5 Abstract Skull Art Techniques Every Artist Should Know

Written by Daisie Team

Published on 21 June 2023 7 min read

For artists who are fascinated by the mysterious and enigmatic beauty of skulls, creating abstract skull artwork is an exciting way to express their creativity. In this blog, we'll explore five different techniques that every artist should know to create stunning abstract skull masterpieces. Let's dive right in!

1. Acrylic Painting

Acrylic painting is a versatile and popular medium for creating abstract skull art, as it offers a wide range of colors, textures, and effects. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your acrylic painting experience:

Choosing the Right Acrylics

Opt for artist-grade acrylics for higher pigment concentration and richer colors.
Consider the drying time you need: slow-drying acrylics give you more time to blend and manipulate the paint, while fast-drying acrylics are great for quick layering.
Experiment with different mediums to achieve unique textures and effects, such as gloss or matte finishes, and even crackled surfaces.

Selecting the Painting Surface

Canvas is a popular choice for acrylic painting, as it provides a sturdy and textured surface for your abstract skull creations.
Wood panels or art boards can also provide a smooth, rigid surface for a more polished look.
Don't forget to prime your surface with gesso before painting, as it prevents the paint from soaking into the surface and helps the colors pop.

Color Blending Techniques

Mastering color blending is crucial for creating captivating abstract skull art. Here are some techniques to try:

Wet-on-wet blending: Apply a base color, then quickly add more colors and use a brush or palette knife to blend them together while they're still wet.
Glazing: Build up layers of transparent colors to create depth and luminosity in your abstract skull artwork.
Scumbling: Apply a thin layer of a lighter color over a dried darker color, using a dry brush or sponge to create interesting textures and effects.

2. Watercolor Painting

Watercolor painting offers a unique, fluid, and ethereal quality to abstract skull art. The transparent nature of watercolor paints allows for vibrant and luminous effects that are perfect for capturing the essence of your subject. Here's what you need to know to get started:

Top Watercolor Brands

Winsor & Newton, Daniel Smith, and Schmincke are popular brands known for their high-quality watercolor paints.
For beginners, student-grade watercolors are more affordable and still offer a good range of colors.
Choose between tube or pan watercolors based on your preferences and painting style. Tubes offer more flexibility in mixing colors, while pans are convenient for on-the-go painting.

Applying Watercolors

When painting an abstract skull with watercolors, consider these techniques for the best results:

Wet-on-wet: Apply paint to a wet surface for a soft, diffused effect.
Wet-on-dry: Paint on a dry surface for more controlled, sharp edges.
Layering: Build up layers of transparent colors to achieve depth and complexity in your abstract skull art.
Experiment with different brushes, sponges, and even your fingers to create a variety of textures and effects.

Drying and Finishing Tips

Allow each layer to dry completely before adding more paint to avoid muddy colors and unintentional blending.
Use a hairdryer to speed up the drying process if necessary, but be careful not to overheat your painting as it can cause the colors to fade or crack.
Once your abstract skull artwork is finished and dry, consider sealing it with a fixative spray to protect the colors and prevent fading over time.

3. Ink Drawing

Ink drawing is another fantastic medium for creating striking abstract skull art. With its bold lines and high contrast, ink can truly make your skull artwork stand out. Let's explore the different types of ink, tools, and techniques you can use for your next ink drawing project.

Types of Ink

India ink is a popular choice for its intense black color and permanence. It's waterproof and won't fade over time.
Pigment-based inks offer a wide range of colors and are resistant to fading. They're ideal for adding a touch of color to your abstract skull art.
Dip pens and bottled inks provide more control and precision, while brush pens with pre-filled ink cartridges offer convenience and portability.

Drawing Tools and Materials

Choose from a variety of tools, such as dip pens, fountain pens, brush pens, or even traditional brushes, depending on your desired effect and level of control.
Heavyweight paper or illustration board provides a sturdy surface for your ink drawing. Consider using smooth, hot-pressed paper for fine details or cold-pressed paper for a more textured look.
Keep a scrap piece of paper nearby to test your ink flow and brush strokes before applying them to your artwork.

