5 Tips to Craft Emotional Drawings That Evoke Feelings

Written by Daisie Team

Published on 10 July 2023 6 min read

Art is the language of emotions. A stroke of a brush, a flick of a pencil, or a splash of color can evoke a myriad of feelings. One of the most captivating forms of art is the emotional drawing. A well-crafted emotional drawing can tell a story, stir emotions, and leave a lasting impression. Here are five tips to help you craft emotional drawings that resonate with viewers and evoke feelings.

1. Tap into your emotions

Creating an emotional drawing begins with understanding your own emotions. It's about connecting with your inner self and channeling your feelings onto the canvas.

Identify your emotional state

Before you pick up your pencil, take a moment to reflect on how you're feeling. Are you joyful, sad, angry, or calm? Identifying your emotional state can provide a rich source of inspiration for your drawing. By channeling your feelings into your artwork, you can create a more authentic and emotional drawing.

Connect emotion to art

Once you've identified your emotions, it's time to translate them into art. This can be a challenging but rewarding process. If you're feeling happy, you might opt for a vibrant scene filled with light and color. If you're feeling gloomy, you might choose a darker, more somber palette. Remember, there's no right or wrong way to express your emotions. The goal is to create a drawing that reflects your unique emotional state.

Practice daily emotional art

Like any skill, emotional drawing improves with practice. Try to set aside a few minutes each day to draw. Use this time to explore your emotions and experiment with different art styles. Over time, you'll begin to notice patterns and trends in your artwork. These insights can help you refine your skills and create more impactful emotional drawings.

So, next time you feel a surge of emotion, don't just let it pass. Channel it into your art. You might be surprised at the powerful emotional drawings you can create when you tap into your emotions.

2. Explore color psychology

Color is a powerful tool in emotional drawing. Different colors can evoke different emotions, and understanding this can help you create more impactful art.

Learn basic color theory

Color theory is the science of how colors interact and how they can be used to evoke emotions. For instance, warm colors like red, orange, and yellow are often associated with energy, passion, and happiness. Cool colors like blue, green, and purple, on the other hand, tend to evoke feelings of calm, peace, and sadness. By understanding these associations, you can use color to enhance the emotional impact of your drawings.

Apply colors to express feelings

Once you understand color theory, you can start applying it to your work. If you want your drawing to evoke happiness, consider using bright, warm colors. If you want to convey sorrow, opt for cooler, muted tones. Remember, the colors you choose can set the mood for your entire drawing, so choose wisely!

Experiment with color combinations

Don't be afraid to experiment with different color combinations in your emotional drawings. Try using contrasting colors to create tension, or harmonious colors to create a sense of balance. Remember, art is a form of self-expression, so feel free to break the rules and use colors in unexpected ways.

With a solid understanding of color psychology, you're well on your way to creating emotional drawings that truly resonate. Remember, color is more than just a visual element—it's a powerful tool for conveying emotion and telling stories. So, don't be afraid to get creative and experiment with different palettes to find the perfect colors for your emotional drawings.

3. Master the art of storytelling

Storytelling is a vital aspect of creating an emotional drawing. A well-told story can evoke strong feelings, making your artwork more impactful and memorable.

Incorporate story elements in drawings

Just like a good book or movie, a captivating drawing often has a clear narrative. Think about what kind of story you want to tell through your art. Is it a tale of love and loss, a heroic adventure, or a quiet moment of reflection? Once you have your story, you can start incorporating elements such as characters, setting, and plot into your drawings. Remember, every element of your drawing should contribute to the overall story you're trying to tell.

Create dynamic scenes

Dynamic scenes can help bring your story to life. Try to create a sense of movement and action in your drawings. This could be as simple as showing a character running or as complex as illustrating a dramatic battle scene. Whatever the case, a dynamic scene can make your emotional drawing more engaging and exciting.

Use symbolism effectively

Symbolism is another powerful storytelling tool. Symbols can represent ideas, emotions, or themes, adding depth to your story. For example, a broken heart might symbolize lost love, a blooming flower could represent growth or change, and a storm cloud could indicate impending trouble. Be creative and thoughtful with your symbolism—it can add a whole new layer of meaning to your emotional drawings.

By mastering the art of storytelling, you can create emotional drawings that are not only visually stunning but also deeply moving. Whether you're telling an epic tale or capturing a quiet moment, a well-told story can make your art come alive and truly touch people's hearts.

4. Utilize body language and facial expressions

Adding life to your drawings is not just about creating dynamic scenes or incorporating story elements. Body language and facial expressions are equally important when it comes to creating an emotional drawing. They can communicate feelings and emotions that words can't.

Study human anatomy

Understanding human anatomy is key to accurately depicting body language and facial expressions in your drawings. By studying the structure and movement of the human body, you can create more realistic and expressive characters. You could start by drawing from photographs, anatomy books, or even observing people in real life. With practice, you'll develop an eye for the subtle shifts in posture or facial expression that can convey a whole range of emotions.

Practice sketching different expressions

Every emotion has a unique facial expression. Happiness might be shown through a wide smile and bright eyes, sadness could be a downturned mouth and teary eyes, and anger might manifest as furrowed brows and a scowl. Practice sketching a variety of expressions—this will help you create more expressive characters in your emotional drawings.

Observe and draw real-life people

Real life is the best teacher. Spend time observing people around you—their gestures, their mannerisms, the way they express emotions. Sketch them if you can. This will not only improve your drawing skills but also deepen your understanding of human emotions. As you gain more experience, you'll find it easier to infuse your drawings with real, palpable emotions.

By effectively utilizing body language and facial expressions, you can make your emotional drawings more relatable and emotive, stirring up feelings in the viewer and making your artwork truly unforgettable.

5. Infuse your personal experiences

Your personal experiences are a treasure trove of inspiration for your emotional drawings. They can lend authenticity and depth to your artwork, making it more engaging and relatable to your audience.

Draw from your life

Each one of us has a unique life story, full of diverse experiences. These experiences, both good and bad, shape us as individuals and influence our perspective of the world. By drawing from these experiences, you can create artwork that is deeply personal and rich in emotion. Whether it's a joyful moment from your childhood or a painful experience from adulthood, channeling these feelings into your art can make your emotional drawings truly powerful.

Incorporate your personal style

Even though there are many techniques and principles to learn in art, it's important to develop your own unique style. This style, inherently influenced by your personal experiences and perspectives, can become your signature in the world of art. Embrace your individuality and let it shine through in your emotional drawings. Remember, your art is an extension of yourself, and it should reflect your unique voice.

Once you've poured your heart and soul into your emotional drawing, don't hesitate to share it with the world. Each piece of art tells a story, and sharing that story can be a cathartic experience. It can also evoke feelings in others, create connections, and foster a sense of shared human experience. Remember, art is not just about creating—it's also about connecting.

By infusing your personal experiences into your artwork, you can create emotional drawings that not only express your feelings but also resonate with others, making your art a medium of emotional connection and communication.

If you want to dive deeper into creating emotional drawings that evoke feelings, don't miss Rory Duke Stewart's workshop on 'Drawing Compelling Expressions in Character Design'. This workshop will guide you through the process of crafting powerful expressions that bring your characters to life and make your artwork even more impactful.