March - One point perspective - 5th grade

Materials scrap paper ruler pencil erasers 9 x12" (23 x30 cm) or larger drawing page Linear Perspective Perspective is a technique for representing three-dimensional space on a flat surface. Many artists around the world have employed various techniques for portraying depth. However, it wasn't until the Renaissance that artists invented a mathematical system to show depth logically and consistently. The system of linear perspective gave artists a powerful new tool for creating realistic art. Linear perspective is based on the way the human eye sees the world-objects which are closer appear larger, and more distant objects appear smaller. To create this illusion of space, the artist establishes a vanishing point on the horizon line. Objects are drawn using orthogonal lines which lead to the vanishing point(s). In one-point perspective, the forms are seen face on and are drawn to a single vanishing point. Discussion Introduce or review the concept of depth in two-dimensional artworks. Have students consider your visual examples and decide which ones look deep and why. Review the ways that artists make things look deep: Size: objects appear smaller as they get farther away. Position: objects appear higher on the page as they get farther away. Overlap: Overlapping objects show which is farther. Detail: Objects have less detail as they get farther away. Saturation of color: Close objects are brightest and sharpest. Objects in the distance appear pale and washed out. Atmospheric perspective: Objects in the distance may appear bluish. Warm colors advance/cool colors recede: Warm colors may appear closer. Cool colors may appear farther away. Introduce the Renaissance and the development of linear perspective. Be sure students understand that realistic portrayal of depth is not necessarily a superior development in art ("flat" does not equal lack of skill). Many artists and cultures have not valued the realistic portrayal of space. You could discuss why some artists have developed a realistic style for portraying depth while others have not. Drawing Demonstration Explain that now they will learn to draw basic forms in one-point perspective. First you will demonstrate it, then they will try it step-by-step. Orient your paper or draw a large rectangle on your board to represent a paper turned horizontally, or "landscape orientation." Draw a horizon line towards the top of the page and label it. Explain that every line they make in one-point perspective will be vertical, horizontal or an orthogonal line (irregular shapes and lines can be dealt with later). Demonstrate how to make the end of the ruler (or side of the triangle) flush with the edge of the paper. This is one of the most important and most challenging skills! If lines are not exactly horizontal and vertical, your students' drawings will be skewed and they will get frustrated! THIS WILL BE THE MAJOR CHALLENGE YOUR STUDENTS WILL FACE IN THIS ACTIVITY! Draw the vanishing point in the center of the horizon line and label it. Now draw a square or rectangle and label it "front face". Draw it in one of the lower corners so you have plenty of room to add more forms. You can continue to relate the drawing to the physical box model as you work. Now connect three corners of your rectangle or square to the vanishing point. These are orthogonals. Draw lightly so you can erase! Draw a horizontal line to end your form. Draw a vertical line down from the horizontal line to complete the side. Erase the remaining orthogonals. Guided Practice Have students go to their work places. Distribute sketch paper, pencils, erasers and rulers. Walk them through the construction of a similar drawing. Have them label the different parts (horizon line, vanishing point, front face, orthogonals...) They can construct their first box following you step-by-step as you work on your board, or they can follow the instructions in their student handout. Final Drawing: City Streets When they are comfortable with one-point perspective drawing, give students drawing paper to create a final drawing. Remind them to draw lightly so extra lines can be erased. Have them create a city street scene (see example in student handout). Once they have the basic forms done, have them add details such as signs, fire hydrants, sidewalks etc. to liven up their drawings.