Shading Techniques

When drawing an abstract skull with ink, there are several shading techniques you can use to add depth and dimension to your artwork:

Hatching: Create parallel lines that vary in length and spacing to suggest different tones.
Cross-hatching: Layer hatching lines in different directions to build up darker values.
Stippling: Use small dots to create various tones and textures. The closer the dots, the darker the area will appear.
Washes: Dilute your ink with water and apply it with a brush to create smooth gradients and subtle shadows in your abstract skull art.

4. Digital Art

Digital art opens up a world of possibilities for creating unique and captivating abstract skull designs. With the right software and tools, you can experiment with various styles and techniques, and easily make adjustments to your artwork. Let's take a look at some popular software options, digital tablets, and tips for painting your abstract skull art digitally.

Software Options

Adobe Photoshop: A powerful and widely-used software for digital art, Photoshop is packed with features that can help you create stunning abstract skull designs.
Procreate: This popular iPad app offers a more intuitive and natural drawing experience, with a wide variety of brushes and tools to choose from.
Krita: A free, open-source software that is ideal for digital painting and offers a range of brushes and features specifically designed for artists.
Clip Studio Paint: Known for its smooth, customizable brushes and user-friendly interface, this software is an excellent choice for digital artists of all levels.

Digital Tablets and Accessories

Wacom tablets, such as the Intuos or Cintiq, are popular choices for their pressure sensitivity, accuracy, and overall performance.
Apple's iPad Pro with the Apple Pencil is a more portable option, perfect for working on your abstract skull art on the go.
Consider investing in a tablet glove to reduce friction and accidental touch inputs while drawing.
Customize your tablet settings and shortcuts to improve your workflow and efficiency.

Digital Painting Tips and Tricks

Here are some helpful tips for creating abstract skull art using digital tools:

Start with a rough sketch to plan out your composition and lay down the basic shapes of your abstract skull.
Work in layers to keep different elements of your artwork separate, making it easier to edit and adjust later on.
Experiment with different brushes and blending modes to achieve a variety of textures and effects in your digital painting.
Don't be afraid to zoom in and focus on the details, but remember to regularly zoom out and view your artwork as a whole to ensure a cohesive look.
Take advantage of the digital medium's flexibility by trying out different color schemes, effects, and styles until you find the perfect abstract skull design.

5. Mixed Media Art

Mixed media art allows you to blend various mediums, techniques, and materials to create one-of-a-kind abstract skull pieces. This approach encourages experimentation, pushing the boundaries of traditional art. Let's explore how to select materials, combine different mediums, and find inspiration for your mixed media abstract skull art.

Selecting Materials

Consider using materials like paper, fabric, or found objects to add texture and depth to your abstract skull design.
Choose materials that complement each other and work well together, such as acrylic paint and collage elements.
Experiment with unconventional materials like sand, dried leaves, or even metal scraps to create unique effects in your artwork.
Remember that different materials may require specific tools and adhesives, so be prepared with a diverse set of art supplies.

Combining Different Mediums

Layer different mediums to create interesting visual effects, such as using watercolor for the background and ink for the abstract skull details.
Play with transparency by using materials like tracing paper or vellum to add a sense of depth to your artwork.
Try combining traditional and digital mediums, like starting with a hand-drawn sketch and then enhancing it in a digital painting program.
Look for balance and harmony between the different mediums, ensuring that no single element overpowers the others.

Finding Inspiration for Mixed Media

Discovering inspiration for your mixed media abstract skull art can be as simple as exploring the world around you. Here are some ideas to get your creative juices flowing:

Visit art galleries or museums to draw inspiration from other artists' mixed media works.
Explore different cultures and their artistic traditions, incorporating elements into your abstract skull design.
Turn to nature for inspiration, using organic shapes and textures to enhance your artwork.
Look for inspiration in popular culture, like movies, music, or books, and see how you can integrate those themes into your abstract skull art.
Challenge yourself with a particular theme or concept, and see how you can convey that through mixed media.

As you dive into the world of mixed media abstract skull art, remember to embrace the process and enjoy the journey of experimentation and discovery. Each new technique and material you try out will only add to your artistic toolkit, allowing you to create truly unique and captivating artwork.

If you enjoyed this blog post and are looking to dive deeper into the world of sculpting, don't miss out on the workshop titled 'How to Sculpt a Skull' by Andrew Joseph Keith. This workshop will guide you through the process of creating a realistic skull sculpture, helping you develop your skills and artistic techniques to create an impressive piece of artwork.