Linear Perspective, Introduction

Patrick Connors Fine Arts Studio

Linear Perspective, Introduction

"Among all natural phenomena, light most delights its students," -Leonardo
Linear perspective is at its essence an attempt to depict light. That most conceptual of visual art inventions, the picture plane, one of three fundamentals of perspective, is based on the descriptions of optical vision by Al Hazen in his Treatise on Optics. A Latin translation of this can be found in the Vatican Library with marginal notes by Ghiberti, one of several founders of the Quattrocento Perspectivi.
Please return later for more images and text.

Perspective Grid, 30" x 60", ink & graphite on tracing paper, 2003

Here is a perspective grid set up for a particular circumstance:

1. the grid is to start 10' from the eye.

2. the eye-level line is 32".

3. the picture plane is 2.5' (30") from the eye.

This information gives me a baseline scale of 1:4 (the image is 1/4 life size)

The vanishing lines (those lines diminishing to the point of sight) are in red and the depth lines (those lines parallel to the eye-level line) are in blue.

This is the grid that served as the basis for a four-figure commissioned painting that will be posted soon.