PERSPECTIVE: Using the Grid System for Interior Design Sketching: From plan view to sketch By Donald Gerds
Copyright 2011 & 2012 by Donald Gerds NOTICE: This work is copyrighted. It is licensed only for use by the original purchaser. M aking copies of this work or distributing it to any unauthorized person by any means, including without limit e-mail, floppy disk, file transfer, paper print out, or any other method constitutes a violation of International copyright law and subjects the violator to severe fines or imprisonment. This includes teachers and students who are giving out copies to other students thinking that it’s alright to make illegal copies just because it’s for educational use. We teachers don’t make enough money as it is, please do not rip us off for the few bucks that this e-book costs. After all, this book costs less than a cup of fancy coffee and you would not walk out of a coffee store without paying..... Would you? For more information about this book and other books and products go to the website: http://www.directartgoods.com/ E-book formatting and design by Eric Gerds This is version 1.2 of this e-book.
Introduction: Perspective, The Grid System For Interior Design. This electronic book is a rewrite of the original paper book about perspective drawing using the grid system with a focus on doing interior design. This “E” book is to a sketch as the paper back book is to a rendering. It will enable you to sketch an interior or a piece of furniture, in front of a client so that both of you are seeing the same thing you talked about. In the paper back book you have a full size grid, in this “E” book you will learn how to make them and use grids in a sketch. The important part of an interior sketch is that if you can show a one point perspective of a room with a chair turned at 45 degrees, the room will no longer seem like a one point perspective. The grid system is a simple and efficient way of learning perspective quickly and accurately with a minimum of work and effort. Perspective allows a designer to create the illusion of depth and dimension on a twodimensional surface. Without successful perspective, no rendering will look accurate. However, with a correct perspective drawing, an object can be rendered quickly. `
Emphasis is also placed on the development of three-dimensional thinking through the use of the grid. The grid system of perspective is based on the cube; all other shapes can be draw in perspective by using the cube shape. The prime purpose of the grid is to enable you, the designer, to draw any object with less effort and with more understanding. This book is designed to help you get right to the drawing without being lost in a volume of reading material.
Tips for using this book: To see the illustrations and pictures better use your e-reader’s ability to zoom in and enlarge the images. If you have a touch screen double click on the image and then use the pinch and zoom feature to enlarge the image. When you are done tap on the “X” symbol. If you do not have a touch screen, use your joy stick or arrow buttons (called the 5-way controller) to put the cursor over the image. A small zoom icon with a plus sign appears. Press the 5-way controller to zoom in, then press it again to zoom out. Press the next page button to return to the regular viewing of the book. Also, some images look better if you rotate your e-reader 90 degrees.
Understanding Perspective Perspective is a naturally occurring event where objects closer to your eye seem larger and as they move farther away they appear smaller. It is when an artist, using traditional or computer methods, ignores perspective rules that the artwork looks wrong. Understanding perspective is a matter of both theory and practice, and the theory of perspective becomes easier in direct relationship to the amount of practical experience you undertake. Perspective allows a designer to create the illusion of depth and dimension on a two-dimensional surface.
Perspective in real life.
Here is a picture of the air force academy where each square on the ground is perfectly spaced from the other. But as we look off in the distance the lines that make up the boxes seem to narrow and come closer together. The point where the lines come together is known as the vanishing point. There is also a line that runs horizontally across the page and through the center of the vanishing point. This horizon line also marks the eye level of the observer.
By drawing lines on the pictures you can see the perspective lines converging to the vanishing point and eye line.
Taking away the photograph you can see the lines more easiely going to the Vanishing point and the eye level.
Terms and abbreviations to know: Here are some basic terms that you will need to know when learning perspective and the abbreviations that are used in this book. (CV) Cone of Vision: The limit of human vision without distortion. Its is generally 50 degrees, or a radius of 1/4 the distance between the vanishing points(s) from the center of vision. Center of Vision: The measuring line around which the cone of vision is centered. (ML) Measuring Line: A line on which all true heights are measured. (EL) Eye Level: A line level with the viewer’s line of sight. (BC) Basic Cube: The cube upon which the grid is based. (VP) Vanishing Point: A point(s) where all parallel lines appear to converge.
