Perspective Mastery: Must-Read Books Uncovering Artistic Depth

To improve your art skills, you’ll need to master perspective. It’s an art fundamental that everyone has to learn to advance and become a talented artist.

If you get the perspective wrong, your whole sketch or realistic painting will not meet your expectations.

Whether you’re drawing a building, landscape, animal, or person doesn’t matter. Your lines will be off, and your image will look skewed – like something isn’t quite right.

Perspective is about how we can recreate the page’s space, depth, and 3D objects. You can create realistic artwork and develop your skills when you understand perspective.

And like lighting, anatomy, forms, and composition, it’s an important fundamental art. That’s why it’s essential to master perspective.

So, understanding is necessary to have a strong art foundation. But getting the hang of perspective can be a tricky task. It takes practice and will come with time. 

If you want to get a headstart on perspective, there are some great books out there. 

I always rely on books because you can return to them repeatedly. They are a treasure trove of information, and you can work through or dip in and out. 

Perspective drawing books

The Best Perspective Drawing Books

Here are my recommendations for perspective drawing books for artists and students! 

Perspective Made Easy by Ernest R. Norling

Perspective drawing book - Perspective Made Easy by Ernest R. Norling

(Image credit: Dover Publications Inc.)

If you’re looking for an introduction to perspective, you can’t do better than Perspective Made Easy. Norling boils down the art of perspective into simple, clear rules to follow.

This book is designed to be accessible and affordable. Anyone can pick it up and start learning how to master perspective.

You’ll learn all about the vanishing point, horizon, and how to create shadows. 

250 line drawings and simple descriptions explain the different concepts. The combination of theory and exercises creates a solid foundation.

Plus, Perspective Made Easy has stood the test of time. While it was first published in 1999, it’s still relevant today. 

This perspective drawing book deserves a place on every artist’s bookshelf. It’s the perfect beginner’s manual to perspective.

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The Art of Perspective: The Ultimate Guide for Artists in Every Medium by Phil Metzger

Perspective drawing book - The Art of Perspective: The Ultimate Guide for Artists in Every Medium by Phil Metzger

(Image credit: F&W)

For students who prefer a practical approach, pick up The Art of Perspective. Phil Metzger guides you through a series of lessons on every aspect of perspective.

You’ll start with the basics and try your hand at atmospheric perspective exercises. As you progress, the lessons build on each other to advance your skills.

It’s not just about lines and anglers, either. Metzger will explain why mountains look blue in the distance. You’ll discover handy hacks and shortcuts you can use in your artwork.

The best thing about The Art of Perspective is that it’s suitable for any artist. This drawing handbook will improve your artwork, no matter what medium you use.

Metzger shares specific tips and tricks for a range of art media. Because what works well for acrylics won’t be as effective for watercolor – and vice versa.

So, this book is an ideal resource for painters.

Step-by-step exercises and mini-lessons make it easy to get hands on and see your progress. Anyone from beginners to confident artists will benefit from this excellent book.

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How to Draw by Scott Robertson

Perspective drawing book - How to Draw by Scott Robertson

(Image credit: Dover Publications Inc.)

If you’re drawing from your imagination, getting your perspective right is challenging without a model or a reference.

It’s one thing to copy a perspective correctly from a photo or drawing. But creating perspectives from scratch can seem impossible to get right.

If that sounds familiar, you need to pick up How to Draw.

Robertson shows you how to use perspective techniques to draw from your imagination.

You’ll learn how to use perspective grids and create advanced designs accurately. The chapters build on each other, with theoretical lessons and practical exercises.

As a bonus, you also get access to scannable pages and extra video tutorials. This feature makes this book a superb all-in-one solution for mastering perspective.

This book is not best suited to complete beginners, as it quickly gets quite complicated. But if you put time and effort into the exercises, you’ll soon see the difference in your drawings.

While it’s not the cheapest book, you get great value for money. Plus, you’ll make huge progress by learning from an expert! 

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Perspective Drawing Handbook by Joseph D’Amelio

Perspective drawing book - Perspective Drawing Handbook by Joseph D'Amelio

(Image credit: Dover Publications Inc.)

