James Dixon Architect

Layer 1: Photo Bottom Layer

The photograph is the bottom layer

Scan the photograph and save as 'PICT' at 300 dpi. This resolution will give okay results when printed. This layer can be turned off to accelerate redraws.

Layer 2: Perspective Guidelines

Draw a perspective grid with a distinctive color.

Develop a perspective grid using right, left and vertical vanishing points. Give it a distinguishing color. This layer will not be printed for presentation.

Layer 3: Mask Overlays

Mask overlays of polygons and gradient fills

Develop mask overlays using polygons and the Gradient tool. Use Digital Color Meter from Apple Desk Accessories to determine the color of adjacent surfaces from the photos, enter RGB values into the Gradient Tool to develop colors. Notice that the stone colors vary considerably and are nuanced where there would be reflection (e.g. base of planter and base of pool wall).

The veneers were matched using Digital Color Meter and the Gradient Tool and pushing the selection triangles right next to each other to mimic the striping of the existing veneers.

The floating glass spheres were made with the Gradient Tool set on an angle to represent the sun's rays. The edge of the glass spheres were highlighted with white lines where they touched the water and went below the water line.

Layer 4: More Overlays

The artwork was skewed in Photoshop and pasted into PowerCADD.

Develop other mask overlays as required. In the case of this presentation, the artwork to be displayed was skewed from rectangular to perspective in Photoshop and pasted into this layer on top of a white mask that is exactly the same size as the skewed artwork.

Layer 5: Top Layer

Draw additional lines where needed.

Develop line work for those elements that are too small for polygons or that require linear treatment. An example is the fine metal frames for the artwork and the joints in the stone floor.

The Finished Drawing

And here are all the pieces put together.

Go back to James Dixon