Assignment: Leonardo’s Window
Main Idea: Use a glass window as a canvas. Looking through one eye, trace the outlines of objects seen through the window to create a drawing with natural and correct perspective.
Learning Objectives:
- To become more aware of perspective.
- To learn and apply a Renaissance technique for creating proper perspective in drawing a scene.
Time Required: 30 minutes
Materials:
- window with view
- sheets of acetate
- masking tape
- straight backed chair
- eye patches or bandanas
- white board or overhead markers
- straight edges
- white paper,
Note:
If the windows are cold, the markers you use may act as if they are out of ink. Holding them point down and breathing warm air on the points will revive them.
Procedure:
- Place the chair close to the window – standing is not recommended since you should avoid any major body movement.
- Tape the acetate to the window centered at eye level.
- Cover one eye with a patch or bandana.
- You may choose to rest your chin on the middle of the chair back and try hard to keep your head absolutely still.
- Carefully trace the outlines of the objects you see through the window. You may want to use a straight edge when tracing straight lines.
- If you stop to rest, be careful not to move the chair and be sure to put your head back in exactly the same place.
- When you have finished your tracing, place white paper on top of your tracing while it is still taped to the window and trace the tracing in pencil or another medium to make a more permanent drawing.
Exploring Your Own Perspective:
- Where is the horizon line in your picture? Looking back at the original view may help you locate it.
- Can you find any lines or pieces of lines coming closer together as they approach the horizon line?
- Can you find the vanishing point? If you aren’t sure where it is, try using a straight edge to extend any receding straight lines you find until they meet at the horizon line.
Linear Perspective Terms:
Orthogonal Lines ~ Straight diagonal lines drawn to connect points around the edges of a picture to the vanishing point. They represent parallel lines receding into the distance and help draw the viewer’s eye into the depth of the picture.
Vanishing Point ~ The single point in a picture where all parallel lines that run from the viewer to the horizon line appear to come together. The vanishing point is generally placed at the viewer’s eye level.
Horizon Line ~ In perspective this line is drawn across the canvas at the viewer’s eye level. It represents the line in nature where the sky appears to meet the ground.
Linear Perspective ~ A mathematical system for creating the illusion of space and distance on a flat surface such as a canvas or wall.
Three Dimensional ~ Having height, width, and depth. A box is three dimensional.
Two Dimensional ~ Having height and width only. A painting of a box is two dimensional.
Click here for print version