The Perspective Drawing Handbook is short and pithy! With 96 pages, it feels a bit lightweight, but that couldn’t be further from the truth.

Within these pages, you’ll find a solid course of study on all aspects of perspective. You’ll learn about everything from foreshadowing and diminution to convergence. 

It also goes more in-depth into the shade and shadow. These factors are often overlooked when it comes to perspectives with poor results.

Showing accurately is essential to make your drawings look true to life. So, this book is the perfect primer on perspective and shading.

Not only artists will benefit from this book. It’s an excellent resource for designers, engineers, and architects.

Diagrams and line drawings accompany explanations to provide valuable visual context. Seeing how a concept works is more powerful and memorable than just reading about it.

A useful addition to any artist’s library! You’ll find yourself coming back to this book frequently.

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Drawing Perspective: How to See It and How to Apply It by Matthew Brehm

Perspective drawing book - Drawing Perspective: How to See It and How to Apply It by  Matthew Brehm

(Image credit: B.E.S.)

This fresh new book is a welcome addition to classic perspective books on the market.

In this beginner guide, you’ll work through exercises right on the page. Drawing Perspective is light on the theory without skipping any vital lessons.

Instead, this book gives you plenty of opportunities to practice. As a result, learning how to draw in perspective becomes fun and engaging. 

You’ll find a range of different activities peppered throughout this book. These include perspective chambers, image quizzes, and unique and challenging exercises.

The aim is to create an exciting approach to perspective. The book reinforces the concepts through repetition without getting boring or dull.

Drawing Perspective would be an ideal book for younger students. Learning how to draw in perspective has never been so fun!

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Perspective! for Comic Book Artists by David Chelsea

Perspective drawing book - Perspective! for Comic Book Artists by David Chelsea

(Image credit: Watson-Guptill)

If you’re an aspiring comic book artist, this one is the perspective book for you! It’s presented in comic strip style, with tons of specific lessons on comic book art.

As with any artwork, perspective is critical in comic books. Here’s your guide to perfecting this art fundamental! 

You’ll learn about creating effective settings and realistic backgrounds as you work your way through. There are lessons on how perspective affects your characters, too.

The comic strip style is ideal for conveying these messages concisely. This unique format is perfectly suited to demonstrating perspective in practice. There’s no need for wordy explanations.

This book on perspective for comic book artists is innovative and unique.

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Perspective for Artists by Rex Vicat Cole

Perspective drawing book - Perspective for Artists by Rex Vicat Cole

(Image credit: Dover Publications Inc.)

This comprehensive perspectives book is a must-have as a reference guide. At almost 300 pages, it contains everything you could need to know about perspective.

You’ll find plenty of theory and lots of exercises for you to have a go at, too. 

A perspective book wouldn’t be the same without visual examples, and this book doesn’t disappoint. It contains more than 380 diagrams and 80 illustrations. Often, you can refer to the detailed images for a quick refresher.

Rex Vivat Cole is a master when it comes to drawing and perspective.

By the end of this book, you’ll have learned about the perspective of the sky and shadows. You’ll know how to draw all sorts of forms correctly, from planes to circles and arches.

But it’s worth mentioning that the language is a little dry. This book was first published in 1921, and it shows in the writing style.

Perspective for Artists isn’t the most modern book out there, but the theory and lessons hold their value. Buying this book is a wise investment, as it’s a great reference for all things perspective.

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Perspective Without Pain by Phil Metzger

Perspective drawing book - Perspective Without Pain by Phil Metzger

(Image credit: North Light Books)

The light-hearted approach in Perspective Without Pain will appeal to many people. If you’re not interested in the highly technical side, snap up this book now!

It introduces you to perspective without boring you. There are no equations, formulae, or complicated techniques to memorize.

Instead, you’ll learn by doing (and have some fun along the way!) The tone is friendly and engaging, and it’s packed full of practical exercises for you.

You’ll discover how to apply perspective by experimenting, practicing, and improving. It’s the best way to improve, and the lessons will stick with you for longer.

And the great news is that you won’t need any complex tools or grids. 

Instead, you’ll learn how to estimate and eyeball your drawings. This technique will allow you to nail the perspective every time.

