Making Space in Drawing: Perspective

Making the appearance of three-dimensional space on a two-dimensional surface can be an effective way to engage the viewer in your drawing and imaginatively transport them to another place. In this class we will explore several ways to create the appearance of space in a drawing using graphite pencils and related supplies.

To start with we will explore scale change and overlap in still life drawing, reviewing proportional measuring and siting techniques that are introduced in the Center for Lifelong Learning’s Beginning Drawing class. We will then move on to study linear perspective, making one-point perspective line drawings from direct observation and basic two-point perspective drawings from imagination or photo reference. Then we will work with atmospheric perspective, reviewing and adding to tonal mark making techniques discussed in the Center for Lifelong Learning’s Light and Shade: Graphite class.

Along with our in-class work we will also discuss optional drawing projects to do outside of class. With patient repetition of a few basic steps you can learn to make these enjoyable and perhaps surprisingly effective drawing processes your own!

This class may be useful for students who are exploring making art for fun or recreation, or for those with potential professional aspirations.

PREREQUISITE: In order to get the most out of the class students should have experience taking an in-depth beginning drawing class and some familiarity with the practices of proportional measuring and construction line drawing.

SUPPLIES: The following supplies or their equivalent are recommended for this class. If you have questions or concerns about purchasing supplies, please let us know prior to the class start.

NOTE: Bloomington Fine Art Supply, a local, independent art store located at 207 S. Rogers Street near the corner of 4^th and Rogers Streets, has a copy of this list and will put together a kit of all the class supplies for you to pick up in their store. They are offering a 15% discount on your purchase of supplies on this list. Bloomington Fine Art Supply’s website is bfasupply.com, their phone number is 812-369-4013, and their email is bfa.supply@gmail.com.

Required:
- Graphite art pencils: 8B, 6B, 4B, 2B, HB – brands other than Faber Castell preferred
- 18”x24” Strathmore 400 Series drawing pad
- Kneaded eraser
- Pink eraser 
- 24” or 18” Ruler – aluminum or wood preferred
- Snap blade cutter (if you already have a sharp box cutter or utility knife that will work)
- Workable fixative 

Optional:
- Drawing board with clips and large rubber band approx. 20”x26” (This is useful for drawing at home. Drawing boards and clips will be available for use in class.)
- Sketchbook, 9”x12” suggested
- Mechanical pencil style eraser – Tombow Mono round or rectangular (This is an optional fine line erasing tool)