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Rather than routine step-by-step instruction on how to create 3D objects or letters, this 3D tutorial describes important basics that are not well understood by most artists—beginners and professionals alike. From there, this knowledge can be applied to any kind of 3D illustration, from drawing to 3D computer graphics.
3D tutorial: What 3D Means
3D, of course, refers to the three dimensions of height, width and depth. (left pic)
Depth, in this 3D tutorial, specifically refers to "distance from our position."
A convincing 3D appearance can be a difficult and impressive effect to achieve, especially upon a surface that is completely flat. Here we are attempting to convey a sense of reality with space and depth on something which actually has none.
For that reason, "3D" has even implied a certain emphasis on depth. After all, depth fulfills an object's three-dimensional state.
By introducing a sense of depth, you create space and an extension of reality into your art, enhancing your audience's participation. When things appear more real, they become real to your audience's senses to some degree, even if below their conscious awareness. This pulls your audience in, letting them experience what may have only previously existed in your imagination. This also just tends to look more interesting and inviting.
3D tutorial: Apparent Depth
A unique idea to this 3D tutorial, is that apparent depth comes from what is called, "difference with distance." This simply means closer things appearing different from farther things. For example, an object which is close will look different in size compared to one farther away. (left pic) Almost anything we can do to make things "different with distance" will create depth. Through fog, levels of visible detail are changing by reducing as objects get farther away from us.
Next, note that apparent depth is most commonly evident by assigning less of something with more distance. Once again, the most obvious example is that things look smaller as they get farther. This stems from the fact that an amount of something is reducing compared to the increasing distance between us. So through fog, details become less clear with more distance.
Furthermore, as distance from us increases, there appears to be less depth. This tends to make things look more flattened. This also makes closer objects look more 3D. For example, to the left is a box up close while below that is how it might look from a great distance.
So the greater the depth is from us, the less depth perception we will have.
3D tutorial: Depth Perception
Depth perception means detecting "difference with distance." For example, the more size differences that can be identified, the greater depth perception we will have. (below left) Within a flattened image, such differences are less evident. (below right) The fewer visible differences there are, the less depth there appears to be and the less 3D our image becomes.
This tells us that depth perception is not just about how good your eyes are or how excellent your judgment might be. It is also about how much evidence of depth is actually there in the image to recognize.
A depth cue is any kind of difference with distance we can recognize.
Our next lesson will explore several other depth cues. Although aimed at drawing, these can be applied to any art medium.
3D tutorial: Understanding Perspective
The subject of this 3D tutorial is known as perspective.
To understand more, read:
A New Perspective - Universal Edition
A New Understanding of Perspective
for All Visual Art Forms Including:
Drawing, Painting, Photography, Motion Picture,
3D Graphics and Video Game Design
Visit www.perspective-book.com.
This is the first book on perspective that is applicable to any visual art form presenting 3D objects.
