How to Paint Surrealistic Art

One of the most famous surrealistic painters was Marc Chagall (1887-1985). Another well-known surrealist was Salvador Dali (1904-1988). Surrealistic paintings are often unnatural and fantasy like with subjects and styling that express the mind in all its complexity. To paint surrealistic art you must be unafraid of self-expression.

Instructions

1. Study the paintings of surrealistic artists you admire. Use a journal to write and sketch as you think about the mood and emotions of the painting. Describe your thoughts using a stream of consciousness style and avoid editing yourself.

2. Keep a dream journal. Write down your dreams as soon as you wake up. Let the imagery flow and use vivid language in your descriptions.

3. Paint one of your dreams. Choose a scene from a dream that particularly moved you. It may be disturbing, silly, romantic. Start by sketching the images. Fill in with rich colors. Blend so that the painting is one fluid image.

4. Find a unique way of looking at concrete objects. Think about ways to change the visual world in your paintings. Alter your perceptions by asking questions about reality and conceptualism.

5. Paint your visions and dreams as often as possible. Focus on the idea you wish to convey. Create a detail oriented painting that is sleek and smooth. Look at paintings by Chagall and Dali to get a feel for the aesthetic of realism paint itself.

Tips & Warnings

• Freedom of expression is very important in surrealistic art. Don't censor your ideas, be judgmental or self-edit. Paint whatever comes to mind following the surreal style.