2D Principles - Game Artist Toolkit

The Fundamentals of 2D Art

In this blog post, I will talk about my first week of my artist toolkit sessions. In this lesson, I have explored the fundamentals of 2D art, including perspective, form/shape, composition, value and colour.

Perspective

In perspective, when subject is above the horizon line, it gives a worms eye view point on the scene. When the subject is below the horizon line, it gives a birds eye view on the scene. If the subject on the horizon line, you will see it at street level. Perspective drawings also include at least one vanishing point. A drawing with 2 vanishing points is called a 2 point perspective. 





A shape is a two dimensional object, there are two types of shapes, geometrical and organic. Geometric shapes have clear edges boundaries, including triangles, squares and circles, while organic shapes are free form. Shapes and form both include length and width of the object, however, form introduces depth into the subject.

Composition

Composition in 2D is the layout of the subjects and visual elements like line, colour, shape and texture. The three main planes are the background, the midground and the foreground. The rules of composition are the rule of thirds, which creates a focal point for the viewer, and the golden ratio, which is a mathematical ratio used by artists. These are important to establish the subject and the space around it which creates a sense of unity, harmony and balance.

Example of the Golden Ratio being used


Value

Value is the lightness or darkness of a colour. Artists show value through shading, using techniques like hatching, cross hatching and blending. It is also used to establish a light source which it creates atmospheric perspective, the saturation of a painting will decrease with distance.

Colour

Colour is the visual perception created by light interacting with objects. Colour temperature is defined Artists use colour to create depth, establish the mood or atmosphere and evoke emotions from the viewer. 

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