Here is a basic drawing using the abbreviations.
Understanding Views Seeing the interior of the project from its best angle.
View in one point perspective is the easiest to learn because all parallel lines go to one vanishing point.
In one point perspective by turning one object at 45 degrees, the visual effect is different, this will be covered later.
The view at 45 degrees is best to show the corner of a room or when both sides of the object are equally important. This view works well with a bedroom or kitchen.
View at 30X60 degrees is good for both interiors and case goods.
One-point/two- point perspective is used in most professional renderings
Eye Level
High eye level, you see more of the floor. Moving the vanishing point on the EL from center to right side of the room to the left side of the room.
Vanishing point in the center of the room emphases the total room.
Low eye level, you see more of the ceiling
Scale of drawing. The scale of a drawing is directly proportional to the size of paper and the object within the drawing. (The height of a door is 6’ 8”, a table is 30” high).
General Notes: 1. Details are clearer and sharper when closer, less distinct when farther away. 2. Details create the illusion of reality. 3. Overlapping of objects creates scale and distance. 4. “Eyeballing” or “quick sketching” is a compromise between the grid and your judgment through experience. 5. When a cube is outside the cone of vision it will be distorted, and the front angle will be less than 90 degrees.
Decision to make before you start sketching. 1. Eye Level (EL) of your drawing. 6 feet is a good choice because it works with the height of tables, chairs and cabinets. 2. VIEW: How are you going to show the room: A. One-point perspective B. Two-point perspective C. One-point two-point perspective 3. Scale of the drawing or the size of the paper directly relates to the scale.
Rule 1: Understanding Perspective and Geometry The use of geometry enables the square or the cube to be divided and expanded accurately since each side of a cube is a square
1. Extend line AB and CD
2. Draw diagonals CB and AD. (This finds the center of the square and it divides the square into four equal parts
3. Draw a line hf through the center of the square and extend it
4. Draw diagonal line Cf to intersect line AB at .b1 5. Drop a vertical line from b1 to d1
6. Repeat, using D to h. The same rule applies to perspective, but receding squares look smaller as they go to the vanishing point. You will see this in the next drawing.
1. Establish square ABCD (by grid or by eye). 2. Extend line AB and DC to the vanishing point. 3. Draw diagonal AD and BC (the intersection forms the center of the square ABCD. 4. Extend line hf from center point to vanishing point. 5. Draw diagonal Cf to intersect line AB at f1 6. Drop a vertical line from b and d. 7. Repeat step 5 & 6 as needed. 8. To bring the square toward you reverse step 5 & 6 through Df to a and drop line c.
Construction of a One Point Grid Layout
Using a one point grid with the vanishing point to the far left allows seeing the kitchen cabinets. Choosing the location on the vanishing point in one point perspective is very important.
This pencil sketch done by Pat Marovich located the vanishing point in about the center of the room to give a balanced design. Note the two chairs turned at 45 degrees which changes the look of the interior. We will cover this later in the E-Book.
One point perspective uses one primary vanishing point (VP). Start with a square and make it an even number.
Step 1. Start with a square (ABCD) 8 to 12 inches
Step 2. Establish an eye Level about 2/3 from the base or 6 inches
Step 3. Establish a vanishing point (VP) with the square at the eye level (EL).
Step 4. Establish the measuring point (MP) on the eye level by taking twice the length of the line AB from the vanishing point (VP) (8’’square). The MP would be 16’’from the VP.
Step 5 a. Draw a line from C and D to the VP. Step 5 b. Draw a line from D to MP. Step 5 c. The intersection of D-MP and C to VP establishes the back of the floor of cube ABCD-abcd.
Step 6. a. Find the center of the base of the cube CD cd. (Refer to Rule 1) Step 6. b. Draw a line from the VP through cd to CD.
Step 7.a. Increase the number of squares to the VP using (Rule 1)
One point grid / ML=8 feet / EL= 6 feet
Construction of a 45 degree Grid layout.
