontal line located at eye level.

Vanishing Point- A point of convergence of parallel lines located on the Horizon Line.

Scale- The apparent size of an object.

This example illustrates the same object in relationship to the Horizon Line (Above and Below.) Notice whether you can see the top of the cube or the bottom, which way the diagonal lines slope to the vanishing point.

The following Four examples were taken from Basic Perspective Drawing- John Montague.

This example illustrates the top of a cylinder (circle) as it approaches the Horizon Line. Notice how it changes to an elipse and further squeezes to a line.

Piranesi- Prision Series

Rackstraw Downes

Al Held

Student Example

Student Example

Student Example

FIGURE- Basic Proportions

Using the head height as a measurement the figure height is about 6.5 - 8 heads total. Various markers on the body fall along this interval. From the top of the figure, the line of the nipples falls at the bottom of the second head interval, the belly button is roughly at the bottom of the third interval, the base of the pubic area falls at the bottom of the fourth interval, and the line of the knees lays roughly in the middle of the sixth interval. Remember, these are guidelines, they are only viable when the figure is seen at eye level and standing straight up (no bends or twists). The process of using an interior measure to find proportion in the figure is what is most important.

A description of the horizontal axis will provide a closer representation of the pose, distribution of weight etc. Notice how the adjustment of the weight causes these Axi to no longer be parallel.

An example of the head measure being used to describe the length of the arm.

FIGURE- Basic Construction

Student Example

Plane- a flat or level surface (no elevations or depressions WITHIN). An area of a two-dimensional surface having determinate extension and spatial direction or position.

Spatial direction and position are important terms for us to consider. This allows the eye to read if a plane is sloped toward or away, what angle , and what the profile of the shape is. Joining of multiple planes begins to create form or the impression of three dimensions. A simple example is to think of a diamond (the precious stone) it has a form that is composed of a multitude of planes or facets. Drawing the human body can be approached this way, thinking of the three big masses (head, rib cage, pelvis) as blocks with cubic limbs extending. Gradually more and more subtle planes can be added making more complex transitions and form. It is best to WORK FROM BIG TO SMALL- the whole to the detail, the big body masses to smaller masses, etc. The following examples are all from Bridgman's Complete Guide to Drawing From Life. These are also presented in an order of process , more or less. Remember basic to more complex.

The 3 Masses of the body (Head, Rib Cage, and Pelvis) note how they are consider blocks (and their proportions) and their stacked position. The twist and bend are easy to see and describe as the relationship of these blocks turn or lean. Essential for carrying the basic movement of the figure.
Horizontal Axis of shoulders, pelvis, knees. This gives an understanding of where the balance is, how the body manages to distribute its weight evenly, and where the body opens or compresses etc.
Basic example of planes going up the back and side (almost two sided at its simplest).What is important to notice is the forward and backward slope as it moves upward or downward.
This is a good way to think about each body part, as a cross section. Is its mass similar to a cylinder, box or pyramid- round, square, triangle.
Further example of this shape of mass. Notice how the shapes alternate as they transition through a limb.
This example of the arm is interesting to see how planes can rise up and dip down as they meet another mass. To use Bridgman's term, they wedge together and interlock.
Planes of the leg from behind, notice how the planes begin to describe muscles.
The torso is a complex structure with a multitude of planes describing its surface. these planes all change as the torso twists and bends. Again we see the muscle groups beginning to be described by planes.

Student Example

Student Example

Student Example

FIGURE- Gesture

Student Example

Student Example

Student Example

Gesture drawing seeks to capture the essence of the pose, its action, its distribution of weight, its dynamism. Expressive use of line , and a basic understanding of proportion and anatomy, accomplishes this. The idea is to observe and capture this through minimal but specific use of mark and not over doing it. It is NOT the goal to go after detail.

Bridgman's "Constructive Anatomy"

Here we see an example of the three masses of the body and how they inter-relate. The three are : Head, Chest, and Pelvis. They can be thought of as blocks connected by the spine." In their relations to each other, they are limited to three possible planes of movement. That is, they may be bent forward and backward in the sagittal plane, twisted in the horizontal plane, or tilted in the transverse plane. Almost invariably, in fact, all three movements are present, to different degrees." - George G. Bridgman

Bridgman's "Constructive Anatomy"

Luca Cambiaso- From Robert Beverly Hale "Drawing Lessons from the Great Masters"

Here we see an example of the board planes of the body. Very simply, imagining each body part as cubic will allow the structure to be constructed easier (and value applied). This allows the artist to see the front and side planes as well as up and down planes and directionality.

Francisco Goya

A good example of the dynamic action of the pose. Notice the point of the foreground figures's swing, highest , furthest back before the forward motion- the body in full stretch before release the potential energy.

Degas

A very refined yet simple drawing of the figure in repose. An example of a short pose and what can be accomplished. Notice the attention to anatomy, proportion, and the quality of line and slight use of value.

Raphael

Another moment of action in the pose. Note the relationship of pelvis to chest to head, the twist and tilt can be seen clearly. Also the concentration of values and lines indicating the pressure and compression in the pose.