Perspective for Artists (Dover Art Instruction) Paperback – Illustrated, June 1, 1976

I have several books on perspective. This one is my favorite because it is very well written, and it goes into many details which I have not found in other books. If I had to recommend only one book on perspective, this book by Rex Vicat Cole would be it.

I just received the book a few days ago, 4 January 19. I have made a cursery review and like the text albeit some of the negative remarks are informative and fair while some are not. I read the section on Circles and curves, etc. It is a relatively technical text and some of the material is short on clarification--you have to decipher the conclusion, which is not an enjoyable task. Despite some of its flaws of technicality, print size, illustration size and other elements, I still suggest the purchase of it if you are wanting to learn perspective. However, it is not a conclusive text on perspective thus you may want to invest in other good texts on perspective, but don't just pitch this book on a few negative responses, even though they do address some issues the text certainly has. With that I will leave it to you to mull over.

I got this book because I love perspective drawings and effects. I am also a painter and want to use perspective in my original artworks. Another reason is that I read in Leonardo DaVinci's treatese on painting that he suggest's perspective is the 1st priority for a would be painter. Ironic perhaps that Rex's book has a DaVinci quote at the very 1st paragraph. Regarding content and delivery.... He begins at the very start and quickly gets the reader up to a novice level. From the novice level things get more challenging and in a few cases, seem a bit arbitrary. Arbitrary only in how he offers a little trick here or technical point there which probably could not be conveniently introduced later. So perhaps needed diversions although they are mere fine points and I actually found myself derailed and dozey until I got back on track a couple times. I suggest performing the examples as you read through the book so to keep better focused. His original drawings are the best naturalistic perspective types I've seen and there are many. I see that he has organized the subject in a way that given time and study could be absorbed and recalled well. I'd have to say that this book is a good one for those painters who seek to get a real good handle on linear perspective. It seems less well for passive reading or as a quick fix sort of reference book.

I am surprised how many artists, even realist artists, have never formally trained in perspective. Most of us had some lessen in grade school or high school and think we 'get it' and don't develop it beyond simple 1, 2 and 3 point perspective.The observations and lessons in this book made me think about applying perspective beyond the usual building or cube shaped object. Cole shows how perspective can help solve drawing problems with arches, circles, and every day and natural objects that don't normally lend itself to perspective, and that, in itself, is a great help when problem-solving drawings or dealing with tricky objects like circular ones in space. Definitely part of my permanent artists reference shelf.

You know how you might buy a book and then later regret it? Well, not with this book! It might be an old book and the printing isn't particularly crisp to say in the least, but it's packed full of information gems -- the kind that make you think, ah, yes of course that's how to do x, y or z. It's also the kind of book that I find myself referring back to again and again. Written simply and illustrated simply. It's your own personal art teacher (and it was recommended to me by a professional artist and teacher). This is money well spent.

Don't let the archaic sentences structure and wording deter you from reading this. It covers perspective very thoroughly and includes details for a large number of special situation. The book is physically small ( half a letter page), the font is small, and the illustrations are all black and white, but it covers the subject in depth. RVC himself did most of the illustrations, some fairly simple but many that show what superb drawing talent he had. Keep a copy in your library, it has answers to problems you don't realize you are going to have.

Ok, I brought this book years ago and hardly ever use it from the day i brought it. Why you ask? It is simply too complicated for a beginner like myself to understand what the author is trying to tell me. The example are very hard to understand and directions are also hard to follow.I was lost even on the first page.If you want a very good book that deals with perspective and for beginners and beyond get Perspective! for Comic Book Artists: How to Achieve a Professional Look in Your Artworkby David Chelsea. It is very entertainingand very useful book. And best of all the entire book lessons is taught on a comic format rather than a text book. SO dont watse you money and time on this book because there alot other good perspective that are out there waiting for you.

I purchased this book as a reference, but after getting it in myhands, I found it engrossing cover to cover. I would never haveguessed that a book on a subject like perspective could draw thereader in like this one does. Mr. Cole had a nice way of includingthe reader in a way that makes you feel like he's present. I hadno experience with perspective before this book, but now I can drawrealistic arbitrary items with confidence. It has helped myportrait drawing as well. A must-have for any artists library.