Over the years, I have painted and drawn a pretty good amount of images of doll heads. I enjoy using them as still life objects – usually just the head of the doll on its own. I’ve found some interesting ones at antique stores and thrift stores, and some have been given to me from friends who are aware of my affinity for them.
On left: painting study of doll head (oil on board) / painting tool caddy with misc still life objects
Why do I like to paint doll heads? It’s not necessarily because they’re odd or scary (I actually don’t think they are, really, but I know that many people do). It’s mainly because they’re relatively simple objects that have character and that I find interesting. They’re basically a synthetic cross between a potato, a basic sphere, and a human head.
On left: Drawing from life in graphite / On right: Drawing from life in Colored Pencil
Simple Forms and Lighting
I can use them to demonstrate simple forms for drawing and painting, and that information can be used to relate to drawing the human head and other objects especially in terms of light and shadow, and simple comparative measuring. I can light them from different angles, turn them in different directions to show how light affects the undulations on the form, and can even remove them from their bodies to do so!
On left: Doll Head Painting study (oil on canvas) / On right: a corner of my home studio
I have also painted directly onto the surface of the doll head itself to create interesting color choices in my paintings of them that otherwise might not be utilized aside from using colored gels when lighting them. Painting directly on them not only provides for various color choices, but adds varying textures and unique problems to solve because of this as well.
Small study of Doll Heads from life – oil on canvas board
Just like any other still life object, and unlike a living breathing human, doll heads can stay in one place for hours, days, even weeks, and I can return to paint them from life whenever I choose as long as the lighting and setup remain relatively constant. Because I can return to paint a doll head over the course of several hours or days, I’m able to take the time to study and observe as long as I want – and time and careful observation are key components to gaining a better understanding of something as well as leveling up on skill in representational drawing and painting.
Home studio window sill with studio buddies, Rey and Maz
Doll heads also take up very little space, and add personality to an otherwise straightforward shelf or window sill. I have a couple mannequin heads too, and those also make for interesting still life objects that are very similar to dolls and doll heads. I’ve used mannequins to drape clothing over for the study of folds, and sometimes have re-created setups using them to finish a composition that initially began with painting from a model.
On left: Doll Head in Wooden Box (oil on wood) / On right: Doll Head on Carburetor wearing Strainer (oil on canvas)
The doll head is basically a small and caricatured version of a human (usually baby) head. I enjoy painting portraits as well as still life, and this somewhat allows for a combination of both. As with any simple still life object, a doll head can be used when drawing or painting an image and needing a refresher with the subject of how light and shadow define the form simply by placing it under a light and turning it in space. I believe that still life painting in general is a great way to practice such aspects as brushwork, varying techniques, dexterity, and observation.
On left: Doll Head on Studio Lamp (oil on board) / On right: Skull on Doll Body (oil on board)
I like to use doll heads quite a bit when painting still life and a lot of times I also combine them with other objects to create different ways of thinking of a still life setup, and to give myself a challenge. Really, overall, I would suggest finding something you really enjoy looking at and that you think might be fun – or a great challenge – to paint. Look around – what do you see in your surroundings that you think would be an interesting object to paint or draw? Go set it up and start today – have fun!
Vanessa Lemen is an award-winning painter based in Carlsbad, CA, with works exhibited and in private collections internationally. Her paintings are layered in subtle allegory, with an explorative process that intertwines realism and imagination to depict humanity, metaphor and story. Her work has been published in the Illustrated Limited Edition books: The Left Hand Of Darkness by Ursula K LeGuin and A Scanner Darkly by Philip K. Dick, and is published in such art books as Spectrum and Infected By Art, and has been featured in articles in magazine such as American Art Collector, ImagineFX, and Poets And Artists. Vanessa is represented by Rehs Contemporary Galleries, writes monthly columns for the Muddy Colors blog, and is an educator who mentors privately, teaches classes online, and instructs at workshops across the US. Her work has earned her The Chesley Award and other awards in publications such Infected By Art, a Spectrum Award nomination, as well as Art Renewal Center’s ARC Salon, and participation in the International ARC Salon Exhibition.
Described through metaphorical imagery, it’s excerpts from her personal journey and reflection that she credits most as the inspiration for her work, and rolling with the unexpected as the very nature of her process. Much like the spontaneity of a dialogue, the marks on the surface are what evoke a response and then a discovery, and a possibility of something new to form. Each piece she creates seems to come from a chaos, and in it, she is able to create a place of reflection and curiosity, a balance of the deep-seated and the unknown, with areas of rest and of movement that intertwine to form a calm amid the chaos.
your painting doll heads are absolutely Fabolous. Want to learn new techniques in art work. This is a great inspiration for me. Anyhow, best luck for your future accomplishments.
oh haha! “infamous”, eh. It's funny because I do use doll heads as still life objects when I teach, but I always try to gauge the class, and how I think someone might be spooked by them and deterred from painting them. I don't see them as freaky, but I get it. That would have been cool to be in that Charles Emerson class! 😀
Mikkion15 Types of CompositionYour unique style and boundless creativity are truly inspiring! Eagerly await your next work! waiting for your next article.
https://briano88.files.wordpress.com/2010/01/orpen-reflections.jpg
This post reminds me that Sir William Orpen painted a kind of dolls head once. Its a Lovely painting and is hanging in a gallery in Dublin, Ireland. Very hard to find this image on the internet.
I've got to find some doll heads now. Loved the article and your paintings.
Really nice.
OmG I took the class Understanding Color from Charles Emerson; you just reminded me of the infamous 'baby doll head' final project.
OmG I took the class Understanding Color from Charles Emerson; you just reminded me of the infamous 'baby doll head' final project.
your painting doll heads are absolutely Fabolous. Want to learn new techniques in art work. This is a great inspiration for me. Anyhow, best luck for your future accomplishments.
That is a lovely painting. Thanks for sharing. 🙂
Thanks, Beth. You should! Hope you enjoy painting them!
oh haha! “infamous”, eh. It's funny because I do use doll heads as still life objects when I teach, but I always try to gauge the class, and how I think someone might be spooked by them and deterred from painting them. I don't see them as freaky, but I get it. That would have been cool to be in that Charles Emerson class! 😀
Thank you! So glad you're inspired to paint and learn new techniques!