Basic Perspective for Artists: "A Guide to the Creative Use of Perspective in Drawing, Painting and Design"

From the Renaissance to the beginning of the twentieth century, all classically trained artists were expected to possess a thorough knowledge of and fluency in the rules of perspective. In contrast, many modern art movements either disdained this knowledge or ignored it entirely. As a result, many of today's artists, illustrators, and designers missed (or avoided) learning about perspective, which restricts their scope of subject matter and prevents them from working in styles for which accurate perspective is necessary. In "Basic Perspective for Artists, " noted artist and author Keith West presents unusual and thought-provoking demonstrations and examples, enabling readers to embrace perspective as part of their basic skills while using its traditional techniques to nurture individual modes of expression.

Written for artists, illustrators,and designers at all levels of ability, Basic Perspective for Artists is directed toward those who have missed (or avoided) learning about perspective and now regret this gap in their artistic education. Keith West begins by outlining the basic principles of the subject in a chapter written primarily for the beginner. He then explores these principles through the use of careful explanatory diagrams and an extensive range of examples drawn from both life and the imagination. His concluding chapter on anatomy and proportion provides invaluable guidance for those who render the human figure. West has a clear, engaging way of presenting the material , and the illustrations are appealing and often humorous. -- Midwest Book Review