The Art of Perspective

by Yves Leblanc

Perspective is the art of understanding the space that surrounds us, and then having the skill to reproduce what we see in an image-to “ flatten” the world on a sheet of paper. This clear and richly illustrated book features more than 400 diagrams that introduce artists, graphic designers, and architects to the principles of perspective, so that they can create their own illusion of reality.

Genres: Art

143 pages, Hardcover

First published March 1, 2011

Reviews

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

It sometimes felt like I was reading a math textbook. While I didn't enjoy the entire read, I'm glad that I finished it. Sometimes geometrical logic is counter-intuitive, so it was necessary for me to look at why spatial situations work out the way they do. I would recommend this book, with the caveat that you should set aside the time to look up terms, to find a vocabulary for perspective that works for you, and time to create your own drawings/examples. The text seems deceptively simple otherwise.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fantastically laid-out book that thoroughly covers the topic of perspective in a thoughtful, accessible way. I wish the library did not want its copy back.

I currently don't have budget for book buying (thanks to covid-19). Also, while I think the book is an excellent manual on the topic, and while I am adding it to my list of books-to-own for times when I get a little extra money, or times people want to gift me with books, I am not putting this one on the top of that list. It is a tad too structured for me and the way that I normally create art. That said, I signed the book out from the library because I am struggling with perspective drawing so fully admit that I might benefit from looking at it from a different perspective (pun half-intended).

Overall, a fantastic resource for people looking to improve on their ability to do perspective drawing/painting.

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

i think thus might be the best book on perspective that ive found. i say that because it made a difference in how i look at things, and it led me to realize that this topic is way, way bigger and more intense than i ever thought. im going to have to revisit this book again at some point, the lessons it teaches are just that mind boggling. i was advised to study perspective and i was told it goes on and on and the further you go the more you realize is out there waiting to be grasped, and im so glad i got that advice.