Distant objects are not only diminished in size, but also lighter. Think of a far-off mountain range; it appears much paler than landscape features that are closer. It can help to think of distance as a series of planes, like a stage set: foreground, middle distance, then the far distance or backdrop. When sketching, highlight what’s closest to you in heavier lines or a stronger color, and let what’s in the distance be more subtle.
Another good exercise is to start with everything drawn in a single, fine line-weight, say a 0.1–0.2mm fineliner. You can then establish the perspective by highlighting the foreground elements in a heavier line-weight, or even three or four different line-weights. If a foreground is drawn well, the background can look after itself. I like to pick out urban clutter in the foreground—telephone poles, tramlines, lampposts, trash cans—not just because I find it fun to draw, but because it creates a sense of scale and immediacy.
Most importantly, sketch with confidence. Your viewpoint is likely to be unique to you. It’s highly unlikely someone will be in the same place, at the same time, as you, so who can judge if you’ve drawn it correctly or not? Just draw what you see, with some acknowledgment of what’s been described above and you’ll be fine!
JAMES RICHARDS
Beach at Sunset, Barcelona, Spain
Here’s a sketch that conveys a wonderful sense of distance and proximity. James Richards has developed a very recognizable style and is particularly adept at including lots of people in his sketches. The figure in the foreground immediately focuses our view. James then has fun with all his people on the beach; he’s almost pattern-making. There is an architectural backdrop to give some context, and to complete the sketch and give a real feeling of scale, there is the ship on the horizon. A vibrant “splashy” sky completes the convivial holiday atmosphere.
RICHARD ALOMAR
Chelsea, New York, USA
Look at this quick one-point perspective street view of New York, by the landscape architect Richard Alomar. The perspective has been established very quickly with just a few marks of the pen. Then almost frenzied scribbles give some sense of cars and people in the foreground, and also of distance. This confidently drawn sketch feels really dynamic, with just some quick splashes of color to help define the view, and a hand-drawn border that contains it beautifully.