How To Draw Abstract Person
Drawing abstract people is a great way to unleash your creative spirit and express yourself through art. There is no right or wrong way to create an abstract human figure, it’s all about experimenting and having fun. We are going to cover some simple techniques that you can use to create a colorful and dynamic figure.
First and foremost, it is important to relax and let go of any preconceived notions about what an abstract person should look like. All you need is to trust your instincts and imagination to find the lines that feel right. Start by lightly sketching your figure. It can be exaggerated in size and proportion or surreal. Make sure to draw lightly as you will be erasing most of the lines until something perfect arises.
Next, start to add shape and detail. Notice how the darkness of the graphite reacts slowly with the paper to produce something unique and one of a kind. Find the curves of the figure and begin to build on that. Think of your subject as having facial features, a body type, and a pose, and draw them in your own style. Make use of smudging and the texture created by mixing graphite, charcoal and/or pastels.
Adding color is one of the most exciting parts. Start to layer paint onto the figure and let your creativity flow. All of the hard edges from the graphite can now be amplified or softened with a spectrum of colors of your choice. Utilize bright, neon colors and rely on the beauty of contrast to help define the figure further.
For the finishing touches, examine the way the colors appear together and adjust accordingly. Pay close attention to your subject’s eyes – choose colors that are sure to captivate your audience and bring the figure to life. After all is said and done, remember that the beauty of abstract art is that there are no rules. Make something that truly expresses your inner artist and let it be uniquely you!
Form, Proportion and Edit to Perfection
Achieving the perfect abstract figure requires a perfect balance of form, proportion and editing. From light and loose to super detailed, it all depends on your personal style. When it comes to form, exaggeration and experimentation are key. Go ahead and try out some unusual forms without fear of making errors. The abstract figure can be stretched and distorted beyond recognition to give it a dynamic and creative look.
As for proportion, focus on the basics. An image like this does not require a lot of measuring, but it does need to have a sense of balance. Thinking about the height and width of your figure in comparison to the page can help you create a proportionately pleasing image.
Editing is the most important part of the process. Instead of erasing the image and starting over, stand back and observe the negative-space and the composition of your figure. How does it look side-by-side with other elements on the page or in the room? Step away from the canvas and come back with a fresh perspective. Move around lines, adjust proportions and lighten up the shading. Most importantly, trust your instincts and make changes until it feels right.
Using Movement to Make a Statement
Dynamic movements can be used to bring your abstract subject to the next level. Swirls, zigzags and curves express emotion and add a unique quality to the figure. Consider how adding a few strokes of movement can enrich the overall design of your piece. Think of how you want your figure to move and behave and create lines that express that. Do keep in mind that a clean, crisp finish will grant an immediate and magnificent result.
Besides movement, exaggerate as much or as little as desired. How about making the figure appear to move forward instead of standing still? This can be done by increasing the weight of the figure’s steps, especially around the ankles and knees. When combined with a strong sense of direction and purpose, the figure can seem to leap right of the paper. Thus, adding gesture and flow make the difference between an interesting abstract subject and a meaningful artwork.
Give your Figure Personality
Personality is the least talked about aspect of abstract art. Nonetheless, it is essential to grant movement, motivation and character to the subject. Start by changing the focal angle of your figure. Experiment with bird’s eye and worm’s eye view to develop an unexpected outlook. Play with strong outlines, bold colors and thick/thin lines to give emotion and spirit to the figure. It is surprising how just a few details can turn a dull figure into an intriguing one.
Incorporating expressions is another way to give personality to the abstract figure. Notice how subtle changes in the figure’s mouth, nose or eyes can affect the vibe of the entire artwork. For example, the downturned mouth and eyebrows with furrowed brow can create a feeling of sadness. On the other hand, by adding a smile, the figure passes on a sense of optimism and joy. Finally, be aware of how your figure appears when placed right and left: often, being a few millimeters away can make a remarkable difference.
Captivate with Texture and Pattern
Shape and texture are equally as important as colors in an artwork. Abstraction and texture can be used to create a 3D illusion, which helps set the tone for the whole artwork. Playing with drawings of leaves, flowers, clouds, trees and wavy lines can bring a sense of life and motion to the figure. When colors are added to the texture it helps to bring everything together. Remember though to not go overboard – avoid overcrowding the page or making the artwork appear too busy.
Furthermore, patterns are great for abstract figures. They can be drawn freehand or printed from a stencil. When done correctly, patterns can add depth, dynamism and fun to the design. While it can be appealing to go for bold colors, consider forming a subtle gradient of colors. As you step back and observe the figure, remember that editing is key. Make sure to blend colors, smooth edges and create a balanced canvas before the final touches.
Gather Inspiration and Have Fun
Being inspired by other abstract pieces of artwork is a must. It can remind us why we love this style of art and to never take our creativity too seriously. Also, it is important to remember that everybody is at a different level of skill in art. Therefore, while it is okay to emulate the work of someone else, never compare yourself to them and make sure to stay true to yourself.
Remember the most essential part of creating abstract art: have fun! Avoid perfectionism and instead use the process to enjoy the artistic journey. Experiment and make mistakes, just take a deep breath and create freely and confidently. Letting go of expectations and pressure can help guide you to success!
