One Point Perspective: Drawing A Perfect Cube

Step One
Figure 12
We are about to embark on
constructing a true cube in in 1PP
space. Why a cube? Well, the
important thing to remember here is
“everything fits in a box.” No matter
what you see, if you can imaging it
in a box you can draw the object(s)
in space in any angle. But, we’ll
expand on that later.
For now, start with the basics. The
HL comes first, followed by the SP.
The rest follows, I have found the
MP already, using the method we
discussed in the “Basics Handout”.
Note that our single vanishing point
is centered in the Picture Plane.
Fig 12

Step Two
Figure 13
Just as a journey of a thousand
miles begins with a first step, we
have to put in a first line. This line
will end up being the front edge of
our square which we will use to
construct the cube. Note that it is
parallel to the HL. 1PP signifies
that one plane of whatever object
we are looking at is parallel to us. If
it is even slightly at an angle to our
view, it will need to be drawn in
what is called; Two Point
Perspective. But hold on for a
while, we will get to that later as
well. For now we 1PP cubes to
construct.
Fig 13

Step Three
Figure 14
Next, Draw in some convergence
lines radiating from the VP to the
edges of our first line as shown.
These and any lines which you will
end up erasing will be called con-
struction lines as their only purpose
is to assist in the construction of
your actual drawing. When
utilizing lines such as these, draw
them lightly so they are easier to
discard and do not confuse you
later.

Fig 14
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Step Four
Figure 15
Using the Median Point as shown,
draw a line down to the intersection
of the first line drawn and the con-
vergence line. If you are unclear
where the MP came from refer to
the Perspective Basics Vocabulary
handout. I have found the MP to
the right of the CVA but either side,
left or right, will give you the same
angle if measured properly. As you
may remember, the point at which
the Median Line crosses the other
convergence line is the back corner
of the square.

Fig 15

Step Five
Figure 16
Draw in the back edge and Whappo!
you have constructed a perfect
square in space. Keep in mind that
all lines other than your conver-
gence lines will be either parallel to
the HL or the CVA.

Okay, good, you have a

Step Six
Figure 17
...But (heh) we are getting ahead of
ourselves. For now just know that
the great thing about squares and
cubes is all of the edges and sides
are equal length. If you know how
long the edge of the square is, you
can simply take that measurement
and turn it it vertically as shown.
You now have the height of your
cube.

Fig 17

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Step Seven
Figure 18
Do the same with the right side, just
be sure to keep all of your verticle
lines parallel to the CVA, otherwise
the cubes you draw will appear
distorted.

Fig 18

Step Eight
Figure 19
Connect the two verticle lines with a
horizontal line. We now have the
front plane of the cube. For
accuracy you can measure the
bottom edge again. You will start to
see where we are going now, but
stay with me until we finish the
cube.

Fig 19

Step Nine
Figure 20
Draw two more convergence lines
to help construct the cube’s top
plane.

Fig 20

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Step Ten
Figure 21
Draw the back edge of he top plane
and complete the cube by drawing
in the farthest verticle plane or the
back of the cube. Aaaaaaand
Whappo! you have yourself a perfect
cube.
Refer back to your Measuring Point
to ensure you have drawn the cube
accurately.

Fig 21

Wow! Wasn’t that easy? Don’t you wish tax forms were like that? Now, I’m sure you’ll want to draw One
Point Perspective cubes for the rest of the day. Knock yourself out, try different sizes and placements but
always check your cubes back to the MP. Notice that the big cube on the right looks very weird. Why is that
happening and how can you avoid it? Refer to the Perspective Basics Vocabulary handout if need be.

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