Linear Perspective What is Linear Perspective? Linear perspective is a way for an artist to recreate the threedimensional world on a two-dimensional surface in the most logical and accurate way. Types of Linear Perspective One of the most important parts of making a perspective drawing is the VANISHING POINT. The vanishing point gives the drawing its 3D quality. So our types of perspective are distinguished by how many vanishing points it contains. One-point (1 pt.) Perspective: has only one point on the horizon and all orthogonals converge toward that point. Ex: looking down a road or hallway. Types of Linear Perspective Two-point (2 pt.) Perspective: has two points on the horizon line and they can be placed anywhere on it. The same object is drawn as in 1 pt. but is now rotated. Ex: looking at the corner of a building or two roads going down opposite directions. Types of Linear Perspective Three-point (3 pt.) Perspective: gives you a bird’s eye or worm’s eye view. So you’re looking at a building from above or below the horizon line. Types of Linear Perspective Four-point (4 pt.) perspective: Now we’re getting crazy. Four-point perspective is like two-point perspective except that the parallel lines curve. This type is no longer linear but is instead curvilinear. The picture frame is longer and can depict a panoramic view. Types of Linear Perspective Five-point (5 pt.) Perspective: AKA “fisheye” perspective, this technique uses four vanishing points around in a circle, with the fifth in the center. It looks as though the objects are seen in a convex mirror.