Sijun Forums :: View topic - Perspective Books

Ian Jones · Posted: Mon Dec 10, 2001 5:10 pm

I am going to get a book on perspective. I understand perspective, but I feel I am missing something, and I would like a book that is comprehensive and well written, with good diagrams / illustrations. Any suggestions?

I have highlighted two that I think are good, but I want to know which one, and if there are any better ones?

Perspective Made Easy - Ernest Norling

Creative Perspective for Artists and Illustrators - Ernest W. Watson

So what should I do? Any advice or reccommendations are welcome. Thx.

Derek · member Member # Joined: 23 Apr 2001 Posts: 139

Can't think of the titles right now... they're around here somewhere... but you want books by D'Amelio and Montague as well as the one you listed by Watson...

Ian Jones · Posted: Mon Dec 10, 2001 6:37 pm

"as well as"

I need more than one! ???

Pat · Posted: Mon Dec 10, 2001 10:51 pm

"Perspective for Comic Book Artists" by David Chelsea is also an excellent resource. Don't let the title throw you, it covers all of what I learned in my college drawing classes _and_ more.

-Pat

z-ko · Posted: Mon Dec 10, 2001 11:08 pm

"Perspective for Comic Book Artists" by David Chelsea
defintely need to buy it...

Ian Jones · Posted: Tue Dec 11, 2001 12:05 am

hmmm, ok well.. now I am confused. LOL.

Thx for the advice though.

Does anyone know anything about the ones that I mentioned?

Joranovski · Posted: Tue Dec 11, 2001 1:25 am

Hi Everyone,

I own a copy of
"Perspective for Comic Book Artists" by David Chelsea.
I can honestly say: BUY IT!

Ian Jones · Posted: Tue Dec 11, 2001 3:44 am

Hi Joranovski, and welcome to Sijun.com

Thx for the advice, looks like I will be buying perspective for comic book artists! hehe.

This is what I REALLY love about Sijun. It is so cool when you get help like this. So thankyou ppl!

Joranovski · Posted: Tue Dec 11, 2001 4:44 am

Thanx Ian, Glad I could persuade you to buy that excellent book!

It's really helpful even when your not a comic artist.

Ian Jones · Posted: Tue Dec 11, 2001 5:50 pm

Aha! good point Morph, I shoulda looked there first! I can remember a time when I used to tell ppl to "Visit the FAQ!"

Thing is I can't find that old FAQ, ever since the ubb was upgraded it has gone walkies?

morphgfx · Posted: Wed Dec 12, 2001 12:24 am

i heared "creative perspective for artists and illustrators" is rather good, don't have it myself though.
you should take a look in the forum faq as well. if i remember right there are listed a couple of recommended books.

Digital Genesis · Posted: Wed Dec 12, 2001 7:27 am

"Understanding Perspective" by Radu Vero

Definitely a must buy, must read.

I can't think of ANY other perspective book that takes care of the visualisation skills needed to understand and much easier use perspective tools.

The other books are good too, but definitely get or borrow this one.

Derek · member Member # Joined: 23 Apr 2001 Posts: 139

Ian
Hi again...
one of the reasons you'll want different books on perspective is because you have to remember that these 'rules' really are guides to help you solve problems. Some authors and illustrators are going to get certain points across in a different manner than others. You may get lucky and find a book that will answer all of the questions you'll have about technically accurate drawings _and_ perspective that 'looks right', but I haven't found one that can do it in and of itself. It takes a bit of practice to get comfortable with the fact that it's a lot simpler than it seems. Also, there are some guidelines that you'll adopt immediately, others you'll keep looking at pictures and illos for and your brain cells will curl up around themselves cowering in fear. Again, some authors will help you where others can't, and a range of approaches is always helpful. Most will reinforce what the others say, some will cause that lightbulb to flash over your head, but all of the ones listed here should be helpful.
Remember, don't think of them as rules, but as tools and formulae you can turn to when you get stuck.

LoTekK · Posted: Thu Dec 13, 2001 1:43 am

derek's right, but i'm just going to jump on the bandwagon and recommend a book... well, an author, anyways... burne hogarth...

A.Buttle · member Member # Joined: 20 Mar 2000 Posts: 1724

How about some tips from the Masters?

On Painting - Alberti

Vasari On Technique - Vasari

Ian Jones · Posted: Thu Dec 13, 2001 4:52 am

Hi ppl.

Thx again for your replys.

Derek: I totally agree, you made some great points there. I understand perspective, I have a good sense of spatial awareness, and visualisation skills, but I feel as If I am missing something, and it is probably due to the inconsistencies of my prior learning of both technical graphics perspective and then art classes in perspective. I want to get a book that covers as much as possible.

My problems with perspective atm, are that I have trouble working out my overall plan for a complex scene, I find it hard to know where to start in order to keep vp's on the page etc.. trivial things that I'm sure I am making a big deal out of nothing for. I am not confident even when I do complete a drawing that it is correct.

Yoou know when you draw an object too close to the viewer it appears warped and 'forced' into perspective because, according to the technical graphics way.. it is in front of the picture plane upon which you are drawing. Now with other methods a picture plane doesn't ever seem to be a concern, and thus I find myself wondering wether I will place objects in front of the picture plane accidentally...

Some methods mention a center of vision, some don't.. some explain inclined angles, some don't.. everything is different.

Once I do get a good book, I will probably end up writing a tutorial for other ppl in my position. One that makes mention of more than just one technique.. etc.