The Art of Perspective: The Ultimate Guide for Artists in Every Medium

by Phil Metzger

Everything you need to know to put your drawings and paintings into perspective!

If the concept of perspective makes you think of confusing angles, fancy measuring gadgets and complicated theories, get ready for a very pleasant surprise. In this comprehensive guide, Phil Metzger demystifies perspective, presenting it simply as a matter of mimicking the way we see--like the way a distant mountain appears blue, or a road seems to narrow in the distance.

The Art of Perspective offers simple but powerful techniques for achieving a convincing illusion of depth and distance, whether it's a few inches in a still life or miles in a landscape.

- Start simple, with atmospheric perspective and intuitive techniques, and gradually progress to linear perspective and more complex challenges such as stairways, curves and reflections.
- Use the engaging, step-by-step demonstrations and exercises to try out each essential concept for yourself, making lessons clearer and more memorable.
- Learn theories that apply to all mediums, with specific advice for achieving effects using acrylic, oil, watercolor and pencil.
- Get the inside scoop on professional tricks and shortcuts that make perspective easier than ever!
Forget everything you think you know (or don't know) about perspective. This book builds an easy-to-follow, ground-up understanding of how to turn a flat painting or drawing surface into a living, breathing, dimensional scene that lures viewers in. No matter how you look at it, it's the ultimate guide to perspective for artists of every medium and skill level.

Genres: Art, Drawing, Nonfiction, Reference, Design, Art and Photography

208 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 2007

Reviews

[Jim · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the best books on perspective for the fine artist that I've read so far. The author keeps the language simple and he directly relates the rules of perspective with the concerns of of visual artists. Recommended for any level from student to advanced level.

[Peter Herrmann · Rating 5 out of 5]

So clear! A pleasure to read and study. I've read 3 or 4 other books on this topic, and this one is - by far - the best. He answers questions I hadn't even thought to ask. Very comprehensive (even covers reflections, refractions and curved surfaces, atmospheric perspective, etc, etc) AND comprehensible. And practical ... he tells you where, in some cases, you needn't agonize over precision; or in other cases that look wonky [he gives examples] what precisely is wrong. No shortage of exercises. His artwork (all mediums - quite beautiful [imho] ) AND his diagrams and illustrations are all germane, accessible and well thought out.

[Celestial_dragon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good book on perspective. Many examples and demonstrations to help understanding of perspective in drawing and painting. Beautiful paintings that are shown in the book includes the palette the author used used.

[TQPS · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Phil for saving my soul and filling my tiny stupid brain with knowledge. You are the perspective messiah and I bow to your three point perspective throne.

[Suvarna agrawal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good and informative book. Many examples and
demonstrations to help understanding of perspective in drawing and painting.

[Amy M · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book to be incredibly useful and will definitely add it to my personal library for reference. I've always struggled with perspective in my art, never seeming to get it right. Metzger not only explains perspective in natural and practical terms but also illustrates these details clearly. While I'm no where near perfecting it yet, I do feel like I understand perspective better and with practice I'll eventually get it. Highly recommended.

[Vanya Prodanova · Rating 5 out of 5]

Напълно ми се затвърди мнението, че рисуването си е математика под влиянието на повечко вино или друго питие(който, каквото обича).:) Иначе за красиво илюстрования наръчник - полезен, разбираемо написан(доколкото е възможно геометрията да е "лесна")и най-важното - всичко в нагледна хартиена форма, за по-лесно визуално възприемане. Жалко, че като бях ученичка, нямаше такива полезни наръчници.

[James Buckhouse · Rating 4 out of 5]

He includes approaches for painting atmospheric perspective in a hands-on, down to earth style. He includes some traditional vanishing point perspective, but not as much as many books. I enjoyed reading this book as part of the puzzle, but is not the only book you'll need to figure out perspective for your own work.

[Elisabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book about perspective, explains it very well, visually (of course!) and covers all the technical details in the 2nd half of the book.

Definitely recommend if you want to learn about perspective.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good introduction book that clearly explains the traits of perspective and how to handle more common problems and errors. There are even step-by-step examples and exercises to follow. Very handy book to have.

[Caborst]

I'm thinking about this book, but I have to say...having on 3-point and additional point perspectives is a plus! Most guides stop at two point--which is really easy.

[Leonie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Review here:
http://uuuinfinity.blogspot.com/2011/...

[Claudia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent guide to creating depth to art that you are creating...

[Cecely · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent!

[Kaye Dewar · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book for artist who want to grow in the area of perspective!

[mike coulter · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book for perspective

Everything you need to know to add an illusion of depth to a flat surface. Many great tips to handle difficult drawings.

[Geomara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Second best book on perspective

Really enjoyed the details of this book. The content is really simple to understand for anyone at any level, especially beginners.

[Vaidyanathan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perspective

An excellent presentation. The author takes you through the road known to you, paintings and tackles the technical part. very reinforcing.

[Diane Schaefer]

Useful book for any aspiring artist

[Jerry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very Good Reference

Numerous examples, some beautiful painting and illustrations, this book shows what *not* to do as well as correct methods. A great reference.

[Danny Huang · Rating 3 out of 5]

lacks rigor