Drawing Abstract Faces and Blind Contour Art Compositions

We will have fun and learn to draw stress-free! No worries about how large the eyes are, or if the mouth is positioned properly! In this class, we learn to draw faces with organic and geometric shape combinations in an abstract way.

Day One: We will start off by taking a look at some other artists’ work for inspiration and to get a glimpse at a variety of abstract art faces.

Then artists will play a drawing game with dice and a drawing guide to get a feel for abstract drawing and how to combine unexpected shapes in a face composition all inspired by Picasso's abstract faces. I will lead them step-by-step through the game and assess their progress in a show-and-share style. We will learn to open our eyes a bit wider to the possibilities that abstract art is as valuable a style as any other!

Then we will try a blind contour self-portrait drawing by holding a small mirror or photo and drawing our face “blind.” This approach will be explained in class. This is a great exercise in hand-eye coordination as well. The result will be as individual as you are! I am often amazed and surprised to find the likeness my blind drawings have to their real subjects.

Day two we may try more blind contour drawings, then choose one to finalize. This is where we get to bring color and more life to our compositions by adding patterns, designs, rhythm, and movement to a background of the artists’ choice, as well as hair or adornments. If time allows they may try other abstract compositions.

As always, we will engage in respectful and relaxed conversation as we work. 
Students may or may not finish their drawings during class time depending on the pace of their work and that is okay. It will then be up to the student to finish their piece on their own, but as always, they will be equipped with the knowledge and understanding of how to do so.

I look forward to seeing their artwork!

What you will need for this class:
8 x 10 drawing paper (or larger if you would like; printer paper also works just fine)
Pencil
Bar eraser
Handheld sharpener
Black Sharpie Fine tip marker
Hand-held mirror or photo of yourself (please choose one with only you and preferably a close-up shot: torso and above)
Markers, colored pencils or crayons (Day Two)