Introduction
Foreshortening is a powerful concept in drawing, with the potential to make any drawing appear three-dimensional. If you’ve ever struggled to get your drawing to look 3D, you’ve leaned into the power of foreshortening! It’s daunting, but with practice and patience, the skill of drawing foreshortening can be yours. In this article, we’ll explore what foreshortening is, when to use it, and how to apply it in your drawings.
Why You Should Use Foreshortening
Foreshortening is a way of drawing objects or figures so we can see the full form from one viewpoint. It lets you create the illusion of three-dimensional form in your drawing by representing the form in an exaggerated way; the further away, the smaller it appears.
Using foreshortening gives your artwork an array of advantages, such as timeless looks, the ability to alter perspectives and the look of the drawing in a realistic way and appear alive. As an illustrator, you’ll know the artistic importance of foreshortening, with the ability to draw a character in different perspectives and create the illusion of depth.
How to Draw Foreshortening in Different Perspectives
Drawing foreshortening requires understanding how our eyes naturally view objects in space. When we look at something head-on, our eyes will see a different perspective than if we look at it from an aerial view. In order to accurately draw foreshortening, you must understand which perspective the object is being viewed from.
To draw foreshortening in different perspectives, start by sketching a basic form and then applying the concept of foreshortening in each direction from that reference point. For example, if we’re drawing a character from a side view, draw a basic figure first and then start foreshortening it by making the far end of the figure appear smaller, reflecting the proportions of the perspective.
Figuring Out Angles for Foreshortening
The angle of the figure you’re drawing is essential in foreshortening. It’s the angle where the viewer will be looking at the figure from. You’ll need to consider what the angle of the figure will be to create the feeling of depth and depth perception.
One way to get an idea of angles is to use a reference of a figure in the same position, if you can find one. Or, if you’re drawing an individual part of a figure, such as an arm, focus on the angle of the arm when in that perspective.
You can also try to draw the same figure with slightly different angles, as if you’re changing the position of the figure slightly. This will give you an idea of the effect of changing the angle and how it impacts the final image.
Foreshortening Object in Different Orientations
The same principles of foreshortening can be applied when drawing an object in a different orientation. No matter what you’re drawing, the same principles of foreshortening still apply.
As an example, if you’re drawing a cube from a top-down view, draw the shape of the cube first and then start applying the principles of foreshortening by shrinking the further away sides of the cube. This will give it a three-dimensional look.
Foreshortening objects in different orientations also requires you to consider the angle of the object. Just like when considering a figure, the angle of the object will affect the final look of the drawing and will also affect how much depth and depth perception it gives.
Adding Finishing Touches
Now that you’ve drawn the object in foreshortening, you can add the finishing touches to bring it to life. This can include adding details, texture, and other elements of your drawing. This is where you can really make your drawing come alive and show off your skill in foreshortening.
Try to play around with the details of your drawing, but also keep in mind the principles of foreshortening. You should be applying foreshortening to the details of your drawing too, such as the size of the clothing wrinkles or the leaves on a tree. Doing this will add a realistic 3D touch to your final artwork.
Foreshortening in Shapes
Foreshortening isn’t just limited to objects and figures; it can also be applied to shapes and patterns too. To draw foreshortening in shapes, start by drawing the basic shape first and then apply the principles of foreshortening by shrinking the further away sides of the shapes.
This will give the shape a three-dimensional look, creating an illusion of depth in your artwork. It can be used to create interesting designs and complex shapes. If you’re creating a pattern, you can incorporate foreshortening in different directions and shapes, making the pattern appear more realistic and three-dimensional.
How to Apply Foreshortening in Color
There’s also a way to apply foreshortening when coloring an object. Just like with shapes, you can apply foreshortening to the areas that are further away. This means that if you’re applying a single color to the area, the further away areas will be darker and the areas closest to the viewer will be lighter.
This is a great technique to use if you’re coloring in artwork and want an extra level of depth and realism to it. You can also experiment with different color palettes and hues, which will give your artwork a unique texture.
Conclusion
As you can see, mastering the concept of foreshortening and how to apply it isn’t easy but it’s doable with some time and patience. After applying the concepts of foreshortening, you’ll be able to make 2D drawings look 3D and create the illusion of depth and perspective in your artwork.