Pencil sketch of a trade show display using a 45 degree grid.
Using a 45 degree grid is ideal when you’re showing the corner of a room.
Starting a 45 degree grid
Step 1.Draw a horizon line (eye level) and place a vanishing point at each end.These points should be as far away as 24 to 48 inches or greater.
Step 2. Divide the distance between the VPs in half at ML.
Step 3. Drop a line down from ML about 1/4 of the distance between the two vanishing points to locate point B.
Step 4. From B draw a line to each VP.The angle formed at point B should be 90 degrees or greater. If it is less, move B upward and check the angle again.
Step 5. Draw a line parallel to EL up from B equal to the proportional size of the cube needed. This line, DP, locates the base of the cube parallel to the EL.
Step 6. At D on line DP, draw a line up at a true 45 degree angle. Using DP as a radius,draw an arc up to intersect DZ at Z. Therefore DZ=DP.
Step 7. At z draw a line parallel to DP.
Step 8. At D and P draw a line up to intersect line z. These two lines form the right and left edge of the base cube.
Step 9. Draw a line from VP-L and VP-R through d and p to form point b.
Step 10. Draw a line from p to VP-L and from d to VP-R. This will enclose the top plane of the cube abpd
Step 11. Start the 45 degree grid using the base cube ADBP and Rule 1. This has to be
done only to one side because the grid is symmetrical.
Example of a finished 45 degree grid
Construction of a 30/60 degree grid layout.
Pencil Sketch of a display cabinet using a 30 X 60 grid.
30X60 degree grid is best used for desk, cabinet and product sketches.
Starting a 30X60 degree grid Step 1. Draw a horizonal line (eye level) and and place two vanishing points (VPL and VPR) about 24 to 48 inches apart.
Step 2. Divide the distance between VPL and VPR to locate 1/2 point
Step 3. Divide the distance between 1/2 and VPL or VPR to locate line ML.
Step 4. Divide the distance between ML and VPL in half.
Step 5a. On line ML, locate point B so that its angle with VPL and VPR is 90 degrees (or greater). Step 5b. Draw a line parallel to the EL line and through B. Step 5c. Draw a line from B to VPL and VPR.
Step 6a. Establish b, the height of the base cube ( this can be any size) Step 6b. On line B, locate b1 and b2 equal to B-b
Step 7a. Draw a line from b2 to 1/8 to locate P on B-VPR. Step 7b. Draw a line from b1 to 1/2 to locate D on B-VPL.
Step 8. Draw a line from b to VPR and VPL.
Step 9. Draw a line up from D and P, to locate p and d.
Step 10. Draw a line from p to VPL, and from d to VPR. The intersection of the two lines from point a is the top of the basic cube.
Step 11. Start the 36/60 grid by using the base of the cube (ABPD) and Rule 1. NOTE: This has to be done on both sides of the base cube.
Example of a finished 30-60 degree grid - right view
Example of a finished 30-60 degree grid - left view
Creating a circle in perspective The circle in perspective is an ellipse. However, it is important to remember that you must start with a square in perspective when drawing a circle.
Step 1. The Circle
Step 2. Enclose the circle within a square ABCD.
Step 3 . Draw diagonals AC and DB (forming the center (0) of the circle. Draw a line from (0) vertically for AB and horizontal for BC forming 1/4 of the square e and f.
Step 4. Repeat step 3 forming a smaller (1/8) square. Note the relationship of the circle with gh
Circle in perspective layout
Step 1. Draw a square 48 inches in perspective forming (A B C D) Step 2. The circle will be tangent to the square at (e f g h).
Step 3. Divide square (ABCD) into 1/8 units.
Step 4. Draw the circle within the square (A B C D ).
Step 5. Divide square (ABCD) into 1/8 units.
Step 6. Draw lines DB and CA at 30 inches high. Step 7. Draw lines eg and hf at 30 inches high.
Step 8. Complete the circle at 30 inches high.
With the circle off the grid you can now draw the table in perspective. To bring it to life do the following steps. Step1. Run texture of table top horizontal. Step 2. Add shadow on supporting column Step3. Add reflections on legs if metal.
