The Fundamentals of Perspective 1: One Point Principles and Concepts with Gary Meyer is the first DVD in a three part series. The first DVD covers the basic principles of how to construct a one point perspective drawing, the tools of the trade needed, as well as how to use perspective to measure objects in the drawing accurately.
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Gary Meyer is the consummate illustration instructor, having first had a long career creating illustrations for all kinds of different clients, from all the major aircraft and movie studio companies to record companies and Levis. Gary Meyer is an incredible illustrator, and perhaps the only thing he may be better at is teaching others. Mr. Meyer has been an illustration instructor at the Art Center College of Design since 1988, and during that tenure he has served as professor and Master of the College. While also being the first to receive a Faculty Award (elected by the Faculty), Mr. Meyer has also been given 17 Great Teacher Awards by graduating classes. So as you can see Gary Meyer has a lot of experience in teaching, and I found that in this DVD he was very clear and easy to understand with the concepts he was explaining.
Tools of the Trade
Gary starts by showing the tools he prefers to use for producing his perspective drawings. A drawing board with a straight metal edge and large enough size for the drawings you will create (he uses a 24”x30”). It is important to have a straight metal edge to facilitate a flat surface for your T-square to slide along smoothly without changing its angle. As well Mr. Meyer uses a C-Thru ruler, a 30/60 triangle and a 45/90 triangle, and an architectural. Some pencils, lead holders, and an eraser are the last tools that an artist needs to begin drafting perspective drawings.
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Basics of Perspective
Gary begins his lesson with a great description and quick illustration of the pieces necessary for a perspective drawing. His illustration clearly explaining:
- - the picture plane
- - the ground plane
- - the distance line
- - the horizon line (also known as the eye level line)
- - the station point
- - the true height line
- - the ground line
- - the center of vision, which is at the center of a 60 degree cone of vision
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Now armed with the anatomy of a perspective drawing, Gary does a very good job of thoroughly going through the different pieces and how they are used in a drawing. Starting simple and working more difficult drawings into the demonstration. He demonstrates how the horizon line passes through all objects at the same height so it can be used as a basis for estimating the height of objects you are placing in the scene.
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In the final demonstration Gary sketches a plan view of his studio room. Using the rough sketch as reference he proceeds to construct a detailed one point perspective drawing. Initially laying out a window, then book cases, a drawing desk, a flat file table, a chair and a carpet Gary uses all that he has taught thus far in the demonstration to keep the perspective and scale of objects correct and accurately capture the room in his drawing.
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While this DVD explains a lot of detail about the technical expertise used in perspective drawing, Gary Meyer’s extensive teaching experience allows him to effortlessly pass on the information to students willing to listen. After viewing this DVD I feel I have a new perspective on perspective drawing (sorry I had to). I recommend this DVD for anyone who feels their knowledge of perspective is lacking, and also for those who are looking to learn some tricks from a great illustration teacher and strengthen up their traditional art skills.