Understanding Experimental Drawing and Painting

Embrace open-mindedness and curiosity. Experimental drawing and painting is all about breaking rules, trying new methods and embracing the results, no matter how unexpected.
Develop a grasp of traditional techniques before bending the rules. Fundamental skills, from proportion and perspective to colour theory, can be more effectively manipulated when understood.
Recognise the value of different mediums. Each medium, be it graphite, charcoal, acrylic, watercolour etc., has unique characteristics that can be exploited in experimental art.

Techniques in Experimental Drawing

Use non-traditional tools. Try drawing with twigs, cotton buds, string, feathers—anything is a potential tool. Understand how different tools affect texture and line quality.
Manipulate your drawing surface. Crumple paper, draw on textured surfaces, or utilise mixed-media collage as a “base” for your drawings.
Mix your drawing mediums. Use ink washes over graphite, oil pastel under watercolour, charcoal on top of acrylic.

Incorporate non-art materials. Sand, fabric scraps, newspaper clippings can give your painting texture and depth.
Try polychromatic underpainting: Use a bright underpainting, and add layers of semi-transparent paint to create depth and interesting colour effects.
Experiment with paint application. Use palette knives, sponges, or even fingers to apply paint. Create thick impasto effects or thin glazes.

Critically reflect on your experiments: Which techniques worked well? Which did not, and why? Is there a new method you want to try next?
Make a visual journal part of your investigation. Document observations, ideas, experiments, notes and reflections. This practice will help you express thoughts, track progress and develop visual literacy.
Use your experimental work to explore personal themes and concepts in your art. Your artistic voice is best developed through personal experimentation and exploration.