"Pictorial drawing" is a term used to denote several methods used to draw representations of objects. It is important for students and designers to develop an understanding of the methods used to accomplish these drawings. There are three basic methods that are discussed below. Please review the information and use it to complete any written assignment that accompanies this topic.

	"Isometric" drawings are drawings usually rendered by a draftsperson or done in a Computer Assisted Drafting (CAD) software program for technical purposes. The identifying characteristic of this drawing is that it consists of 30 degree and 60 degree angles. There is a special paper that is produced that allows the production of these drawings on top of the printed grid. It has all diagonal lines printed on it instead of a square grid.
	"Oblique" drawings are also drawings usually rendered by a draftsperson or done in a Computer Assisted Drafting (CAD) software program. The term "oblique" means "diagonal" or "slanted". The identifying characteristic of this drawing is that it consists of a fixed angle projecting from a horizontal plane.
Perspective	Perspective drawings are those that describe an object as it would be seen by the eye. It allows a feeling of depth, and is actually an "illusion" of a three-dimensional object on a two-dimensional plane. There are several types of perspectives that are named by how many "vanishing points" are involved in the drawings. Popular comic book artists may use three point perspectives a lot, while the designer would use it very infrequently. The two most basic types that you should be familiar with are "one-point" and "two-point" perspective. A closer examination of these two types is included below. You will do some exercises with your instructor to help you learn the difference between the two.Review the illustrations and explanations included below.

In a one-point perspective, the major components are the object, the "horizon line", and the "vanishing point". In the illustration above, the square is drawn above the horizon line. Then, guidelines are drawn to the vanishing point. All points on the square are joined with the vanishing point by convergent drawn lines (convergent lines come together...as opposed to parallel lines that will never come together!). This then aids the artist to draw in the "back" side of the object as a single vertical line. When you do the exercises with your instructor, you will gain a better understanding of all the components involved.

In a two-point perspective, the artist starts with NO square, but only a single line. However, two vanishing points are involved. The two points are used on the line to draw convergent lines to each vanishing point. Then, two vertical lines complete the illusion of sides on the object. This is actually an easy rendering once you know how it is done. Once again, you will gain a better understanding after completing some simple exercises with your instructor.

You will find that some of your software will have features and commands or tools that refer to perspective. You will be working in that software to complete some perspective illustrations for your portfolio.

That about does it for the information on pictorial drawing and perspective. Be sure to pay attention to this and the exercises in class, as you will be tested on the material AND your ability to draw both one and two point perspectives.

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