This is a series of abstract impressionistic art faces that were drawn and painted with a variety of mediums in 2008. The shapes of the faces were built up with layers of paint pens, watercolor, ink pens, acrylic paint, crayons, markers, and colored pencils. Each abstract head painting has an unusual expression, and struggles to find a clear identity amidst the chaotic and energetic lines and colors. The art usually starts with a simple pen drawing of a face, and layers of medium are applied to distort, contort, and emote from the initial framework. The eyes in particular help to ground the abstract artwork with a familiar image that most peoples brains are able to identify for survival… faces.






Popularity: 13% [?]
Related posts:



















10 responses so far ↓
1 vikki // Jul 10, 2008 at 7:00 pm
I really like this series, Mike. I would love to see them displayed all together on one wall. Each one does emote a different response to the viewer. What’s interesting is the last two shown here. One is overwhelmed by line and the other seems to almost be escaping it. I also like the undercoat – flat application of color values.
“Very tasty work’.
Vikki
2 MDE-ART.com // Jul 11, 2008 at 2:41 pm
Thanks Vikki, your insights about being overwhelmed vs escaping are very helpful. I have a few hundred of these faces, various sizes, with an intention to do something with them. I like your idea of hanging them all together, or even constructing a giant mosaic with more than these six. If I do, I will be sure to post pictures.
3 luke // Oct 28, 2008 at 5:56 pm
Hey Mike. I am thinking of doing something like this for my HSC major artwork, do you think you could give me some tips. I really like the effects you create.
Thanks
Luke
4 MDE-ART.com // Oct 28, 2008 at 6:04 pm
Hi Luke,
Thanks for your interest in my artwork. I usually try to stay loose and keep the basic structure and feeling of the face in mind. Most everything else is a creative decision based on momentary intuition and experience. There are some time-lapse animations of some of my face drawings that offer insight about the process in digital art form. Good luck with your artistic pursuits!
~Michael
5 mya // Dec 14, 2008 at 3:14 pm
you pictures are so colorful and amazing! it’s wonderful the way you make it pop! keep on rocking.
6 MDE-ART.com // Dec 23, 2008 at 8:25 am
Thanks mya!
7 Cole // May 25, 2009 at 1:53 pm
Hey – I’m a high school art learner and busy with a prac at the moment. Yor works are so inspiring – they’re awesome!
8 MDE Art Blog // Jun 2, 2009 at 10:31 am
Thanks Cole! I’m glad to hear you’ve been inspired! Good luck with your artistic pursuits!
9 Alice // Oct 2, 2009 at 1:53 pm
Hi i jus wanted to let u know i am doin gcse art at the moment and i find your work really inspiring…..THANK YOU!!!
10 Shea // Feb 12, 2010 at 1:45 am
Hey there!
I was interested in using one of the images of the faces for album art for my band? Let me know if your interested.
Cheers
Shea
Leave a Comment
I am unable to respond to all comments individually. Please contact me if you have questions.