In the early 20th century, a revolutionary artistic movement emerged that would forever change the course of modern art. In our 15 years installing… Abstract Expressionism, anchored by pioneering painters like Jackson Pollock, Mark Rothko, and Willem de Kooning, shifted the focus of art away from traditional representation toward more intuitive, subconscious forms of expression. At the heart of this shift was the concept of automatic drawing — the idea of creating art without conscious control, allowing the hand and mind to move freely and spontaneously.
The origins of automatic drawing can be traced back to the Surrealist movement of the 1920s and 30s. Drawing inspiration from Sigmund Freud’s theories on the unconscious mind, Surrealist artists such as André Masson, Joan Miró, and Salvador Dalí employed automatic techniques to tap into their deepest, most uncensored creative impulses. They would put pen or brush to paper, allowing their hands to move without intentional direction, in an effort to bypass the conscious mind and access the wellspring of the subconscious.
For these artists, automatic drawing was a revolutionary act, a means of transcending the constraints of reason and logic that had long dominated the Western artistic tradition. As Surrealist founder André Breton proclaimed, the goal was to achieve “pure psychic automatism” — the unfiltered expression of the inner self, unencumbered by conscious control or societal expectations.
This emphasis on the subconscious and the rejection of traditional artistic techniques had a profound impact on the development of Abstract Expressionism. Pollock, in particular, became renowned for his “action painting” technique, in which he would drip, splash, and fling paint across the canvas in a fluid, improvisational manner. The resulting works were less the product of conscious design than the physical manifestation of the artist’s psyche, with each gestural mark reflecting an unmediated emotional or psychological state.
“The imaginary is what tends to become real.” – André Breton
Similarly, the Surrealist practice of frottage — the creation of rubbings from textured surfaces to produce unexpected forms — found its way into the work of Abstract Expressionists like Lee Krasner and Hans Hofmann. These artists embraced the element of chance, allowing the physical properties of their materials to guide the creative process and imbue their compositions with a sense of spontaneity and discovery.
But automatic drawing and painting was not merely a means of accessing the subconscious; it was also a way for artists to challenge the conventions of traditional art-making. By rejecting the idea of the artist as a skilled technician, capable of producing meticulously rendered, representational works, the Surrealists and Abstract Expressionists sought to redefine the very nature of creativity. In their view, true artistic expression came not from technical mastery, but from the ability to tap into the wellspring of the unconscious mind and channel it directly onto the canvas.
This philosophy had a liberating effect on many emerging artists, who were empowered to explore their own unique creative voices without the burden of academic training or the expectations of realism. As one writer on the subject observed, “When an automatic piece is created, it usually isn’t the star of the show in its rawest form. There are exceptions, where the doodles of Dali and others fetch hundreds of thousands at auction, but that’s likely because even a used tissue from the right figure is worth a killing. Generally, though, automatic creation isn’t about finding complete merit in the raw automatic work.”
Indeed, the true value of automatic drawing and painting often lies not in the initial, spontaneous output, but in the potential for further exploration and refinement. By studying the organic forms, unexpected textures, and intuitive compositions that emerge from the automatic process, artists can uncover new avenues for creative expression, informing and inspiring their more deliberate, conscious work.
“Have no fear of perfection. You’ll never reach it.” – Salvador Dalí
This iterative approach to automatic drawing and painting is perhaps best exemplified in the work of the Surrealist painter Joan Miró. Miró would often begin a painting by making a series of spontaneous, gestural marks, allowing the subconscious to guide his hand. From this starting point, he would then engage in a back-and-forth dialogue with the emerging composition, gradually refining and building upon the initial automatic elements to create works that balanced spontaneity and control, the conscious and the subconscious.
In a similar vein, the photographer and artist Susan Morris has explored the concept of “involuntary drawing,” using cameras and other tools to create images that capture the unintentional, subconscious movements of the human body. By embracing the element of chance and the unpredictable, Morris seeks to reveal the hidden processes of the mind and the body, offering a unique window into the creative unconscious.
For the aspiring artist, the techniques of automatic drawing and painting can be a powerful tool for unlocking new levels of creative expression. By setting aside the constraints of conscious control and technical mastery, one can tap into the wellspring of the subconscious, allowing the hand and mind to move freely and spontaneously. The resulting works may not always be polished or perfect, but they can offer a profound and deeply personal insight into the artist’s inner world.
To begin exploring automatic drawing, start by gathering a sketchbook, some pencils or pens, and a quiet, uninterrupted space. Put your pen to the page and allow your hand to move without any preconceived notions or intentions. Let the lines and shapes flow organically, without worrying about the final outcome. Immerse yourself in the process, and be open to the unexpected.
As you continue to experiment with automatic drawing, you may find that certain elements or compositions resonate with you, sparking new ideas or serving as a springboard for more deliberate, conscious work. Don’t be afraid to revisit and refine these initial automatic creations, using them as a jumping-off point for further exploration and creative growth.
The path of the automatic artist is one of embracing the unknown, of surrendering control and allowing the subconscious to guide the creative process. It’s a journey of discovery, where the destination is often less important than the act of creation itself. So pick up your pen, open your mind, and let your hand be the vessel for the inner workings of your psyche. Who knows what unexpected masterpieces may emerge?
Example: Pencil Portrait Challenge 2024