Simon Bezirganian

Psych 100

Blog Post 2

March 14, 2014

Linear Perspective

            Linear perspective is when lines (usually parallel or near parallel) appear to be converging with distance. Linear perspective is similar and related to the concept of relative size, which states that since objects appear to be smaller when farther away, objects we know to be large can be perceived as small when at distance, and vice versa. After having said that, it is now apparent that this is also strongly related to motion parallax, which is simply (or maybe not so simply), the application of linear perspective and relative size. Now relating an experience of mine to linear perspective; my experience was that in high school I took several drawing and design classes, and we drew in perspective constantly, so my experience is pretty literal.

Linear perspective is created (in drawings, at least) by drawing lines that converge to a vantage point(s). One-point, two point and three point perspectives can all be fairly easily drawn; one-point perspective is when all of the lines drawn in perspective converge to a single vantage point, almost always on the paper. A good example of this is train tracks running ahead in view, seeming to “disappear” into the paper, thus creating depth. Two-point perspective is when two vantage points are used. These points are usual to the right and left of the paper, and all horizontal lines converge to these points, while vertical lines are still vertical and don’t converge to anything. Three-point perspective is when all lines drawn converge to one of three vantage points, all of which are off the paper. Horizontal lines converge to one on either side of the paper, and the third point is usually below the paper, and all vertical lines converge to that point.  When the third point is below the paper, the viewer appears to be floating and looking down at the drawing. When the third point is above the paper, the viewer appears to be on the ground looking up at all the objects (since it converges above the paper.)

Drawing in three-point perspective is the most realistic and accurate, since it appears to give height, width and depth. Two-point only gives width and depth, and one-point only gives depth.  Humans always perceive in three-point perspective, often without even realizing it.

Linear perspective is what the eye and brain use to make sense of distances of objects near and far. Without it, the world as we know it would be unfathomable.