Step 4. Add vase with flower on table with a reflection for interest.
Plan view of 18 inch cube for a simple chair. Adding interest to a one point perspective/drawing can be achieve by turning a chair at 45 degrees in your space planning. The foot print of a chair is generally a square 18 to 25 inches. While this example shows how to draw a simple chair this concept can be used to draw other furniture as well.
18 inch cube rotated 45 degrees is slightly larger than two units, which we will call 2+. This extra amount is close enough to approximate. For a doing sketching this is close enough. 1. AB length is 2+ units long. 2. CD length is 2+ units wide 18 inch cube rotated 45 degrees.
18 inch cube in one point perspective Step 1. Locate A and B, 2+ units apart toward the primary VP in one point perspective. Step 2. Locate D about 2 units up from A, and about one unit to the right.
Step 3. Draw line AD to the right to intersect EL to form at R-VP. Step 4. Draw a line from R-VP to B intersecting line D locating a more accurate location for C
Here is a close up of the grid portion from the last illustration.
Finding the height of your 18 inch cube in one point perspective the easy way. Step 1. At any point in the footprint of cube, ABCD in this case, go to the right 3 units or 36 inches. Step 2. Rotate 3 units 90 degrees to point d
Step 3. Draw a line from R-VP to d which will give you the height at a also. Step 4. Draw a line from R-VP to b locate c creating the top of the box.
Here is a close up of the grid portion from the last illustration.
Establish the seat height at 18 inches Step 5. Draw a line from R-VP to the 18 inch height Dd. Step 6. Repeat finding B as you did in step 5 this will establish the height of the seat.
Here is a close up of the grid portion from the last illustration.
The top of the seat for the chair at 18 inches.
Using the cube with both the measurements of 36 inches for the top of the back of the chair and the 18 inches for the seat, one can draw a finish sketch for this 18 inch chair in the correct perspective.
Plan view of 24 inch cube for a lounge chair
To create a more traditional lounge chair at a 45 degree angle in a room start with 24 inch cube rotated 45 degrees. Like the last cube we sketched we are going to be approximate on the grid size. 1. AB length is 2 3/4 units long 2. CD length is 2 3/4 units wide
Step 1. Locate A and B, 2 and 3 quarters units toward the primary VP in 1 point perspective. Step 2. Locate CD about 1 1/2 units up from A. (Remember that a unit is 12 inches and 1 1/2 units is close enough count as 18 inches for sketching) Step 3. Locate D about 1 1/2 units to the right of the center line. Step 4. C will be located in the next step.
Step 5. Draw a line AD to the right to intersect EL to form at R-VP for ADBC cube. Step 6. Draw a line from R-VP to B intersecting line D locating a more accurate location
for C.
Here is a close up of the grid portion from the last illustration.
Finding the height in one point perspective the easy way!
Step 1. At any point in the footprint of cube (ABCD in this case) go to the left 3 units. Step 2. Rotate 3 units 90 degrees to point d. (Remember that a unit is 12 inches and 3 units is close enough count as 24 inches for sketching)
Establish the seat height at 16 inches/ Step 1. Draw a line from R-VP to the 16 inch height line on Aa. Step 2. Repeat finding at B as you did in step1 this will establish the height of the seat.
Here is a close up of the grid portion from the last illustration.
The top of the seat for the chair at 16 inches
Using the cube with both the measurements of cube 24x24x30, one can finish a sketch of a
more traditional lounge chair in the correct perspective.
Creating a standard staircase in perspective While a staircase looks complicated it is based on the cube shape and then broken down into the small steps.
PLAN VIEW
ELEVATION VIEW Stair risers are from 6 to 7.5 inches high
STEP 1a. The scale of this cube is 3 feet and eye level is 6 feet.
STEP 1b. The stairs have 12 inch deep treads. STEP 1c. Risers are 7.5 inches high and there will be approximately 13 steps. STEP 1d. For sketching use 6 inch risers.
STEP 2a. Draw a line from the left VP to intersect with step one. STEP 2b. Repeat the same for step 2 to 4. STEP 2c. Repeat the same for steps 5 to 13 using the right VP.
