Basic Perspective Drawing: A Visual Guide [Paperback]

John Montague (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0471472743 | ISBN-13: 978-0471472742 | Publication Date: October 4, 2004 | Edition: 4th

Moving logically from simple concepts to specific tools and methods, this book shows how to construct perspective views one step at a time, with illustrated examples that cover every key part of the process.
* Step-by-step instructions make the learning process simpler
* Includes a new chapter on aerial perspective and an updated chapter with examples digital perspective drawings
* It is visually oriented with the author's graphic explanations making the drawing process easy to understand
* The author has also created spare and linear illustrations so the reader can shade sections, highlight lines or use coloured pencils to reinforce concepts and processes

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

The updated edition of the bestselling guide to creating perspective drawings quickly and easily

Basic Perspective Drawing, Fourth Edition continues a long tradition as an accessible, visual guide to help students and professional artists, illustrators, designers, and architects gain a firm and thorough grasp of the important principles and techniques of perspective drawing. Logically moving from simple concepts to specific tools and methods, it uses accessible illustrations to show step by step how to construct perspective views, with graphic examples covering every key part of the process.

This updated Fourth Edition features new material on aerial perspective, updated examples of completed perspective drawings, and the latest information on creating digital perspective drawings. Readers learn by doing with instructional and linear illustrations that enable them to shade sections, highlight lines, and use colored pencils right in the book to practice concepts and processes, making this edition an effective learning tool for coursework and self-study.

Basic Perspective Drawing, Fourth Edition is invaluable for gaining a lifelong foundation for understanding the optical world and how it works.

About the Author

John Montague, PhD, is a professor of design and technology at Buffalo State College in Buffalo, New York.

Product Details

• Paperback: 288 pages
• Publisher: Wiley; 4th edition (October 4, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0471472743
• ISBN-13: 978-0471472742
• Product Dimensions: 10.8 x 8.4 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #286,418 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #31 in Books > Crafts, Hobbies & Home > Antiques & Collectibles > Art

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

29 of 30 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Not just for engineers and architects., February 2, 2003

By 

J. Beaulieu "danger-girl" (Michigan, United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Basic Perspective Drawing: A Visual Approach, 3rd Edition (Paperback)

I got this book because I had a floor plan that I wanted to make into a 3D or at least 2D home elevation. I've never taken a drawing course and before this, everything I drew was rubbery or floating. :-)

I found this book to be a great help, even in drawing circles, cylinders and curves. It explains shading and light sources, multiple vanishing points, intersecting just about anything and even gives you an idea of how to draw unique shapes in a 3D perspective. All the examples are step-by-step progressions of each concept and really show you how to do it.

You don't have to know sines and cosines, and you don't need a compass or protractor (although they might help). All you need is a pencil, ruler and eraser.

About 85% of the book is dedicated to shapes and structures, but there are also examples of furniture, cars and even people.

An excellent starting point for drawing in perspective.

17 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Clear guide to basic perspective, June 18, 2004

By 

wiredweird "wiredweird" (Earth, or somewhere nearby) - See all my reviews
(HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (TOP 500 REVIEWER)   

This review is from: Basic Perspective Drawing: A Visual Approach, 3rd Edition (Paperback)

For some reason, perspective is the boogey-man of many people learning to draw. It doesn't have to be that way. This book will help you put that sense of solidity and reality into a drawing.

This book gives a clear, step by step introduction to the basics of drawing in perspective. Interior and exterior; 1-, 2-, and 3-point; they're all here. The techniques are all graphical, and require only basic ability to handle simple drafting tools.

As the title says, this covers just the basics. It covers them thoroughly, so the hard-working reader should come away from it with very usable skills.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Perspective drawing for beginners, April 6, 2008

By 

J. F. Lye - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Basic Perspective Drawing: A Visual Guide (Paperback)

I have trouble getting things in perspective - especially when I start adding other buildings or objects that come in at different angles. This book is great because it gives 1, 2, and 3 point perspectives, contrast and tonal shading techniques, projections for plans, practice object drawings with curves and landscape drawings. It even gives example of people proportions, and movements, and clothing. I have been looking for a book like this for awhile. It is very easy to follow and it really has every aspect covered. A great foundation to build upon.