From the publisher:

Distinguished art educator and publisher shows importance of classic perspective rules - and when to violate them. Picture plane, foreshortening and convergence, other topics. Analysis of works by leading artists and illustrators. 349 illustrations.

In this thought-provoking practical guide, a noted artist and educator demonstrates that learning to violate the rules of perspective (profitably) is as important for the practicing artist as learning the principles of perspective themselves. Only in this way can students free themselves from the constraints of tradition and find their own imaginative paths. However, it is vital that students first have a solid grasp of classical perspective before they can think about adapting it creatively.

In presenting the principles of perspective drawing, Mr. Watson devotes a chapter each to step-by-step discussions of such topics as the picture plane, foreshortening and convergence, the circle, the cone, three-point perspective, universal perspective, figures in perspective, and much more. To illustrate his points he offers expert analysis of the works of such leading illustrators as John Atherton, V. Bobri, R. M. Chapin, Jr., Albert Dorne, Robert Fawcett, Constantin Guys, W. N. Hudson, Carl Roberts, Ben Stahl, and Aldren A. Watson, as well as drawings by Pieter de Hooch and Paul Cézanne. The result is a ground-breaking study that artists, illustrators, and draftsmen will find invaluable in learning to create works with convincing perspective.

Ernest W. Watson taught at Pratt Institute for over 20 years, co-founded and served as editor-in-chief of the magazine American Artist, and co-founded the prestigious art publishing house of Watson-Guptill.

INTRODUCTION

i. MATERIALS AND PROCEDURES

ii. THE STRUCTURAL APPROACH

iii. THE SQUARE AS A UNIT OF MEASURE

iv. THE PICTURE PLANE

v. THE CUBE

vi. FORESHORTENING AND CONVERGENCE

vii. THE CIRCLE

viii. THE CONE

ix. THE HOUSE OF SEVEN VANISHING POINTS

x. FLOOR TILES

xi. UP STAIRS AND DOWN

xii. UP HILL AND DOWN

xiii. THREE-POINT PERSPECTIVE

xiv. REFLECTIONS

xv. SHADOWS

xvi. FURNITURE

xvii. UNIVERSAL PERSPECTIVE

xviii. FIGURES IN PERSPECTIVE

xix. PROBLEM OF THE BRIDGE TRUSS

INDEX