Have you ever seen a face or figure while looking at clouds? If so, you have experienced pareidolia.

Pareidolia is the phenomenon of seeing faces, figures or other recognizable forms in random visual information. In this course we leverage this phenomenon into a creative drawing project.

The Process

You'll crumple, tear, and twist blank paper into random shapes. Then examine these forms for any signs of life—the same way you might look for shapes in clouds. Finally, you'll draw what you see, but not as crumpled paper. You'll draw these forms as if they were living figures.

Leonardo Da Vinci wrote: "Stop and look into the stains of walls, the ashes of a fire, clouds or mud. If you consider them well, you may find marvelous ideas." This project puts that wisdom to work.

What You'll Gain

Creative expansion - A completely novel approach to drawing that will expand your vocabulary of lines and marks

Technical challenge - Drawing believable folds and creases will improve your traditional drawing skills

Expressive balance - Learn to create drawings that are both technically convincing and creatively engaging

Self-discovery - Discover how your unique mind processes visual information and develops creative ideas

Who This Is For

Perfect for anyone wanting to become more creative or improve drawing skills. Some drawing experience is recommended but not required.

Different people see completely different things in the same pieces of paper. The question is: what will you see? What will you learn about your mind?

Materials needed: Paper and pencil.

If you are interested in developing your drawing fundamentals please check out the courses in The Drawing Laboratory.