New
New
Principles of art: perspective
I can describe and draw a range of perspective techniques
Lesson 9 of 10
New
New
- Year 9
Principles of art: perspective
I can describe and draw a range of perspective techniques
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Perspective helps create solid objects on a two-dimensional surface to give an illusion of height, width and depth
- Perspective can be used to create realistic or disorientating images
- Perspective is rooted in a Western idea of seeing, global communities explore the picture space in different ways
Keywords
Linear perspective - a drawing method used by artists to give the illusion of depth on a 2D surface
Vanishing point - the points in perspective drawings that all lines recede to
Horizon line - where the earth meets the sky
Common misconception
In two point perspective, some lines don't need to recede to the vanishing point
All lines recede to one of the vanishing points. Otherwise your drawing won't be realistic
Try to avoid describing perspective in ways that present perspective as the gold standard when it comes to representing space
Teacher tip
Equipment
Pencil, paper, ruler. Optional: watercolour / coloured pencil.
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match the terms with their definitions.
Match the terms with their definitions.
Q2.What does volume add to a piece of art?
What does volume add to a piece of art?
Flatness and shine
Bright colours and texture
Q3.A bust is a sculpted representation of the __________ of a person.
A bust is a sculpted representation of the __________ of a person.
the whole body
hands
Feet
Q4.How can artists create the illusion of volume in 2D art?
How can artists create the illusion of volume in 2D art?
Using only bright colours
By making the artwork longer and larger
Q5.Match the artist to their technique.
Match the artist to their technique.
Q6.The term refers to the amount of space an object takes up, which includes height, width, and depth.
The term refers to the amount of space an object takes up, which includes height, width, and depth.
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is the vanishing point in a perspective drawing?
What is the vanishing point in a perspective drawing?
The centre of the drawing.
The highest point in the drawing.
Q2.Linear perspective helps create the illusion of on a 2D surface.
Linear perspective helps create the illusion of on a 2D surface.
Q3.Match the term with its definition.
Match the term with its definition.
Q4.Which technique involves using two vanishing points?
Which technique involves using two vanishing points?
One point perspective
Isometric projection
Q5.Artists might choose not to use perspective to show spiritual or meanings.
Artists might choose not to use perspective to show spiritual or meanings.
Q6.Which of the following is NOT a method of creating depth in art?
Which of the following is NOT a method of creating depth in art?
Overlapping shapes
Making shapes smaller in the background
