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3D drawing: Prerequisites
To grasp this 3D drawing tutorial, first read our short 3D tutorial which lays out a few simple but critical basics to understanding what follows.
In this lesson we will explore several additional depth cues.
3D drawing: Viewing Angles
With greater distance, forms are seen from fewer directions. This is another example of having less of something with more distance. For example, seeing a man’s face at about the same angle as his feet can be a depth cue that he must be far away. (below) But if we are looking straight at his face and down at his feet, these different viewing angles in our 3D drawing indicate that he is close.
So comparing different viewing angles can help determine the distances of things. Depth perception comes from detectable differences in direction. This could be called direction perception.
The more directions we have to see with in our 3D drawing, the more different angles we can see things from. For example, cover up all of the cubes below, then uncover one at a time. This scene gets more three-dimensional since that gives us more different angles of these objects to compare against.
If looking through just one dimension, even if that is depth, nothing can look three-dimensional. (below) As strange as it sounds, we can see no depth when all we are seeing is depth.
3D drawing: Light and Shadow
3D drawing can be effectively accomplished through the use of light and shadow.
There are two basic types of shadow. The first is that kind which projects onto something by the blocking of light. (left pic) Here, depth is enhanced because the shadow is often overlapped by the object while it also appears smaller as it gets farther from that object.
For a shadow to exist, there must be some distance between an object and the surface it falls upon. Even though an object does not have to overlap its shadow, the fact that they are separated clearly demonstrates space. The farther a shadow seems to be, the more depth there appears to be.
The second type of shadow is referred to as shade. As the surface of an object turns away from a light source it no longer receives light shining toward it. (left pic) As shown, this can be a smooth transition as the surface gradually turns away from the light or can be quite sharp due to the sharp-edged nature of the object.
This introduction of light and dark to an object through shade in your drawing is called shading or modeling.
Adding highlights and dark areas will enhance this 3D effect. Increasing contrast can heighten this further.
Also, a 3D appearance for your drawing can be gained by lighting an object's height, width and depth differently. Conversely, since a camera flash lights only one side of every object, this tends to flatten the image.
Our next lesson will cover several additional depth cues.
3D drawing: Understanding Perspective
3D drawing is a subject of perspective.
To learn more, read:
A New Perspective - Universal Edition
A New Understanding of Perspective
for All Visual Art Forms Including:
Drawing, Painting, Photography, Motion Picture,
3D Graphics and Video Game Design
Visit www.perspective-book.com.
The majority of this book is made up of information that has not been available to artists before with answers only hinted at over centuries.
