How to unlock EVERY level of perspective, by dr. Draw on YouTube. 8 min 56 s.
- Video length
- 8 min 56 s
- Time to do it
- 30 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 7
What you need
Steps
Start with a single horizon line across your page. Place one vanishing point on it. Draw a few boxes with edges running back to that point. This is one-point perspective.
Add a second vanishing point far along the same horizon line. Draw boxes whose side faces recede to both points. Keep vertical lines straight up and down. This is two-point perspective.
Add a third vanishing point above or below the horizon for vertical edges. Draw a tall box or building so its verticals lean toward that point. This is three-point perspective.
Sketch a curved surface such as a cylinder or a rounded corner. Bend the receding lines so they follow the curve instead of staying straight. This is four-point perspective.
Try a wide view like a fisheye lens. Curve both the horizontal and vertical lines outward from the center. Keep the curves smooth and consistent. This is five-point perspective.
Compare your five sketches side by side. Note how each extra vanishing point changes the feel of depth and space.
Pick the level just above your current one and redraw one simple object at that level. Repeat the exercise until the lines feel natural.
Tips and common mistakes
Keep your vanishing points on the paper or mark them with tape so your lines stay consistent.
Draw light construction lines first and darken only the final edges once the box looks right.
Vertical lines stay truly vertical in one and two-point perspective, so check them with a ruler.
Questions
Do I need special tools to practice perspective?
No. A pencil, paper and a ruler are enough. A longer ruler helps when your vanishing points sit far off the page.
How do I know which level I am on?
Try drawing a simple box at each level. The highest level you can draw with straight, consistent lines is your current level.
How long should I practice each level?
Spend a few short sessions on each level before moving up. Repeat the same object so you can see your progress.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
