More On Perspective

I purchased a book today called "The Complete Guide To Perspective" by John Raynes. It's one of those things I've known about and used. Obviously it is important in computer graphics, so it's something I am well aware of. For my own education, I even made my own dog slow "3D" renderer using a 2D canvas. I implemented one-point and two-point projection. I think I did focal length, view frustrum and other things which 3D graphics libraries do for you. I went as far as doing model trees with homogeneous transformations. I even implemented culling for surface removal.

BUT, something just doesn't click. Part of drawing for me is to try and understand the science and magic behind creating a 3D illusion on something flat.

At home, with a sheet of glass, laser level (which can project lines), tripod, calculator, measuring tape... I experimented.

One thing I did: I put an eye-point on a door (oooh, need to erase that!) in the front entry way. I was able to project laser lines down the ceiling and floor lines. I know they are supposed to intersect at a single vanishing point. And they did! All the lines perpendicular to the door merged into that one point.

I can't explain how odd and amazing that was. Everything converged into that point across the room, down the hall and on the door. Nothing could escape being sucked into that vortex. My viewpoint.

It's kind of freaky. If you are in a boxy room, or connected bunch of boxy rooms... no matter... all the lines are collapsing. No wonder I like being outside!

Shoot, need to sleep, but I'm learning, even though I was working with perspective, I've pretty much been confused. And honestly, at this point, I don't know if I can do it. I'm horrible with directions. And I'm wondering if I'm incapable.

I could *not* get that shrimp boat. Well, hopefully this is the key. And hopefully, I can turn it.