| Waterside Designs |
Quite often, when choosing an idea
to draw or paint, we have to restrict our attention to just part
of the subject or scene in front of us in order to create a
manageable, interesting and effective composition to work from.
This is especially true when working out on location, for
panoramic views seldom make good subjects and so we must select
that part of the landscape which offers the best prospects for a
successful picture.
To help us select and focus on a particular idea we normally use
a simple cardboard viewfinder. But, as is well known, while such
a device will 'frame' the subject adequately and isolate it from
the surroundings, it won't assist in the vital business of
plotting the relative size and position of the main elements of
the composition.
However, Waterside Designs has been working on this problem and
has recently developed the Artists' Viewfinder. This excellent 5"x
83/8", pocket-sized
viewfinder is made of clear flexible plastic, and takes the form
of a transparent grid. It is very easy to use.
Once you have checked it against
the proportions of your Canvas or sheet of paper, you simply hold
it up so that it's edges align with your chosen view or subject.
Now, looking through the grid, you can see how each of the main
shapes relates to the whole and what sort of area it takes up.
Having noticed, for example, that the corner of a building comes
in square G3 of the grid, you can then transfer that information
to your sheet of paper. Hold the grid in one hand over the paper,
in such a way that its edges match up with those of the paper.
Now with a pencil held in the other hand you can work beneath the
grid to mark the corner of the building in the corresponding
position on your paper.
Alternatively, you can square up your paper or canvas first, using the same number of squares found on the viewfinder grid. As much information as you require can be transferred in this way. The grid is also helpful when painting from photographs and when you want to make use of the Golden Section ratio in your composition. Robin Capon
Once the basic theory of perspective is thoroughly understood, the associated problems disappear. However, those, for whom even the simplest geometry remains a mystery, often appreciate additional assistance, and several aids, designed to overcome difficulty with perspective have made their appearance in recent years. Another, perhaps the most ingeneous to date, has just been launched.
Trade-named the Perspective Viewer,
it consists of an 81/4"x
43/4" (21cm x12cm)
piece of transparent Perspex with horizontal and vertical axes
intersecting at a roughly central vanishing point.
Radiating from the vanishing point (VP) are some 26 equally
spaced intermediate lines. The VP is, in fact, offset from the
central point so that these intermediate perspective lines vary
in steepness, thus enabling the Viewer to be used in eight
different positions according to the perspective of the subject
matter. There are , in addition, 26 horizontal and 26 vertical
lines and these, in conjunction with the radiating lines, divide
each of the four planes into foreshortened squares, resembling
the square tiles in a pavement receding into the distance.
An interesting feature of the Viewer is that it forms a Golden
Rectangle, with the ratio of the longer side to the shorter
approximately 13 to 8.
Furthermore, the horizontal and vertical axes are themselves
Golden Means, cutting the rectangle in the same ratio. This will
appeal to those who use the Golden Rectangle to achieve pleasing
proportions in their compositions.
Accompanying the Viewer, which comes in a protective plastic
wallet, is a helpful instruction sheet that describes its use in
careful detail. Ray
Campbell Smith
"...please send me 2 Perspective Viewers...I recently ordered a Perspective Viewer and a Viewfinder for myself. I was delighted with the speed and efficiency of your service. I received the items virtually by return post. Two of my friends at art class were very impressed with the Perspective Viewer, hence the further order.." Cheshire UK
"...thanks a million, they are two great inventions.." Belgium
"...today I received your Perspective Viewer and Viewfinder. It was quite a shock to receive them so promptly...my interest is purely painting for the love of it and I'm now confident your P/Viewer & Viewfinder will be of considerable help to me..." New Zealand
"...I have been working on a painting of a street scene..., and I have found your Perspective Viewer very very helpful. I belong to an art club and took your viewer to show, and 6 members decided they needed one..." Lancashire UK
...a request for a Viewfinder....I also purchased from you a 'Perspective
Viewer'
what a find it was." Derbyshire UK
"...your notice announcing the new Perspective Viewer. Please mail four. I should also like three more of your excellent Viewfinders...." Switzerland
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| Opening page | Viewfinder | PerspectiveViewer | Ordering page |