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.

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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.

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This is an abstract surreal drawing / painting of a Moose. The art was created in 2007 with paint pens, watercolor, colored pencil, crayons, and markers. It is approximately 8.5″ x 11.5″. Multiple layers of colored pens and watercolor washes were built up in the beginning. Additional colors, along with interesting patterns, shapes, and lines, were added later to create a dynamic image. Loose or tight lines, big or small shapes, and bright or muted colors are all used in specific places to guide the eye through the art and provide focus and coherence to a variety of visual concepts and techniques.

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This small 4″ x 6″ piece of colorful abstract surrealism art was created with a variety of paint markers and pens. The abstract surrealist style portrays a number of thoughts and ideas through the use of color, shapes, and texture. The patterns are energetic and vibrant, all working together to form a structured, and random, composition.

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