Step 3a. Complete the rough details for the stairs. Step 3b. Handrail can be added at a height of 28 inches or per code.
Finished Stairs
VERTICAL VANISHING LINES The vanishing points for parallel lines on an incline plane, with reference to the stairs are always directly above or below the vanishing points of the stairs as shown below.
Using a one point perspective grid for a basic room layout.
Start with a basic layout. Here are the top and side views
Step 1. Think of the furniture as the boxes they come in. Step 2. Draw a gird over the room for a quick way to locate the furniture.
Step 3. Layout basic room footprint of the room.
Step 4. Height of the basic room Step 4a. Draw a box as shown 8 units high
Step 4a. The width should be at least 16 units wide.
Step 5a. Draw a line up at 12 up to 8 high. Step 5b. From 0 and 12 up draw a line to the VP.
Step 6a draw a line up at the back of the room from 9 and 12 to connect with 0 and 12 to the VP forming the back wall. Step 6b. Draw a line up from 12c up at the stairs corner.
Step 7a. The back diagonal wall is made by drawing a line from 9 in the back wall to 6. Step 7b. From these two points draw a line up to meet the ceiling. Step 7c. At the ceiling draw a line to follow the floor diagonal. Step 8. Create the diagonal back wall, this will have its own LVP
Step 9. Draw the footprint of the furniture and stairs. (The walls are not shown to make this easier to see).
Step 10. Create the boxes for each piece of furniture using the furniture size and detail information shown below.
Step 11. With the perspective created correctly finish your drawing.
Furniture size and detail for room.
Chair (C) from Step 2.
Round Table (RT) from Step 2.
Storage unit (T) from Step 2.
SOFA (S) from Step 2.
The room with everything inside of it
About the Author. Donald A. Gerds is an award-winning designer holding a BFA and MA. Starting working for Douglas Aircraft in 1957 in there interior design department. In 1960 he started his own design office in 1965, returned to Douglas for the interior of the DC-10. In 1970 began teaching design at Santa Monica College. He has written three books “Perspective the Grid System” “Markers for Advertising Comps” and “Markers for interiors, Exteriors and Product Design which is no longer in print.
Above is an image of the paper version of this book. For more information about this e-book and other books and products Go to the website: http://www.directartgoods.com/
Others books By Donald Gerds: Rendering and Sketching with Markers: Looking at Metals
Markers are an amazing and very versatile tool but are sometimes under appreciated when it comes to drawing and sketching. This is the first in a series of books especially written for the e-book devices which will teach rendering and marker techniques. This book focuses on the concepts on how to use markers and how to create metal shapes using those markers. The book contains step by step examples of how to create the metal looks for brass, stainless steel and aluminum from refrigerators to lamps. The book also contains many finished examples and photographs as real world examples to draw from.
This book is enhanced for e-book readers with color screens.
Rendering and Sketching with Markers: Looking at Glass
Markers are an amazing and very versatile tool but are sometimes under appreciated when it comes to drawing and sketching. This book is part of a series of books especially written for the e-book devices which will teach rendering and marker techniques. This book focuses on the concepts on how to use markers and how to create glass shapes using those markers. The book contains step by step examples of how to create the glass looks for drinking glasses, interior windows, exterior windows, glass buildings and much more. The book also contains many finished examples and photographs as real world examples to draw from. This book is enhanced for e-book readers with color screens.
Table of Contents Introduction: Perspective, The Grid System For Interior Design. Tips for using this book: Understanding Perspective Perspective in real life. Terms and abbreviations to know: Understanding Views Scale of drawing. Decision to make before you start sketching. Rule 1: Understanding Perspective and Geometry Construction of a One Point Grid Layout Construction of a 45 degree Grid layout. Construction of a 30/60 degree grid layout. Creating a circle in perspective Plan view of 18 inch cube for a simple chair. Plan view of 24 inch cube for a lounge chair Creating a standard staircase in perspective Using a one point perspective grid for a basic room layout. Furniture size and detail for room. About the Author. Others books By Donald Gerds:
