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Boxes are the basis of complex perspective. Control three dimensions and you control depth on paper. We can see complex objects as a series of cylinders. Cylinders have complex curves that we best understand by reducing them to boxes and straight lines.

The Simplest 3D Form

Let us see how simply we can simplify form. A shoebox is proportionally complicated with different heights, widths, and depths. A sphere has a single curved plane. Curves are complex. Triangles are difficult to draw in perspective.

The most conveniently simple three-dimensional form is the cube. Boxes are made of right angles. Every line is at a right angle to each other line that it touches. The cube is even simpler because it is square all around. Every plane is a one-by-one square.

The Challenge of the Cube

Simple does not mean easy. Each plane is exactly the same size and shape. This is a hard criteria to meet. Squares tipped into space do not appear square due to foreshortening.

Mastering foreshortened squares gives you control over proportions in space. They solve the problem of field of vision. They help establish how dramatic you want depth to look. Constructing the most basic form in the world, the sphere, comes clearly by seeing the cube as its parent.

Methods for Drawing Cubes

Here is how to master the cube. Study it. Draw from it over and over. Imprint it into your brain.

Shapes First

Rough in planes lightly and loosely. Compare the shapes and eyeball the angles. Do not fuss over one plane so long that you forget it is only one part of the cube. See the whole cube as a thing. Let the line directions come from that view of the whole cube. This improves your perception of how squares turn into new shapes.

Get in the habit of fearlessly and freely beginning a sketch. Gradually hone your precision. This avoids a self-conscious and stifling approach. Judge your drawing lightly instead of harshly. See this as a process rather than a product. Delaying your commitments by gently seeking line directions trains you to see the correct lines in advance.

Line Systems

Start with the X, Y, and Z axes. Put down the three crucial lines that give you a front corner. That helps you find other corners at varying angles. Right angles now become acute or obtuse angles. This method relies on your knowledge of where lines go in space.

Construct Within a Circle

Cubes do not stray far from the ratio of circles. Start with a circular blob. Find your axes and seek convergence.

Receding Convergence

Boxes have parallel lines. When parallel lines go away from our face, they converge at a vanishing point. This is receding convergence. Lines aim away to unite like they should.

One of the most common errors in freehand perspective is drawing lines that do not look like they go away. We call this receding divergence. Lines spread apart instead of coming together. This is bad. It takes conscious attention to fix this until it becomes a habit.

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