Making Space in Drawing: Perspective

Linear perspective, invented and developed in the Renaissance, is an effective, systematic approach to making the appearance of three-dimensional space on a two-dimensional surface. Since its invention artists, architects, and designers have used it to great effect in their work. In this class we will introduce and explore several ways to create the appearance of space in a drawing, involving working both from direct observation and from imagination. A focus of the class will be on learning how to make simple one- and two-point perspective drawings, with step-by-step description of process and patient repetition of steps as needed.

Along with our in-class work we will also discuss optional drawing projects to do outside of class, and explore how perspective drawing has been used and can be used in art making.

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 this class students should have experience taking a beginning drawing class and some familiarity with the practice of proportional measuring.

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 supply list and is a recommended resource for supplies for this class. 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: 4B, 2B, HB
- Set of 12 basic colored pencils (individual colored pencils OK)
- 18”x24” Strathmore 400 Series drawing pad
- 24” or 18” Ruler – aluminum or wood preferred
- Kneaded eraser
- Pink eraser
- Snap blade cutter (if you already have a sharp box cutter or utility knife that will work)

Optional
- Mechanical pencil style eraser – Tombow Mono round or rectangular (This is an optional fine line erasing tool)
- 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