Perspective Art Lesson – How To Draw People In Perspective

So in this lesson, we are going to learn how to place objects in space in a way that make them appear perspectively correct.

For example, if you wanted to draw a group of people in perspective, but you just randomly place the figures onto the paper, without any regard to how their size or positioning is affected by perspective, then your drawing just won’t look right.

So let’s go over the right way to place objects or people in space.

[Please refer to the video for details on how this technique works]

Remember, this technique will work to draw any group of things – people, houses, trees, you name it.

If you would like to learn more about perspective drawing, I highly recommend you check out my course, “Perspective Made Simple”

“Perspective Made Simple” is a video home study course that consist of over 26 step-by-step lessons. Each lessons cover a different perspective concept, technique, or exercise. They are very beginner friendly and easy to understand.

Also, please feel free to share this tutorial with all your friends using the social sharing buttons on this page.

9 Comments

Carla on September 6, 2016 at 2:58 pm

I have been trying to see where to sign up for your newsletter, but I can’t find it on your website. Would you tell me where it is located? Thanks.

Ethan Nguyen on September 23, 2016 at 11:37 pm
Hi Carla,
There’s a opt in box to the right side (near the top) of every webpage where you’ll be able to sign up for it. I hope that helps!
Reply

John harte on March 31, 2016 at 10:08 am

Hi ethan, I do like your perspective tutorials, but i am confused as u do not mention the ground line to me this is of the utmost importance, as u really need to know where the object is grounded, to me it is as on the same level as my feet,maybe an arms lenght from my eyes and 1.8 m down if i am in a standing position or half that in a seated position.most tutorials talk about the picture plane, but if you are doing a portrait of the head and shoulders where is the ground line in that case, i am totally confused. please help

Jim Higgins on November 17, 2021 at 5:58 pm
I agree with John. The drawings here make it looks like we’re looking straight on at all the figures. It ignores or skips over the fact that the POV we’d be seeing the figures in the forground from would be looking down more than the ones that are farther away. This is a common perspective mistake that many people make when they’re first starting out. I think it’s essential to address that issue along with the ones in the video.
Reply

Akinbinu Festus on October 15, 2014 at 11:37 pm

Thanks so much for this tutorial

Jacquelyn on September 23, 2014 at 8:48 am

Ethan, thank you for your tutorials. It’s a pleasure to watch your clearly explained lessons. Much appreciated.

whale on November 25, 2013 at 10:25 pm

Hi Ethan:

I’m really enjoying your courses and I will be taking your perspective course as well… You explain so well (or at least I get it when you explain it)!

I hope you’ll consider putting something together in the future for Shading. Is that a possibility on the horizon? I’d be the first to purchase your course!

Sincerely,

whale