Linear Perspective definition

Linear Perspective relates to the mathematical system of creating objects that are created three-dimensionally on a two-dimensional surface.  It is called “linear” perspective because objects and figures and space are re-created in a realistic manner through the use of intersecting lines drawn horizontally and vertically. There are three types of linear perspective.  They include one point perspective, two-point perspective, and three-point perspective.  All of the perspectives include a horizon line and a stationary point (the position of the observer).  In one point perspective, there is one point that all lines radiate from.  In two-point perspective, there exist two points from which an object’s lines radiate from; the sides of the object vanish to one of two vanishing points on the horizon line. An object’s vertical lines do not relate to the perspective rules of the horizontal lines.  By changing the vanishing points of the object, one can make increase or decrease the size of the object.  In three-point perspective there are also two vanishing points somewhere on the horizon; however, unlike two-point perspective, there also exists a vanishing point above or below the horizon line that the vertical lines disappear to.