Looking for good book for learning descriptive geometry

[fritzthefox]

I'm looking for a good book for learning descriptive geometry. I'm not a student of technical drawing, and thus my background in perspective is simply the very basic one most illustrators receive. I can't make head or tail of many of the textbooks I've seen on the subject, and most of them seem to be written for engineers, not artists.

I picked up one good book on the topic, by Wade Meyers, about using descriptive geometry in aviation illustration (which is how I intend to use it), but after reading it, I came to the conclusion that my understanding of perspective may be lacking, since I found it incomprehensible in many ways. The author's knowledge seemed advanced enough that I had difficulty keeping up with him.

So, anyway, I guess I'm looking for a book that will provide me with that "Aha!" moment I am still seeking. Anybody?

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I'm looking for a good book for learning descriptive geometry. I'm not a student of technical drawing, and thus my background in perspective is simply the very basic one most illustrators receive. I can't make head or tail of many of the textbooks I've seen on the subject, and most of them seem to be written for engineers, not artists.

I picked up one good book on the topic, by Wade Meyers, about using descriptive geometry in aviation illustration (which is how I intend to use it), but after reading it, I came to the conclusion that my understanding of perspective may be lacking, since I found it incomprehensible in many ways.

There is not a whole lot to say about descriptive geometry for artists. It is basically reducing arbitrary objects to simple geometrical shapes, and books on perspective usually cover this. If you are not comfortable with basic perspective, then start with that.

There is a lot more to be said from an engineering point of view, but unless you're interested in technical/scientific illustration, you will not need it. Even if you are, start with basic things, like cups and saucers. That is where artists start, and that is where engineers start.

[fritzthefox]

Thanks, but that did not answer my question. I'm looking for a book.

I'm quite comfortable with basic perspective. What I am am not comfortable with is rendering accurate images of aircraft in perspective based on scale 3-view drawings, which is what a solid understanding of descriptive geometry would allow me to do. This is a common problem in perspective for aviation artists, since it is not always convenient or even possible to find a reference photo of the aircraft you would like to depict at the appropriate angle. I believe that puts me squarely in technical drawing territory...but I would like it explained to me by someone who can keep the conversation on the right side of the brain. I suspect there are some decent books for draftsmen or architecture students that might be applicable here, but I'm having trouble find one. Anybody have any good book recommendations?

[zx52hg]

I'm only a beginner, but the simplest way I know of using plan views for perspective drawing is this. His website also has lots of other technical drawing tutorials on it. Successful Drawing by Andrew Loomis covers some perspective stuff using plan views, and I have a book called Technical Illustration, which is out of print now but can probably still be had off Amazon, that gives a basic over view of technical illustration.

There's also a pretty good ebook called The Complete Technical Illustrator by Greg Maxson that you can google for if you're really into the subject.

I'm vaguely familiar with the technique the book by Wade Meyers is on, and I found it a bit complicated and awkward too. The key difference with that, I believe, is that you can get a much more dynamic angle on the aircraft, and if my memory is correct, it doesn't rely on vanishing points that would be meters away from your drawing surface.

This is an old photo of how I use plans. Don't rely on the three views alone. Some of them have a few discrepancies about them and it's really easy to misinterprete them and make mistakes if you're lacking good photoreference. If needs be, build a model kit.

Hope some of my post is of use to you.

[JeffX99]

This stuff is all handled in 3D modeling and CAD programs now so is not being taught using t-squares and triangles. Go to a good used book store (or a few) and find some old college or even HS textbooks on drafting/mechanical drawing. They cover this topic well.

The other solution is like ZX said, build a model of the aircraft. Or learn some 3D modeling software such as 3D Studio Max.

[fritzthefox]

Thanks, guys!

I think 3D software offers a useful alternative solution, but only if I am willing to invest the amount of time required. From what little I've seen, I'm a little skeptical that even 3D pros can build a decent model in the amount of time it would take to sketch in perspective. But I really have no idea...my experience with 3D is sorely lacking. Can anyone comment on that? How time consuming is it to build a reasonably accurate aircraft model (sans textures) using modeling software?

[Qitsune]

Not nearly as long as it is to draft it in perspective. There is a reason why people do that now. Also, if you make it in 3d, you can tweak the angle you see it in without having to redraw everything.

[stabby2486]

From what little I've seen, I'm a little skeptical that even 3D pros can build a decent model in the amount of time it would take to sketch in perspective.

Draw out a cube in perfect perspective, then go into 3ds max and pull out a cube. It's loads faster.

[[email protected]]

Draw out a cube in perfect perspective, then go into 3ds max and pull out a cube. It's loads faster.

Timing aside, I believe you should have the skills to do both, so I suggest you take this advice literally...

[Qitsune]

Draw out a cube in perfect perspective, then go into 3ds max and pull out a cube. It's loads faster.

That's cheating, because 3d max makes cubes by default so there's nothing to do. The difference wouldn't be as big between making a model of a car and drawing a car. Still, for technical drawing, no one does it by hand anymore for a reason.

Timing aside, I believe you should have the skills to do both, so I suggest you take this advice literally...

While perspective is important, plenty of illustrators can't use do 3d, because they don't need to.

[JeffX99]

Like many things it depends on what your end goals are and how much precision you need. It takes anyone a good deal of time, effort and investment to become a really high level modeler, especially if you are trying to model realistically and accurately to existing or historical aircraft.

That said, once you have the model, you're golden. In other words you could do one precise sketch...and have one precise sketch. Or you could do one fairly accurate model and have every angle and sketch you would need.

An option I would suggest would be to get good enough with something like Max to be able to manipulate and render 3D models that you can purchase inexpensively. I'm willing to bet that most aircraft, including exotic unusual and rare types have been modeled and can be found for sale.