I'm about to start the backdrop for the second part of my layout, and there are two areas where I'd like to use perspective to get certain effects. For this part of the layout, I want it to look like it's in a narrow-ish valley, with the mountains close by.
The first section of perspective is behind where the logging camp will be going. I want it to look as though the valley is widening slightly behind the logging camp, and continuing along in a different direction. At the moment, it looks like this:
On the image below, I've marked out the perspective lines. The actual single-point for the perspective is a dot on a piece of masking tape, stuck to the wall about two feet to the right of the end of the backdrop.
After working the perspective out, I drew free-form lines following them to outline the mountains. The bit below the bottom perspective line will become dirt and ground, stretching off into the distance. I mocked this up in Paint.NET, to see how it may look:
The bottom perspective line is essentially a rotation of where the scenery meets the backdrop, so I'll be disguising it as usual. The difference will be that it'll be painted, rather than actual shrubs and bushes.
The other location I'd like to use perspective is where a small stream meets the backdrop and fades into the distance. I've sketched it out, using a horizon and a vanishing point slightly to the left:
(I'm aware it's a bit messy. I'll be tidying up the plaster before I paint it.)
Again, I'll be using paint to depict the trees, shrubs, etc. along the shoreline. I'm also thinking of putting a coat of water effects over the stream on the backdrop, in order to show the water 'sparkling' in the distance.
This is the first time I've worked with perspective, and I've mostly done it based off what I've read online. As such, I'm not quite sure if it'll give me the effect I'm after, and I'd like a second opinion. Will this work?
The Location: Forests of the Pacific Northwest, OregonThe Year: 1948The Scale: On30The Blog: http://bvlcorr.tumblr.com
One problem with using perspective on the backdrop is that it only looks right when viewed from a single location. Move a few feet to the left or right and it often becomes a visual disaster. This usually doesn't occur for terrain shapes and roadways disappearing off in the distance. The problem mainly occurs with backdrop structures using perspective. Where I can control/limit the viewing angle on a scene, I am more comfortable with using perspective. Where a person can move along a scene several feet, I keep the backdrop images flat without perspective.
Hornblower
hornblower One problem with using perspective on the backdrop is that it only looks right when viewed from a single location. Move a few feet to the left or right and it often becomes a visual disaster. This usually doesn't occur for terrain shapes and roadways disappearing off in the distance. The problem mainly occurs with backdrop structures using perspective. Where I can control/limit the viewing angle on a scene, I am more comfortable with using perspective. Where a person can move along a scene several feet, I keep the backdrop images flat without perspective.
Agreed. Trying to build depth by matching what's in the backdrop to the layout can be a problem. Try to keep as much stuff in the backdrop in the distance as much as possible and the stuff on the layout distinctly separate and in the foreground.
I model midwest and south so simple blue backdrop with either trees or low hills keeps things simple and looks good from all angles, IMO.
I would think that with western scenery, clearly keeping the ridges on the backdrop distinct from the ridges on the layout would work better than trying to make the same ridge on the layout extend into the backdrop. If you catch my drift.
- Douglas
Creating perspective is a challenge since most of the attention should remain on what's in front of the backdrop. That said, I found that creating perspective is easy by making the horizon hazier than what's below it. On a sunny day, mother nature offers great examples of how the sky is lighter blue than directly overhead.