Historical One Point Perspective: Art Lesson Plan

Drawing three-dimensional objects and environments on a two-dimensional surface is more mathematical than students or young artists may imagine. Check out this grade 9-12 lesson plan to take the standard one point perspective drawing to a new and more three-dimensional level.

Historical One-Point Perspective Art Project

Famous one point perspective art pieces like “Bedroom in Arles” by Vincent van Gogh showcase the simple, yet precise method to representing a three-dimensional scene on a flat surface. Combining math skills and research on historical works of art, students will emulate an existing artwork using colored pencils and color mixing to achieve an eye-catching result.

Share with student the history of one-point perspective, namely that one point perspective works of art (specifically pieces that utilize color blending and mixing) only appeared during and after the 14th Century when linear perspective was created by the architect Fillipo Brunelleshi. His use of “vanishing points” caught on and made linear perspective a key part of the realism style that gave paintings and drawings by Leonardo, Michaelangelo, Raphael and Donatello their feeling of depth.

View the Lesson Plan: Historical One Point Perspective

Tips for Blending Colors Using Colored Pencils:

Students may not have much experience using colored pencils to blend and mix colors. Encourage them to step outside the “color inside the lines” mental framework to improve their understanding of how colors interact with each other.

Crayola’s Signature Blend and Shade Colored Pencils are part of what make this lesson plan come to vivid, blended, life.

Emulating famous art is a great way to give students the confidence to try new things and learn new methods — by engaging with art that was created using those skills and methods.