Drawing in two-point perspective

henripoole-birrell
Jul 26
4 min read

Updated: Aug 9

It's Not as Challenging as It Looks!

When I was younger, I wasn't a huge fan of technical drawing. Perhaps it was because it requires patience and a solid understanding of perspective. When things didn't turn out as expected, I felt disappointed in my abilities. This often led to frustration, causing me to shy away from trying again.

Recently, however, I've been eager to illustrate some sci-fi-inspired spaces. I want to create settings for a science fiction story I've been dreaming of writing. As a visual writer, I find that artwork stimulates my imagination. So, I decided to learn how to draw in two-point perspective.

How Do You Do It?

In this section, I'll explain the process of two-point perspective, complete with examples (and some not-so-great photographs I've taken – you're welcome!).

Establish Your Parameters
Start by defining the internal space you want to draw. I drew a basic three-centimetre border around the outside of my A3 paper, adding a slight blue tint to give the piece a cooler feel.
Draw the Horizon Line
Using a ruler, draw a horizon line across the middle of your paper. If you're unsure what a horizon line is, visit the beach and gaze out to sea. Notice how the sea creates a straight line where everything vanishes? That's your horizon line.
Create Vanishing Points
On your horizon line, draw two Xs. These will serve as your vanishing points. This is why it's called "two-point perspective." If you were to draw a corridor stretching into the distance, you would use "one-point perspective," as there would only be one vanishing point. Ensure one vanishing point is inside the border and one outside. This will help you recreate something similar to what I've created.
Draw Walls and Structures
Next, sketch in your walls, floors, ceilings, windows, and doors. Use a ruler and pencil, making sure the end of your ruler aligns with the corresponding vanishing point. This step can be tricky to explain, but it becomes clear when you practice. Take your time to avoid drawing any accidental lines in the wrong direction. Top Tip: Draw faintly first. Once you've established the main structural elements, you can add furniture and other details. Feel free to layer different elements to make the room feel more authentic. Keep an eraser handy to remove any unnecessary structural lines.
Outline Your Drawing
Once you feel satisfied with your elements, outline everything with a black fine-liner. I used a 0.4 mm tip for the lines.
Erase Guidelines
After outlining, erase any remaining guidelines, such as your horizon line and vanishing points, along with any other lines that don't contribute to the core image.
Apply Colour
Now, you can add colour!

About the Colours I Used

For this particular image, I used POSCA pens, which are essentially paint markers. They are handy for layering opaque colours without fading. However, you can use any tools you prefer, as long as you stay within the black lines. If you accidentally go outside the lines, don't worry; you can always go back over them later. This can result in a brighter and bolder finished piece, reminiscent of 'After Lunch' by Patrick Caulfield.

Acrylic markers provide a solid block of pigment, which is ideal for avoiding a scratchy or patchy appearance. I particularly enjoy using the metallic assortment to highlight elements in silver and gold, bringing asteroids and industrial surfaces to life.

However, it's essential to consider how much colour you incorporate into a piece like this. Too much can overwhelm the viewer, while too little may leave it feeling empty. Aim for a balance of cooler and warmer colours. Where possible, use a variety of colours together in smaller spaces.

You'll notice that areas with higher detail, such as the console, incorporate more colours without being too overwhelming. I've also used large expanses of colour to balance different components of the image. For instance, the floor is a light blue, the window into deep space is black, and the bright red pipe curving around the room acts as a leading line. This technique helps imply the dimensions of the drawing and guides the viewer's attention to specific elements.

In the back corner of the image, I've added touches of yellow and gold. This creates intrigue and variation, contrasting with the rest of the piece.

The Importance of Uniformity and Unpredictability

Uniformity is crucial in drawing interior spaces that feel authentic, proportioned, and lifelike. However, unpredictability is equally important. I love using a space like this to tell a story. The little details, such as the coffee cup on the console and the maintenance work on the floor, invite the viewer to visually investigate. These hints suggest that this isn't just a room; it's a lived-in, functional space.