Expressive Mark Making
Exhibition: Figured
Artist: AFA Collection - group exhibition
Overview
Each individual artist featured in the Figured exhibition has invited us to understand the human figure through their own visual observation and language of mark making. The artists use varying materials to create unique gestural qualities and marks which define their particular approach and is the visual language and expression within the work of art. Some artists focus on shapes within a figure using smudges and bold separations of colour, some take an anatomical approach with soft curved lines creating delicate features, others use ink to create bold, volumetric, geometric and gestural forms, while others use the translucent nature of watercolour to evoke movement and expression. Each approach successfully uses mark making as a form of expression that the viewer is able to interpret. In this project participants will learn the language of mark making. They will examine the varying qualities and attributes of differing marks and materials to determine how they can be used as a form of expression within their own art work.
Objectives
Explore ways to connect mark making and self-expression
Familiarize themselves with simple mark making techniques
Make informed decisions regarding their choice of the materials and medium they choose to use and why
Experience different mark making approaches to develop their visual language
Materials
Variety of mark making materials; pencil, pen, ink, charcoal, oil pastels, watercolour
Newsprint, Manila or any other sketch quality paper
Instructions:
A variety of drawing materials should be available in front of each participant. Allow the participants to spend a few minutes exploring each material and the type of mark it can create on their piece of paper. Some materials may be new to some participants so it is beneficial to let them explore before you begin the mark making exercises.
Participants can create all mark making exercises on one piece of large paper. Mark making will be layered upon completion of the exercises to create their own artwork featuring a personal vocabulary of marks.
Before you begin the hands-on exercise, write a variety of adjectives on post-it notes. Gather in front of exhibited works and have participants place post-it note adjectives beside the artwork that expresses that adjective. Discuss their selections.
Note: Choose adjectives appropriate to the vocabulary level of participants.
Step One
Explore size.
Use an adjective that describes a size. Participants should choose a drawing material of their choice and translate the adjective in to marks on their paper. Choose a few adjectives to explore before moving on to the next exercise.
Example Adjectives:
Grand, Tiny, Thick, Light, Volume, Detail, Bold, Thin, Modest, Heavy, Precise
Step Two
Explore Texture.
Use an adjective that describes different textures. Participants should choose a drawing material of their choice and translate the adjective in to marks on their paper. Choose a few adjectives to explore before moving on to the next exercise.
Eg. Adjectives:
Polished, Hairy, Sticky, Rough, Smooth
Step Three
Explore Ergonomics.
We are familiar with holding a pen or pencil in a particular way for writing so it is our natural way to hold it. Prompt participants to hold the drawing material in different ways. Ie, in your left hand, on its side. What happens if you try holding it in a way that gives you very little control over the medium, how does this effect your mark making?
Have participants explore where their movements are coming from when they draw. Try drawing just by moving your fingers, then extend the movement to your wrist, your elbow, your arm, your whole body. How does this effect your mark making?
Step Four
Explore emotions.
Use an adjective that describes an emotion. Participants should choose a drawing material of their choice and translate the adjective in to marks on their paper. Choose several adjectives to explore before moving on to the next exercise.
Eg. Adjectives:
Angry, Sad, Elated, Energetic, Cheerful, Calm, Aggressive, Boring, Violent, Gloomy
Step Five
Explore other adjectives.
Use an adjective that can describe a state of being, expression or feeling. Participants should choose a drawing material of their choice and translate the adjective in to marks on their paper. Choose several adjectives to explore before moving on to the next exercise.
Eg. Adjectives:
Chaotic, Cluttered, Unbalanced, Controlled, Loose, Rigid, Spacious, Fragmented, Flexible, Vigorous
Step Six
Spend some time at the end of the exercise discussing their different choices in mark making. Have participants describe their ‘angry’ mark making. What drawing material did they choose and why. Describe the qualities of that particular mark. Did they make the mark small or big, with light pressure or hard?
Variations
Younger participants—
For a more intuitive approach, play a variety of music genres and have participants interpret the music through their mark making. Limit the materials to pen, marker and chalk pastels.
Older participants—
Apply your new mark making vocabulary to create a still life rendering.