Linear Perspective in Watercolor

Linear Perspective in Watercolor

Article by Vladimir London, Watercolor Academy tutor

Linear perspective is a geometrical system that is used to depict space and distance in drawing

The "miracle" of realistic painting happens when an artist creates the illusion of a three-dimensional world on the flat surface of an artwork. This requires the use of perspective.

Sketch by Vladimir London, Watercolor Academy tutor

There are three types of perspective that help to portray three-dimensional objects and spatial arrangements: linear perspective, aerial perspective and light perspective.

Let's explore what each type means and how it is used in watercolor.

Linear Perspective

Linear perspective is a geometrical system that is used to depict space and distance in drawing. It is based on the following principles:

1. Objects that lie along the line of sight and are closer to a viewer will overlap the objects that are further away.
2. The further objects from the viewer are, the smaller they appear.
3. Parallel lines in nature that are not perpendicular to the line of sight will appear converging and will meet at vanishing points.
4. Object dimensions will appear foreshortened if they are not perpendicular to the line of sight.

Depending on the number of vanishing points for any object, linear perspective can be sub-divided into one-point, two-point, three-point, and four-point perspective. Straight lines in nature can be interpreted as curved in drawing, which is described by perceptive perspective. There are also some other types of perspective that are used in technical drawing.

Sketch by Vladimir London, Watercolor Academy tutor

I hope I didn't bore you with those perspective principles. Many books are written on this topic, so we will skip the detailed theory. If you want to learn more about perspective types and see the illustration of perspective in art, you can watch this free video lesson I created for Drawing Academy students.

Also, you can get my book on this topic - How to Draw in Perspective.

Linear perspective in watercolor applies to drawing. An artist can draw the preliminary sketches and cartoons for a watercolor artwork or draw directly in paint on the paper. In any case, one has to know and use linear perspective rules to make realistic paintings.

Students often ask me what type of linear perspective is best. There is no one solution that works every time. The aim here is to minimize distortions which are inevitable when drawing three-dimensional objects in a flat artwork. Simple objects like vases or columns standing on a horizontal ground can be depicted in one-point perspective. Cuboids with sides that are not perpendicular to viewer's line of sight require at least two-point perspective. Big objects that are located high above or below, meaning the viewer has to turn their head up or down, can be depicted in three- or four-point perspective. Finally, when the viewer is within the object, for example when drawing the interior of a room, the minimization of distortions might require bending straight lines, which is perceptive perspective.

If you want to learn more about linear perspective and see how it can be used in drawing, you can enroll in the Drawing Academy course.

Linear perspective deals with lines and shapes. There are also other types of perspective which affect colors and tonal values in painting.

To learn how to paint in watercolor, enroll now