Basic Measuring & Transfer of Scale

same-size rectangles measure RefP 1 pt persp

In this lesson, we learn how to transfer scale from one piece of paper lying on the ground to another piece using  1 pt perspective.  Then, use this piece of paper to measure and place 3 other pieces of paper correctly.

Paper number 1 is placed on the picture plane.

Paper 2 is placed in front of it.

Paper number 3 placed behind.

Place paper number  4 to the left side and behind number 2.

For our papers to appear correct in a 1 pt persp drawing, they must point towards the VP on the EL-VL of the drawing.  Set-up the picture plane with an EL-VL across the page and a single VP on it.  There is a piece of paper on the picture plane (rectangle).  Front and rear lines are horizontal.

There are 2 separate distances that need to be transferred to get our second piece of paper.  The "height" and "width" of paper number 1 must be transferred.  We imagine there are 2 sticks to measure from our piece of paper.  We have a brown  “height” stick and a green “width” stick.

We will place the 2nd piece of paper closer to us in our depth of field.  In order to transfer the size of it correctly we place a RefP on the EL-VL.  It has to be placed so that it intersects with both the item we measure from and the place where the new item is to be.  Measure from the RefP to the brown "stick" on paper number 1 and beyond, we will notice intersecting lines with our left side VP guideline showing the height of paper number 2 in front.  Front and back horizontal lines can be drawn in.

We measure from the VP through the green "stick" and extend the guide lines so we know the width of paper number 2 along with it’s height.

Paper number 3 can be placed behind paper number 1 using the same RefP (for height) and VP guidelines (for width).

Another same size piece of paper can be placed a little further back from paper number 2 and to the left, this will not be in line with the rest.  Don’t worry, it is still simple.  It is OK to use any randomly placed RefP on our EL-VL, as long as we place it where it can reach both objects we are measurable.

Use paper number 2 as a guide to measure from with the new RefP.

The height and width guidelines from the RefP and our VP complete it.

Note that if you want to move this object to the left or right you can rest assured that it will remain the same size.  As long as you do not change the  depth of field (horizontal position) on the picture plane, you will not mess up the size.

You will notice that the horizontal lines always remain just that, h o r i z o n t a l in 1 pt persp.  The sides of the paper will change in angle as you move the paper across the picture plane.  Use the VP to do the side angles with, but the horizontal and vertical lines in a 1 pt persp drawing will remain unchangingly horizontal.