This document provides instructions for an abstract gesture painting assignment. Students will create a gestural figure using acrylic paint with an expressive color scheme and strong understanding of brushstrokes. Mixed media can be incorporated to enhance the movement of the brushstrokes. A good gesture drawing and strong outline contour will create a focal point. Students will learn gesture drawing, have a partner pose for reference, choose colors based on mood words, and apply layers of paint using masking techniques while considering line, texture, and direction of brushstrokes. They will be evaluated on following directions, use of design elements and principles, conveying mood through brushstroke movement, color control, and demonstrating gesture drawing skills.

1. Unit 4, Abstract Mixed Media
Gesture Painting with Brushstrokes
How can the direction of your brushstroke create a mood or feeling?
Objectives: Create an abstract gestural figure in acrylic paint with
• An expressive color scheme
• A strong understanding of brushstrokes
• Incorporate mixed media along to enhance the movement of the
brushstrokes
• Use a good gesture drawing with a strong outline contour create a focal
point
Procedure:
1. Learn about gesture drawing and create a working drawing for your
painting.
2. Have a partner pose for you in the same gesture in order to create strong outline contours for the
painting.
3. Use the list of expressive painting words on the back to help you decide on a color scheme to enhance
the mood of the painting.
4. Begin with the gestural figure on the board. Draw in charcoal where the figure will go. Think about
the pose – how can the pose help you decide where to put the figure? Use a bright color!
5. Paint the color for the figure. Let it dry, and then place a “freezer paper” mask of the gesture figure
over the painted area.
6. Complete the painting in the in a dull color of your color scheme. Add newspaper or magazine to the
background before you paint. Remember the paper should enhance the direction of your brushstrokes.
Paint over the paper in your brushstroke in DULL colors.
7. Remove the freezer paper and seal the painting.
DP 2 Name:
Unit 4 – Abstract Gesture Painting Class:
20 points each, 100 points total
Student Teacher
1. Followed PROJECT DIRECTIONS – masking techniques were used
correctly (ie – freezer paper).
2. The elements and principles of design were used creatively and correctly to
help create a strong visual movement in the piece. The composition is
strong and shows an understanding of EMPHASIS.
3. The brushstrokes show a clear understanding of how to create mood through
movement.
4. Color Control – Your painting shows strong understanding of INTENSITY
and an ability to control your paint mixing.
5. Gesture – you demonstrated an understanding of how use both gesture
drawing with strong contour lines.
TOTAL

2. Here is a list of words to help you think about brushstroke as way to convey mood or expression. A
brushstroke should have both line and texture. Combine a line description with a texture description for your
brushstroke.
LINE TEXTURE
Stroke Harsh Repetitive Rugged
Precise Unintentional Rough Uneven
Blended Wispy Shiny Bumpy
Decisive Agitated Jagged Moderate
Dominant Straight Patterned Scaly
Continuous Angular Smooth Knotty
Interrupted Organic Scabrous Wavy
Calligraphic Bold Scruffy Grooved
Expressive Mechanical Squishy Choppy
Hatched Curving Subtle Dabbed
Gradual Hesitant Slick Irregular
Long Elegant Spongy Furry
Short Repetitive Hairy Harsh
Soft Random
Hard Wandering
Mark Irregular