We've put together an inspiring collection of paintings using two-point perspective to get your creativity going! You may be wondering: what is two point perspective? Basically, it’s a technique used to make your drawings and paintings appear 3D, despite being on a flat surface.
To do this, you need two vanishing points, which are spots where items and details seem to disappear, closer to the horizon. For two-point perspective, imaginary straight lines extend from these points, crossing over each other to create right angles which are the points of convergence. This may be two roads meeting, the corner of a building, or else some shape that draws your eye to the point where the two lines meet at a right angle. When drawing structures such as buildings with this perspective, the edges of the buildings follow the imaginary lines of perspective, helping to keep your work looking 3D!
Let’s have a look at these two-point perspective examples to see how the illusion is made with the humble right angle and a creative eye!
1. Style
Image: @bleps_arts
Two-point perspective doesn’t have to be hyper-realistic. @Bleps_arts on Instagram shows us that you can stylise the technique, adding fun elements such as graffiti, pulsing light, and even a subject into your two-point work. We love how the sidewalk wraps around the corner!
2. Cube
Image: @jemimachristyart
You can keep your two points of perspective centered, with the right angle in the middle for a more symmetrical look. Look how even the reflection of the Rubik’s cube follows the two lines of perspective – such an awesome way to drive the 3D feel home!
3. Interiors
Image: @ha.te.ei.oska.eesti.keelt
Two-point perspective interior artworks are a popular way to explore the technique. The right angle where the lines meet appears to face away from the viewer, rather than towards. It feels like the point of convergence (in this case the corner of the room) is further away, with the lines of perspective extending behind the viewer, rather than in front of them. For example, the Rubik’s cube’s sides extend away from you when you look at it, whereas the walls of this room extend towards you. So many ways to play with perspective!
4. Details
Image: @jennifercourt_art
This detailed pen artwork also demonstrates interior two-point perspective. The perspective lines of the two-seater, the rug, and the tables follow the lines of the room, converging in the back corner of the library setting. The level of detail is astounding, and the room has a very 3D feel to it. Whether you have a number of objects to draw with two points of perspective, or just the one, the result is dimension! This work was created for a Victorian card game set in collaboration with @theadamwheat.
5. Light
Image: @drawwithmau
Playing with light direction, tones, and colour in your two-point perspective piece can create dynamic artwork. You can feel what time of day it is in this piece by the warm tones bathing the building and surrounds. Notice how the sunlight entwines with the two points of perspective, creating shadows and texture under the roof and across the building that match the direction of the building and its features. Playing with light and perspective can be a great thing to give a go!
6. Sightseeing
Image: @chrissiguarnieriart
Capturing a time or place with art is a really special thing, sealing memories! When you’re next visiting a city, theatre, museum, workplace, or school, think about how you might capture the buildings and recreate the 3D setting on your page. How does where you’re standing effect the lines of perspective? Chicago Theatre is beaming off the page; how will you tackle two-point perspective buildings for your next project?
7. Map it out
Image: @d.issa.c
A fun way to learn how two-point perspective works is to map it out. This artist has mapped out their lines of perspective to show how they originate at two points on her page. Not only does this create an awesome abstract artwork, but it helps you practice and feel comfortable working with two points of perspective.
8. Mixing styles
Image: @kyorichive
You don’t have to pick between hyper-realism and stylised designs, why not give a mix of both a go? This sketch shows off a fun blend of realism and stylisation, having reflective sparkles drawn on the windows and minimal texture detailing, while at the same time capturing realistic architecture. As you experiment with perspective drawing, try out different styles to see which one speaks to you!
9. Home
Image: @thehanpandle_
Another great source of inspiration for your next project could be closer than you think – your house! Capturing your home in two-point perspective could be a great place to begin with the technique; you’re likely very familiar with the building, the angles, and the surroundings, so you should have a strong starting point. You might see your house differently next time you’re out front!
10. Foreground
Image: @drychau
Why not get playful with your perspective and pop a subject in the foreground… like a couple of hungry pigeons! This fun piece, ‘POV: You’re a french fry in a large city’ shows it’s great to play with humour and interest when creating. So why not add another layer to your artwork by moving the buildings or two-point perspective background behind the focus point?
11. Process
Image: @johncoyne_h20color
Sketching out an idea is an awesome step in the creative process. Showing the movement and vision of your creation as it was made can be a beautiful thing to keep in the final product. See how in this piece, you can still see sketched lines of perspective, layers of pencil and marker, and the initial concept. Including these details and letting them shine through brings life and colour to the work, highlighting the artistic process, rather than covering it.
12. Originality
Image: @artenshi_
Keep in mind, you don’t have to necessarily follow a reference picture or draw something from real life. You can get creative and draw from your imagination and memories to create something totally unique! This piece features the artist’s original characters, allowing us to see their style and aesthetic clearly. It can also be great to mix imagination with realism, using a reference picture as the foundation of your structure and detailing with original ideas!
13. Corner focus
Image: @romanmoreno.arts
Why not draw attention to the technique in a noticeable way by really emphasizing the place where your lines of perspective meet? This artwork brings the corner forward, with the vanishing points towards the edge of the frame.
Fingers crossed this collection of two-point perspective art has inspired you to explore the technique yourself! 😊 We hope you get creative and have a go experimenting with all sorts of styles, colours, and subject matter.
If you feel inspired to try it out for yourself, #montmarteart or tag us @montmarteart on Instagram or Facebook. We’d love to see what you create!
Looking for supplies? Our sketching sets, watercolour paints, and pads & paper will kick start your creative journey. You’ll find more ideas across our inspiration blogs, and some tutorials in our projects & how-to collection. Maybe check out our how-to blog on drawing one-point perspective if you liked this one!
