Expressive Faces: Creating Bold Abstract Character Art

Build a striking painting using simple faces, graphic lines and spontaneous mark making.

Painting · Beginner · Free · 1 min · 1 lesson

About this class

Create a bold abstract painting using simple faces, expressive lines and repeated graphic shapes.

In this class, you’ll see how a large canvas can be developed gradually by layering playful characters, symbols and marks over a strong background color. Instead of focusing on realistic proportions, the goal is to work intuitively and let each new shape influence the next.

This is a great exercise for loosening up, experimenting with composition and learning how simple marks can work together to create a finished piece with personality.

Class Project:
Create your own abstract face composition. Start with one background color, then fill the surface with simplified faces, eyes, symbols and spontaneous line work until the piece feels balanced.

Lessons