Drawing Ellipses
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The document discusses the characteristics and drawing techniques of ellipses and ovals, emphasizing that ellipses are circles viewed in perspective with constantly curved perimeters. It explains the importance of understanding the minor and major axes of an ellipse, which are crucial for accurately representing objects in two dimensions. Additionally, tips are provided to avoid common mistakes when drawing ellipses, such as maintaining a curved outline and observing surrounding negative spaces.
Drawing Ellipses
- 1. FROM CIRCLE TO ELLIPSE Drawing ellipses in perspective Marsha Devine © 2009
- 2. Ovals & Ellipses Ovals Ellipses Ellipses have no straight sides. Their Ovals have straight sides and are made by connecting two circles. perimeters are constantly curved according to a mathematical formula. Ellipses are circles drawn in perspective. Think of a model rail road track with straight-aways or an oval above ground swimming pool.
- 3. What we know… Cups, plates, saucers, glasses, and many other forms are circles.
- 4. What we see … As we change our point of view, how we see the circle changes to ellipses of different widths. Here is a lamp shade viewed from above, on, and below the horizon line.
- 5. Ellipse Angles Tips: •Observe the shapes of the negative spaces surrounding the ellipses. This can help you with the correct curves and angles. •Avoid the tendency to make a straight line across the bottoms of vases, cups and glasses. •Keep the curve all the way around the ellipse, avoiding pointed ends. •Ellipses have no straight edges. Image copyright http://artintegrity.wordpress.com
- 6. Minor & Major axes An ellipse has two axes we need to know about, the minor axis and the major axis. The minor axis divides the ellipse into two equal halves across its narrow dimension. The major axis divides the ellipse across its long dimension into two equal halves. The minor and major axes cross each other at a 90 degree angle. 90 degree angle
- 7. Divide a receding plane Dividing a flat plane will give you equal sized sections. Use this method to place evenly spaced objects. Note how the ellipse recedes toward the vanishing point.