This guide is from
eye level (which means it's drawn as if you are standing there). A lot of artists, if not all, use this technique -- it's
very helpful and will ensure a pleasureable scene.
TOOLS:
* Straight Edge Triangle
* Standard 12-inch Ruler
* T-Square (or a yard stick)
* A very light pencil; HB (regular #2 pencil) is your best bet, but there are others out there.
* A collection of photographs (by you or a professional photographer) of the same area, so you can see all of the buildings. (
See #1.)
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THINGS TO REMEMBER:* If you don't have access to a T-square, use a yard stick or large ruler.
As long as it's longer than your paper length-wise, it will work. To make a straight line, align one of the bottom/back edges to the side of the paper. A transparent ruler/yard stick will work best -- align one of the little niches to mark a measurement to the other end of the paper, and draw your line.
* This is a
traditional guide, but I'm sure it will work with digital methods, as well.
* See my
Perspective Guide* Don't rush! You should have plenty of time; so take it. There's no sense in pushing the envelope, getting impatient, and so forth. ;]
* If you get frustrated, as with anything,
walk away for a while and do "something else." This will let you "cool off" and you won't totally give up on the drawing. Go out for a jog, out to dinner with friends, or walk your pet (or, if it isn't "walkable," play with it). Avoid stressors, and just relax. Take a nap if you must! :}
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Step One: First, you need to research your city(ies) of choice. If it's a city you've made up, take a few minutes to write down and describe [in detail] what you want it to look like. As with all drawings,
plan first, draw later. Without a valid plan, you could run into some trouble. (Ex:
Is this building supposed to be here?)
Step Two:Now you can start sketching. Be
light, and especially,
loose. The official sketch will come later, so don't rush the drawing. If you do, the chances are you'll be less satisfied with the result (as will your client/viewers).
Like with any scene, start with your
horizon line and
vanishing point (the point in which everything you see gets smaller, and "comes together," see
Figure A). Use your
straight edge ruler ruler/T-square to make sure your horizon line is straight (this is important to do, so everything aligns properly). Remember, you
can have more than one vanishing point (
see #3, Figure B).
Step Three:Doors and [square] windows are on every building, or at least of sorts. Using the "bow tie" method, you
have to be sure that your window(s) and door(s) follow your chosen perspective(s). Below are two sketches; the dotted lines represent the "bow tie" penetrating the building(s). I have chosen an empty department store and a large office building as my subject matter.
Be sure that all framework, doors, and windows follow perspective.
Step Four:So, now you have your buildings equip with door(s) and window(s). However, even the smallest cities have sildewalks, right? They even have lamps or street lights of some sort.
Unforunately, every city/state/country/continent has different lighting sources for their streets and sidewalks, so I cannot accurately draw them for you. However, if you supply me with a 360-degree angle of local street lights, I can sketch those into perspective for you as examples.
So -- sidewalks. Below I have a few sketches, each from different angles/perspectives.
Pay attention to those blimey footnotes!
(Street signs, business signs, and so forth will come later. Soon I will also add "drawing people/objects in perspective.")
REMEMBER:All cities have buildings of different sizes and shapes -- so keep this in mind. However, be sure and follow your chosen perspective!
Best of luck!
