Buildings in One Point Perspective for Comics {Part 1}

This video is part one of a two part series on drawing buildings in one point perspective. I wanted to focus on blocking in the buildings, using a perspective grid, and getting a solid framework for further detail and lighting. Part two will be coming up next week, and we'll add in line weight, detail, and most importantly, lighting and separating and layering shapes with shadow.

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[palmatrillomoisesalejandro]

It's incredible that this legendary comic book artist is teaching us his techniques, thank you

[ericknopf]

I LOVE how he said drawing and designing the environment is often times harder than drawing the figures. It is SO very true.
Your background/environment can make or break your character.

[DHRFIGHTERPODCAST]

Never did like drawing buildings or even mountains but I think by looking at this really puts a light bulb in my brain hopefully it works the next time I draw

[equesdeventusoccasus]

When I draw a cityscape, I like coming up with histories for the buildings. Make a faded painted-on-brick sign for a building, partially covered by a lit billboard, for instance.
Even if nobody else knows what I see for the history of the city in my mind, they have clues to inform them in making their own city history of the mind.

[RobertMarzullo]

Another valuable video Dave. Thanks so much. You're backgrounds always look so cool and lived in!

[rascalboyd]

After many decades of saying "I can't draw" I have started drawing three weeks ago. Thank you so much David, your videos are exceptional. I can’t afford art school or even a course so these are a godsend.

[reemara]

now, i walk in the street, or in some neighborhood, i try to find my horizon line, and the vanishing points of different things, and the fact that different things have different vanishing points (not only two), made it much easier and clearer for me to understand why is what.. thank you for all the invaluable knowledge you're sharing with us, this is so generous of you..

[KirkWarren]

I like to use light box and just keep perspective grids pre-made to use under paper. I then map out rough shapes like you did on that with pen for dark lines. Once I have basic shapes (cubes/rectangles), I then take the actual page I want to draw buildings on and put it over the rough shape paper on the light box and free hand in the pencil lines and buildings. This saves me time on the drawing of perspective grids. If you do it digital, it gets very easy too since you can just reshape the grid as you see fit and draw on layers. Ive also printed out grids to use as needed. The ink lines are all hard edged and ruled and easy to see with lightbox. I can then get more organic looking and natural lines with pencil and detail over them on the actual page. Its basically same thing you are doing, just with less time on the grids and not as much mess with the erasing. Works for me at least.

[damnationst]

from the bottom of my heart, thank you, i finally undestand the grid. You really are a good teacher, .

[rolsonDotcom]

It's amazing how cathartic and therapeutic drawing can be. Time seems to slow way down when I'm drawing.

[damjbar]

Yes!!! More perspective videos!! Most important thing for drawing!!

[russworks]

Thanks for putting in the time for us. As someone who's in the midst of trying to learn perspective, it's a bit of a blinding insight to me to be able to set things up so you can draw more naturally, rather than having to rule every edge and contour. Plus it looks like a lot more fun.

[dennishayes]

David, you have become one of my all-time favorite comic artists. Thanks for all you do.

[Sky_TEC_Illustraition_Systems]

"That point represents where you are looking into the image"

-Finch is legendary.

[jayson]

Your videos have really helped me with perspective, I'm not great yet but I understand it. That's better than where I was before. I actually considered not drawing backgrounds but what you said about how backgrounds in e.g Batman comics can catapult you into that world with the way it captures your attention. That touched me and i would like to make backgrounds like that, rich backgrounds with history.

[sjsjsjebnee]

for me it is helpful since i kinda draw only superheroes and villians! its nice to see that comic artists are still trying to help people so their drawing get better.

[xCiscoGx]

gotta love seeing the final result. How it all is completely covered by all your plugs and stuff. really like how those two recommended videos cover that super detailed building in the foreground. great job!

[workoutb]

Yesterday I was searching a lot for perspective videos and couldnt find a good one. Now this video shows up.

[oldhorseshoe]

I really like your style, Mr. Finch. Your drawings are so clean and detailed. Additionally, the insight on the videos is top notch. Thank you.

[drpizart]

I love this man and his art. He's taught me so much in my art journey