These pen and marker drawings are part of an abstract expressionistic body of artwork entitled Portraits and Faces Series 2. They are a series of three faces drawn with energetic and expressive shapes, blocks of color, and frantic lines to produce abstract portraits that appear to be emerging and constructing themselves from the ink and paint mediums on the surface of the paper. Prominent facial features are emphasized, such as the eyes, nose, and mouth, so that amidst the predominantly abstract compositions it is still possible to make out the faces peering back. The chaotic atmosphere builds the structure of the faces by utilizing techniques such as layering and chiaroscuro to produce varying combinations of opaque and transparent color. Each piece of expressive abstract art is roughly 9″x12″, and a unique mix of emotions are portrayed in each portrait drawing.

For more colorful portrait art, view the abstract impressionistic drawings entitled Portraits and Faces Series 1 - Impressionistic Oil Pastel Drawings, or this Colorful Abstract Drawing of a Woman’s Face.

[Read more →]

These oil pastel drawings are part of an abstract impressionistic body of artwork entitled Portraits and Faces Series 1. They are a series of five faces drawn with energetic and expressive lines and colors to produce abstract portraits that appear to be emerging from the oil pastel medium and the surface of the paper. The structure of the faces grow fluidly from the chaotic drawing medium by utilizing techniques such as smudging and scratching to produce varying combinations of gradient colors and stark contrast. Each piece of expressive art is roughly 9″x12″, and each subject conveys emotions unique to each drawing. Emphasis is placed on prominent facial features, such as the eyes, nose, and mouth, so that facial recognition is possible amidst the predominantly abstract compositions.

For more colorful portrait art, view the abstract expressionistic drawings entitled Portraits and Faces Series 2 - Abstract Pen and Marker Drawings, or this Abstract Drawing of a Face.

[Read more →]

In keeping with the food theme, like the drawing of an apple, here is an oil pastel drawing of an ice cream cone. The oil pastel medium lends itself to techniques like blending and scratching, which helps add dimension to the art. The ice cream cone shape and colors were blocked in first, and texture details were added to the cherry and cone. I started by blending the chocolate ice cream with my fingers, and then continued with the rest of the drawing. Once the blending was complete a few more cycles of drawing in details and blending were continued. The quick oil pastel sketch was finished by adding a cherry on top.

[Read more →]

This is an apple drawn with oil pastels. Blocks of color were sketched in to define the shape and form of the fruit, while slight variations in value were also applied in layers. The oil pastel medium lends itself to blending, either with a tool or fingers, which helps create gradient effects. Once the apple was drawn and blended, frantic lines were energetically whipped around and through the apple to add a surrealistic perspective.

[Read more →]

Here are a few quick pen sketches of pop singer Nelly Furtado. Often referred to as “Fan Art”, these two portrait drawings interpret an image, to the point where the popularity of the subject comes second to the art itself. The drawings were quick and loose, and both focus on line work to define a few critical facial features and her hair. A wash of water was also used to blend some of the pen lines.

The Art Blog also contains a few other “Fan Art” drawings and paintings of Nelly Furtado.

[Read more →]