5-1 ADVANCED PERSPECTIVE No.1
Roll-over perspective
 |
Here is a painting that utilizes a single
vanishing point without unduly discomforting the eye. I call this roll-over
perspective. My aim in this painting was to paint the total extent of the landscape
beyond what the camera or the eye would see, and without moving the eye's cone of vision.
As the landscape is essentially flat the illusion needed is one
that combines (in the perspective mode) a plan view with an elevation. Also to make the transition as seamless as possible! Secondly the perspective
scale must be such that the distance from tee to green should still appear
at least 400 yds.
Two essentials must be realised to understand how the illusion is
completed.
|
 |
First: the eye has a natural cone of vision wherein
it can focus. This is usually about 30 degrees. Beyond this cone focus is lost - even
though movement is discernable up to 160 degrees(wiggle your thumbs and
see when they disappear). To look at my painting you will note I trick or force
the eye to alter its cone of vision, when it really, is not necessary. It
does not have to refocus to see the entire painting, but I make it believe
it does. We are forced to look 'down' at the tee and 'up' at the green.The
eye will refuse to do otherwise.
Second: the perspective scale is distorted in that I create the impression
that the observer's distance from the tee is defined on one scale and that
the distance to the green is on another scale. I do this by placing 'known' objects at strategic
points. The tee, the bunker, the trees, the green and the flag are all
known objects and placed such as to make the ground appear almost flat. For those students who have already studied my perspective lessons they will know the principle - as congurent objects receed they will be reduced on a proportional scale. They will
realise it is this scale I have purposely distorted.
|
 |
My oil painting shown left is a more familiar example as it is arguably the most famous hole in golf. The tee is on a hill above the green and the length of hole is 155yds. It is a par 3. Again, under normal circumstances, it is impossible for the human eye to focus on both the green and the tee as it is for a camera to satisfactorily render such images.
This is still a most beutiful landscape ... even if it is a golf hole and mown grass is merely an earthbound oilslick. If you summise I refuse to mow the lawn and still play a little bad golf you might well be on the right track!
GO TO .... rivers, lakes and ponds
lesson menu |
|
|