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.

Related posts:

1. Portraits and Faces Series 2 - Abstract Pen and Marker Drawings
2. Expressive Abstract Portrait Drawings of Male Faces
3. Abstract Expressionism Art
4. Abstract Art, Expressive Pastel Drawings
5. Interview with artist Michael D. Edens