Basic principles of perspective drawing 2 – Foreshortening
Lines Or Surfaces Parallel To The Observer’s Face Show Their Maximum Size As They Are Revolved Away From The Observer They Appear Increasingly Shorter
1. For instance, a pencil held parallel to observer’s face will show its true and maximum length.
2- As it is slowly pivoted its length appears smaller…
3- And still smaller..
4- till finally the pencil points directly at observer, and only the end is seen. This could be called 100% foreshortening.
5- This tube or oatmeal box seen end- on will appear as a full circle. None of the sides are visible.
6- When it is pivoted slightly the circle “foreshortens” and appears as an ellipse. The sides (which were totally foreshortened) now begin to appear. foreshortening.
7- The ellipse foreshortens even more (it becomes flatter) while the sides appear longer.
8- Finally, the circular top foreshortens to a simple straight line and the sides appear at maximum length.