This book is another classic from Metzger. It’s as relevant and fresh now as it was in the 1990s. Don’t miss it!

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Creative Perspective for Artists and Illustrators by Ernest W. Watson

Perspective drawing book - Creative Perspective for Artists and Illustrators by Ernest W. Watson

(Image credit: Dover Publications Inc.)

While many of the books on this list are suitable for beginners, this one definitely isn’t. 

Creative Perspective is for artists who want who want to move to another level and create their own style. 

Ernest W. Watson will teach you how to go beyond the laws of perspective to make your art unique. You’ll discover how to manipulate perspective while respecting the general principles.

This in-depth guide has chapters devoted to each of these principles. It covers everything from foreshortening to three-point perspective.

The author also analyzes the work of top illustrators throughout the book. You’ll learn from the likes of Ben Stahl, Carl Roberts, and Paul Cézanne. 

Watson’s tone is informative and concise, thanks to the 20+ years Watson spent 20+ years teaching art. But this book is quite text-heavy and not the easiest read.

But if you’re looking to get further into the study of perspective and make it work for you, this book is what you need. It’s a primer on the rules of perspective and how to break them effectively.

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Basic Perspective Drawing: A Visual Approach by John Montague

Perspective drawing book - Basic Perspective Drawing: A Visual Approach by John Montague

(Image credit: John Wiley & Sons)

This book is another excellent resource for art students, illustrators, and designers. 

It’s a great guide to the basics of perspective. But it delves into complex topics as you progress through the chapters.

There are lots of useful diagrams and illustrations to give you visual examples. This aspect makes it  hands-on and interactive, so the information will stick with you. 

You can also try your hand at the exercises for practical application. They do get quite advanced in the later chapters, so be prepared for a challenge!

Another huge bonus of this 6th edition is the tutorial videos you also get. You can watch demonstrations relating to interior design, architecture, and illustration.

Basic Perspective Drawing is suitable for any level, not just for beginners. The text, diagrams, and video lessons make it accessible for any learning style.

It’s not the cheapest book, but it’s worth the investment. 

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Perspective for Interior Designers by John Pile

Perspective drawing book - Perspective for Interior Designers by John Pile

(Image credit: Watson-Guptill)

If interior design is your jam and you’re looking for something specific,, then snap up this book! 

It’s the best comprehensive resource on perspective for interior design

Within these pages, you’ll find simple explanations and visual demonstrations. It’s a smart formula to help you master how to create interior designs in perfect perspective.

This book starts with a study of two-point perspective, so you have a sturdy foundation. Then, it builds on that with sections on circular forms, furniture, light effects, and more.

It covers perspective with a camera and freehand, so you’ll be prepared for every situation.

It’s all tailored to interior designers, so you’ll know that you’re getting your money’s worth. 

You’ll get a deep understanding of perspective when creating interiors.

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Theory and Practice of Perspective by John Pile

Perspective drawing book - Perspective for Interior Designers by John Pile

(Image credit: Dover Publications)

This Dover book is a classic guide to perspective. It dates back over 100 years, but the information within holds its own. 

A complete beginner could pick up this book and understand the principles well. 

But it also has a lot to offer to intermediate and advanced artists.

The language is quite dated, so it’s not the most engaging textbook. But if you can get past the old-fashioned delivery, you’ll find plenty of wisdom within these pages.

It’s not all text, either. There are hundreds of diagrams and illustrations to help you visualize the topics. You can copy these diagrams out and follow the instructions for practical exercises. 

A very thorough study of perspective for any artist, designer, or architect.

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The Wrap Up

To become a skilled artist or illustrator, you’ll need to have a good foundation of art fundamentals. 

Picking up any of these books will help you to understand and apply the rules of perspective in your drawings. Whether you want a reference book or a modern guide, you can find the right book in my reviews above!

If you found this article helpful, let me know in the comments! 

Check out more of my book recommendations for artists here

And don’t forget to sign up for the Proactive Creative newsletter! I’ll keep you updated on all the best products, reviews, and tutorials for creative professionals to help you keep ahead of the trends.

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Author

Outmane is the founder of Proactive Creative. He is an artist/designer.


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