So in middle of 2020 after being cooped up in the house for a while, pandemic raging, heart issues at full effect, and all the other stressors that I wont bore you with….I was feeling it.
So of course I drew the feeling. Done in brush pens on watercolor board, I called this piece 2020. Not fine art, or even particularly well drawn…but you can definitely feel where I was at here with just a glance.
So I guess this one is just a reminder that things can always be worse…hahaha.
Here is a Computer piece giving some background on capturing raw emotion in art because it is all about drawing eyes to the work.
Drawing Emotions and Raw Feelings Through Facial Expressions in Art
The Power of Facial Expressions: Facial expressions are a universal language of emotions. They offer an immediate and powerful way to convey complex feelings and psychological states. In art, capturing these expressions allows the artist to communicate raw, visceral emotions to the viewer, creating a deep, empathetic connection.
Understanding Facial Expressions: The human face is incredibly expressive, with subtle changes in muscle tension conveying a wide range of emotions. Artists often focus on key elements such as the eyes, eyebrows, mouth, and overall facial tension to depict feelings accurately. Each emotion has a distinct set of characteristics:
- Happiness: Typically shown through a broad smile, slightly crinkled eyes, and lifted eyebrows. The overall expression appears open and engaging.
- Sadness: Characterized by downturned eyes and mouth, lowered eyebrows, and a generally drooping posture. The expression often feels heavy and introspective.
- Anger: Evident through furrowed brows, glaring eyes, and a tightly set mouth. The face may appear tense and intense.
- Fear: Shown by widened eyes, raised eyebrows, and a slightly open mouth. The expression often conveys a sense of vulnerability and apprehension.
- Surprise: Marked by raised eyebrows, wide-open eyes, and an open mouth. The expression captures the essence of sudden, unexpected reactions.
Conveying Raw Feelings: To draw raw emotions effectively, artists must tap into their own experiences and understand the depth of the emotions they wish to portray. This involves:
- Observation: Study real-life expressions and reactions to capture authenticity. This helps in understanding the nuances of how emotions manifest physically.
- Practice: Regular practice in sketching different expressions can improve the ability to render emotions convincingly. Experimenting with different facial features and their combinations enhances skill.
- Empathy: To convey raw emotions, artists must empathize with the subject’s feelings. This emotional connection allows for more genuine and compelling artwork.
Techniques for Expressive Art:
- Line Work: Bold, dynamic lines can intensify emotions, while softer lines may convey subtler feelings. The direction and weight of lines affect the overall emotional impact.
- Shading and Contrast: Contrast and shading can enhance the emotional depth of an expression. Darker shades might convey sadness or anger, while lighter shades can depict happiness or surprise.
- Color (if applicable): Though not always used in monochromatic art, color plays a significant role in modern art. Warm colors can express warmth and happiness, while cool colors might denote sadness or calm.
Examples in Art History:
- Edvard Munch’s “The Scream”: A powerful example of raw emotion conveyed through facial expression. The distorted face, wide eyes, and open mouth capture existential angst and terror.
- Leonardo da Vinci’s “Mona Lisa”: The subtle, enigmatic smile of Mona Lisa has intrigued viewers for centuries. The delicate balance of expression hints at an inner life full of mystery and depth.
