Odd Numbered Divisions

LESSON SIX

Creating Odd Numbered Divisions in Perspective

Let’s look at when you might need to divide your plane into an odd number of spaces as opposed to an even number. Note that we are focusing on the number of spaces and not the number of vertical lines. Here I am drawing our example from head on so you can see what we are trying to achieve when working in perspective. I’ve marked out our five divisions, and then I’m drawing in our vertical lines from the bottom of our plane to the top that are evenly spaced apart.

So when you are using an X to divide the horizontal and vertical centers of your plane, you are always going to be dividing your plane into an even number. While this can usually get the job done, you may find yourself needing a slightly different approach when trying to divide your plane into an odd number. Let’s say, for example, that we don’t want to divide our plane in half, but into thirds, or fifths. How would we accomplish this?

Well, lets look at the technique you can use. First, establish your plane like normal, extending it towards the right hand Vanishing Point. Next draw out a horizontal line in the foreground from the nearest corner of your plane, out to the right hand side. This represents the width of your plane. The exact length isn’t too important.

From here, we need to connect the right end of this line to the bottom right corner of our plane, to find a new point on the horizon line. This creates what is known as a Special Vanishing Point. A Special Vanishing Point is basically any Vanishing Point that you are using in addition to the traditional Vanishing Points we’ve been using in this class.

Now, along your horizontal line in the foreground, you need to divide it into five equal divisions, or however many you require. To do this very quickly, I just used the Linear Ruler in Clip Studio Paint. Once we have everything we need, connect the divisions to the Special Vanishing Point. This way our five divisions are evenly spaced in perspective.