Assignment 2: Deep Space Perspective Drawing

Assignment: Use graphite and continuous tone technique to create a drawing which is based on observation
and contains a sense of deep space and consistent perspective.

Objectives:
• Create a strong composition by considering positive and negative space and Gestalt Principles.
• Practice sighting angles and measuring to create believable proportions and perspective.
• Apply atmospheric perspective to accentuate the sense of depth in the drawing.
• Render lights and shadows to create a sense of volume and describe the detail of the forms.

Materials: 12 x 16” high quality, cotton rag paper--Arches, American Masters, or Stonehenge recommended
(This paper comes in large sheets and will need to be torn down to smaller size, which we will do this in class.);
graphite drawing tools and erasers.

Strategy:
1. Subject. Choose an interesting place to study that includes deep space. You should be able to clearly iden-
tify a foreground, middleground and background. Start this drawing from life, sighting angles and measure-
ments to establish the basic structure of your composition. Then, take photos and finish the drawing using
these as reference, or you can continue to work from life if possible.
2. Composition. When determining the composition, consider the forms as flat shapes on a 2-D surface (i.e.
don’t let the sense of depth distract from creating a strong composition). Use your viewfinder and make
multiple thumbnails before you settle on a composition. Consider how the placement of objects and fram-
ing of your subject affects the arrangement of positive and negative space and incorporate Gestalt Princi-
ples to create a strong composition.
3. Perspective. Consider how perspective affects the expressive qualities of the drawing. Observe the subject
from different angles. You could choose to challenge yourself to exaggerate the perspective by combining
elements of informal and formal perspective.
4. Continuous tone. Establish a consistent, direct light source or apply light logic to make the lights and darks
easier to observe and render. Develop
the values in the drawing using the con-
tinuous tone technique we practiced in
class. Strive to render the value shapes
and relationships with a high degree of
accuracy in order to describe the vol-
ume and detail of the forms. You may
choose to tone your paper first to start
this process, but it isn’t required.
5. Expression. Exaggerate some value re-
lationships according to the principles
of Atmospheric Perspective to empha-
size the sense of space in the drawing.
For example, you could include more
detail in the foreground objects and
soften edges in the background. Also,
make choices about contrast to influ-

Stephen Fisher, Main Street Station II, graphite on paper, 15x21in,

1982.
ence the mood and sense of place in the drawing. Is the place light and airy, or dark and dingy? Work to
create a specific mood with your handling of contrast and rendering of value relationships in the drawing.