Next Project: Dreams, Memories, and the Unconscious

For our next project, we will create an artwork inspired by a dream, daydream, nightmare, or memory.

Artists have been inspired by dreams and the unconscious for centuries. In the 1920s, an art and literary movement known as surrealism sought to release the creative potential of the unconscious mind. Surrealist artists combined images that were not normally seen together, also known as the irrational juxtaposition of imagery. They were inspired by the psychologist Sigmund Freud, who studied the mind, dreams, memories and human instincts.

Two famous surrealists were Salvador Dali and Rene Magritte.

Here are some artworks by Salvador Dali:

Here are some paintings by Rene Magritte:

 

Project requirements:

• Original, sophisticated concept that contains a clear character/subject and environment that work together to tell a story
• No copyrighted characters
• Realistic shading and texture
• Good craftsmanship and technical skill with your choice of pencil, colored pencil, or acrylic paint
• Balanced composition that fills the entire page and contains a clear focal point
• Displays and understanding of the principals of design

Today we will:

• Create a concept sketch for our dreams, memories, and the unconscious project
• Post any potential reference photos to our blog