One-Point Perspective

What is One-Point Perspective?

One-point perspective is a drawing method that shows how objects appear to get smaller as they get farther away, converging toward a single point on the horizon called the vanishing point. It is used to create the illusion of depth and distance in a drawing.
In one-point perspective, all parallel lines that go into the distance meet at this one vanishing point.

How to Draw in One-Point Perspective

1. Flying Boxes

Goal: To understand how objects move and rotate in space using one vanishing point.

Steps:

1. Draw a horizontal line across your paper — this is the horizon line.

2. Place a dot anywhere on the horizon line — this is your vanishing point.

3. Draw several rectangles (boxes) in different places on your page (some above, on, and below the horizon line).

4. From each corner of every box, draw light guide lines that connect to the vanishing point.

5. Decide how deep you want each box to go. Draw the back sides of the boxes using horizontal and vertical lines.

6. Erase extra guide lines, and you’ll have boxes that look like they’re floating in space!

How to Draw in One-Point Perspective

2. Room Interior

Goal: To create the illusion of looking into a room (like the inside of a box).

Steps:

1. Draw a rectangle (this is the back wall of your room).

2. Mark a vanishing point in the middle of that rectangle.

3. From each corner of the rectangle, draw light diagonal lines going outward toward the vanishing point. These lines form the sides, floor, and ceiling of your room.

4. Use horizontal and vertical lines to draw furniture or wall details — all parts that extend backward (like a table or window) should line up with the vanishing point.

5. Erase the unnecessary lines to reveal a realistic 3D interior space.

How to Draw in One-Point Perspective

3. House Exterior

Goal: To draw a building seen from the front, showing realistic depth.

Steps:

1. Draw the front wall of the house as a rectangle.

2. Add a horizon line behind it and place a vanishing point on that line.

3. From the corners of the front wall, draw guide lines to the vanishing point to form the sides of the house.

4. Add windows, doors, and roof — their sides should also follow the vanishing point.

5. Use vertical lines for edges and horizontal lines for parts parallel to the horizon.

6. Add details like pathways, fences, or trees for a more complete scene.

How to Draw in One-Point Perspective

4. Street View

Goal: To show depth in a city or neighborhood scene using a single vanishing point.

Steps:

1. Draw the horizon line and place your vanishing point in the center.

2. Draw a road by making two diagonal lines that meet at the vanishing point — this creates the illusion of distance.

3. On each side of the road, draw buildings starting with rectangles or squares.

4. From the tops and bottoms of the buildings, draw guidelines toward the vanishing point to make them recede realistically.

5. Add sidewalks, windows, cars, and streetlights, keeping all parts aligned with the vanishing point.

6. Erase extra lines and shade or color for realism.