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Here's how to draw a box using simple two-point perspective. If you haven't tried it before it might look complicated, so just draw one step at a time.

First, draw your horizon line across the top of the page. Mark two vanishing points, as far apart as possible.

Draw a short vertical line for the front corner of your box (the black line in the picture) and then draw a construction line ('orthogonal') from the top and bottom of the line, to each vanishing point (the dark blue lines).

Next draw a vertical line to the left of your 'front corner', between the top and bottom construction lines (the magenta line). From the top and bottom points of this line, draw construction lines back to the RIGHT vanishing point (VP2). Next, draw a similar vertical line to the right of your 'front corner', and from the top and bottom points of this line, draw construction lines back to the LEFT vanishing point (VP1).

Where the top construction lines intersect, drop a vertical line to the intersection of the bottom construction lines - this will give you the back corner of the box (the green line).

Erase the construction lines and any interior lines (unless it's a fishtank!)

Try this exercise using a horizon line at different heights, and placing the box in different places in relation to the vanishing points. Note that 'realistic' perspective requires vanishing points that are very far apart - try using a large piece of scrap paper under your drawing paper, and making your vanishing points as far apart as the table (and your ruler) will allow.

Try this great Java Appletwhich allows you to move the vanishing points and points on the box an observe the effect on perspective. (May take a little while to load.)

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