Creating Depth in a Street View Drawing Using One-Point Perspective

Objective:
Students will create a chalk pastel drawing of a street scene using one-point perspective. This assignment focuses on building depth through perspective, layering, and shading multiple buildings and objects to create a realistic urban environment.

Warm Up:

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

2. Sketch three simple boxes using one-point perspective.

3. Practice shading the boxes with chalk pastel, blending to create light and dark values.
   
   

Key Vocabulary:
● Perspective: A drawing method to show depth and spatial relationships.
● Horizon Line: A horizontal line that represents the viewer’s eye level.
● Vanishing Point: A point on the horizon line where parallel lines meet.
● Blending: A technique used to softly mix and transition between colors or values.
● Street View: A scene viewed from a fixed point along a road, often showing buildings and sidewalks.

Assignment Overview:
Main Concept: Depth & One-Point Perspective/Multi Object
Technique: Blending/Shading
Medium: Chalk Pastel
Subject: Street View
Time Permitted: One Week

To complete this assignment, use the provided images and tutorials on our class site: www.artschoool.ca along with the student’s workbook: The Artist’s Compass: Heart, Mind, Eyes, & Hands

Historical Link:
Look at the work of Gustave Caillebotte, particularly the painting “Paris Street; Rainy Day,” which uses perspective to show urban life and depth.
See Examples

Cultural Link:
Explore traditional European town squares, which are often drawn using perspective to emphasize depth and architectural form.
See Examples

Steps to Complete the Assignment:

1. Lightly draw a horizon line across your page and place one vanishing point at the center.

2. Draw a street that leads to the vanishing point using perspective lines.

3. Sketch the sides of buildings along the street using rectangles that follow the vanishing point.

4. Add windows, doors, and street elements like trees, signs, or benches, using perspective rules.

5. Begin coloring with chalk pastel, selecting a light source and blending colors to show highlights and shadows.

6. Add shading to the buildings and objects using dark tones to enhance dimension.

7. Use a paper towel or fingers to softly blend chalk across surfaces for smooth transitions.
   Review your work for neatness, detail, and proper use of perspective before finalizing.
   
   

Questions:

1. How did one-point perspective help you create depth in your drawing?

2. What challenges did you face while placing objects in correct alignment?

3. How did blending with chalk pastel enhance your drawing?
   
   

Writing Prompt:
Describe how you created depth in your street view drawing. What did you learn about using perspective and pastel techniques? What worked well for you, and what would you change next time?

Assessment
● Composition, Design, & Layout: 35%
● Art Skills & Techniques: 35%
● Creativity & Originality: 20%
● Presentation, Neatness & Time Management: 10%

Standards Covered:
● California Art Standards: Students create artworks that show depth and space using linear perspective.
● California ELD Standards: Students explain their creative decisions using art vocabulary and participate in collaborative discussions.