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Manual
03. November 2009
Dear reader,
Daniel Nies
The Perspective Grid System
• Manual
A manual in English which explains how
to use the grids (30 pages).
You can download the free coloured
document at www.perspectivegrid.com.
Overview
Perspective grid -
Sheet 1
Drawing examples
Drawing examples
Perspective grid
Sheet 2
Drawing examples
Two-point perspective (backside)
Perspective grid No. 7 Horizon 4,00 m
Perspective grid No. 8 Horizon 16,00 m
Drawing examples
Perspective grid
Sheet 3
Two-point perspective
(Front, sheet 2 mirrored)
Perspective grid No. 9, Horizon 1,50 m
Perspective grid No. 10, Horizon 8,00 m
Drawing examples
Two-point perspective
(Back, sheet 2 mirrored)
Perspective grid No. 11 Horizon 4,00 m
Perspective grid No. 12 Horizon 16,00 m
Drawing examples
One-point perspective -
using the Vertical measuring line
perspective grid Heights can be
deduced by using the
vertical measuring
Perspective grid No. 1 line. Further informa-
tion on page 186.
Horizon 1,50 m
Each grid is
1,00m x 1,00m
Preparations in size.
First you must tape the grid to your draw-
ing table. Once you have done that, lay a
sheet of transparent paper over the grid
and tape the corners to the table. Even 1,00 m
light paper [40g/m²] will do the job. 1,00 m
How to construct perspectives with this
system will be described on the following 1,00 m
pages.
1,00 m
1,00 m
10
To construct an object in the bird‘s eye
view, use the grid upside down.
Now the horizon height is 8,00m.
The dashed line indicates the
field of vision limit.
Objects should be drawn
within this border to appear
realistic.
10,oo m
11
Estimating heights
The proportional estimation
In this image you can see a wooden puppet that is about
1,60 metres tall. Consequently it is a bit smaller than an Horizon height 1,50 m
average European citizen (1,75m).
2xh
h:2
h:3
H VP H 1,50 m
12
Objects with a height of 0,50m are always 1/3 of
the distance from the base to the horizon.
H 1,50 m VP
H 1,50 m VP
H 1,50 m VP
13
Cuboids and horizontal areas
+ 0,75
14
The left bottom side leads to the vanishing
point - so the top has to do the same.
VP H 1,50 m
VP H 1,50 m
15
Compiling cuboids
+ 4,50
+ 3,00
+ 1,00
+ 0,75
+ 0,50
16
When drawing a bird‘s eye view with 8,00m
horizon, construct the blocks just like when
drawing with the horizon at 1,50m.
VP Horizon 8,00 m
+ 4,00
+ 2,00
17
Two-point perspective
Perspective grid No. 5
Horizon 1,50 m
VP 1 Horizon 1,50 m VP 2
FP 1 Horizont 1,50 m FP 2
+0,75
18
3. Close the top
Once you have drawn the height, connect the
edge points towards the vanishing points.
+4,50
+3,00
+1,50
+1,00
+0,75
±0,00
19
Transferring garden plans
Field of Vision
We are able to sense a visual array of about 180°. You can
easily test this by stretching your arms to the left and right
while shaking them and looking forward. You should be
60° Field of vision
able to see your arms moving, nevertheless the form ap-
pears distorted and unrealistic. Lign of sight
Objects appear
realistic here.
Objects appear
distorted and
unrealistic here.
Objects appear
distorted and
unrealistic here.
20
Objects and rooms in perspective that are beyond the FoV
appear distorted and oversized.
Within the Field of Vision circle and Out of range the object
sphere appear realistic. appears unreal and distorted.
21
The Outline Technique
22
4. Develop the softscape
Use a further sheet of transparent paper to sketch and
develop the softscape. Try out different variations of
planting designs each on another layer of transparent
paper.
Now refine your sketch step by step...
Tip
The Outline Technique is quick and easy.
Objects beyond the field of vision should
only be drawn as a »hint« to avoid distortion,
making the drawing appear more realistic
and vivid.
23
Field-of-Vision (FoV) Technique
One-point perspective
The FoV Diagram approximately shows the undistorted area you
will see in perspective (within the 60° circle). It shows where the
viewer is standing and his Line-of-Sight at a scale of M 1:100.
3,40 4,40
4,0o 1,00 2,30 Tip
The scale of the ground plan has to be the
same as the scale as the FoV diagram.
MP 0,00 M 1:100 works best.
24
Careful!
Avoid placing the Line-of-Sight over long Try to lay the FoV diagram parallel to edges
edges. in your ground plan. If you don‘t, you will
They appear strange in perspective, since have a hard time transferring the plan to
they simply look like vertical lines. perspective (see example).
25
5. Construct built objects
Use a fresh sheet of transparent paper to construct built objects and
insert outdoor furniture and other items. Draw each on separate
sheets of paper if you want to stay on the safe side.
You can also insert graphical effects like reflections in the pool to
your drawing.
FP H 1,50 m
26
7. Do the rendering
Last but not least emboss your project
graphically.
27
Field-of-Vision (FoV) Technique
Two-point perspective
Horizon 1,50m
Viewpoint
VP Horizon 1,50m
FoV area
MP distorted area
28
Field-of-Vision (FoV) Technique
Two-point perspective
Horizon 8,00m (Bird’s eye view)
Viewpoint
distorted area
29
Seminars
Instructor
Daniel Nies earned his bachelors degree
in Landscape Design at Colorado State
University, USA. In 1991 he returned to
Germany where he worked as a desi-
gner in a Landscape architectural firm
for five years. During this time he
already offered graphic workshops.
30
Impressum
31
Daniel Nies
Elmer-Fryar-Ring 84
D- 86391 Stadtbergen
Tel 0049- (0)821 / 158175
Fax 0049- (0)821 / 158469
E-Mail info@zeichenwerk.de
www.zeichenwerk.de
www.perspektivraster.de
www.perspectivegrid.com