5 Practical Tips to Enhance Perspective in Surrealism Art

Published on 31 July 2023 5 min read

Play with scale and size
Incorporate visual pun
Experiment with light and shadow
Use juxtaposition
Employ metamorphosis

As an artist exploring the world of surrealism, you may often find yourself asking "how can I improve perspective in my surrealistic art?". Well, you are not alone in this journey. Many artists, from rookies to professionals, want to enhance their surrealistic perspectives too. This blog post will walk you through five practical and easy-to-understand strategies that will help you improve your surrealistic perspective and make your artwork more compelling.

Play with Scale and Size

One of the simplest yet most effective ways to add a touch of surrealism to your art is by playing with scale and size. This technique can create a dreamlike atmosphere that is both intriguing and captivating.

Understanding Scale and Size

When we talk about scale and size, we're referring to how big or small an object is compared to other objects in your artwork. In reality, a skyscraper is taller than a human, right? But in the world of surrealism, you have the freedom to flip that concept on its head — a perfect way to improve perspective in surrealism!

How to Play with Scale and Size

Start small: Begin by making minor alterations in the sizes of objects in your artwork. This could be as simple as drawing a giant butterfly resting on a tiny tree.
Take it up a notch: Once you're comfortable with small changes, try exaggerating the scale even more. How about a small city floating on a giant leaf?
Get experimental: Don't limit yourself to just increasing or decreasing the size of objects. Try creating scenes where size and scale are entirely irrelevant. Imagine a world where houses, humans, and ants all share the same size.

Remember, the only limit is your imagination. So, don't be afraid to experiment and see what works best for you. Playing with scale and size not only adds a unique twist to your artwork but also gives you a fun and exciting way to improve perspective in surrealism.

Incorporate Visual Pun

Another fantastic way to improve perspective in surrealism is to incorporate visual puns into your artwork. Just like verbal puns, visual puns can add an extra layer of depth and meaning to your art, making it even more fascinating.

Understanding Visual Puns

So what exactly is a visual pun? It's a kind of pun that uses images to convey a play on words. It can be a clever way to represent an idea or concept that goes beyond the obvious. The beauty of visual puns is that they can be as simple or as complex as you want them to be.

How to Incorporate Visual Puns

Brainstorm ideas: Think about common phrases or idioms that you could represent visually. For instance, you could illustrate the phrase "time flies" by drawing clocks with wings.
Make it relevant: Try to incorporate visual puns that are relevant to the theme or message of your artwork. This will make your pun not just entertaining, but also meaningful.
Keep it subtle: The best visual puns are those that are not immediately obvious. They invite viewers to take a closer look and reward them with a surprising twist.

With visual puns, you can make your viewers smile, think, and look at your artwork from a different perspective. They are a powerful tool for any artist wanting to enhance their surrealistic perspective.

Experiment with Light and Shadow

The play between light and shadow is a defining aspect of any artwork. Engaging with these elements can significantly improve perspective in surrealism, providing your creations with depth and visual interest.

Why Light and Shadow Matter

Light and shadow are the yin and yang of visual art. They work together to give your artwork a sense of volume and help establish the mood. In surrealism, the unconventional use of light and shadow can make ordinary objects appear extraordinary, thus enhancing the dreamlike quality of your work.

How to Manipulate Light and Shadow

Understand the basics: Before you start, grasp the fundamentals of how light and shadow work. Consider how light falls on various shapes, creating areas of light (highlight), shadow, and reflection. This knowledge will be your foundation when you start to experiment.
Distort reality: In surrealism, you're not bound by the rules of reality. Feel free to exaggerate or modify the way light and shadow behave in your artwork. For instance, you may choose to have multiple light sources or shadows that don't align with their objects.
Create contrast: Use light and shadow to create contrast and draw attention to specific elements of your artwork. Bright areas will naturally attract the viewer's eye, while shadows can add mystery and depth.

Remember, in surrealism, the only limit is your imagination. Don't be afraid to push boundaries and experiment with light and shadow to create truly unique perspectives.

Use Juxtaposition

Juxtaposition is a powerful tool in surrealism. It involves placing two or more contrasting elements side by side to create a striking effect. This method can greatly enhance perspective in your surrealistic artwork, making it more thought-provoking and visually compelling.

Understanding Juxtaposition

In the world of surrealism, juxtaposition is more than just a visual tool. It's a way to challenge viewers' perceptions and make them question reality. By positioning objects, ideas, or images that don't usually go together, you can create a unique, surreal world that triggers curiosity and introspection.

How to Use Juxtaposition Effectively

Choose your elements wisely: To create a powerful juxtaposition, carefully select elements that are starkly different yet have a surprising connection when put together. For example, a delicate butterfly perched on a rusty, old gear could symbolize the contrast between nature and technology.
Balance is key: Although your elements are contrasting, they should still create a balanced composition. One shouldn't overpower the other; rather, they should complement each other to form a harmonious artwork.
Think about the message: Juxtaposition isn't just about creating a visual shock. It should also convey a deeper meaning or provoke thought. What message do you want to send with your artwork? Let that guide your choice of elements.

Using juxtaposition in your surrealistic art will not only improve perspective but will also add layers of meaning that engage and challenge viewers.

Employ Metamorphosis

Metamorphosis, or the transformation of one thing into another, is a classic surrealism technique. It can lead to fascinating visual effects, and when done right, it can dramatically improve perspective in your surrealism art.

Grasping Metamorphosis in Surrealism

Metamorphosis goes beyond the simple concept of change. In surrealism, it can be an abrupt shift from one form to another, or a gradual process where one object seamlessly morphs into a completely different one. This technique can create a sense of magic, dream, or even discomfort, challenging the viewer's perception of reality.

How to Employ Metamorphosis Effectively

Choose your subjects carefully: The key is to select two subjects that are different enough to surprise but share some common attributes that can make the transformation believable. For example, the transformation of a blooming flower into a fluttering butterfly can depict the beauty of nature's cycles.
Smooth transitions are crucial: A successful metamorphosis relies on a smooth, logical transition from one subject to another. This doesn't mean the transformation should be predictable, but rather it should flow naturally to create a visually pleasing effect.
Convey a message: Like other surrealism techniques, metamorphosis should serve a purpose beyond the visual. It could symbolize growth, decay, cycle of life, or any abstract concept that resonates with you.

By employing metamorphosis in your surrealism art, you can add depth, provoke thought, and improve perspective, making your work captivating and unforgettable.

If you're looking to further enhance your skills in creating surrealistic art with unique perspectives, don't miss the workshop 'A New Perspective on Perspective' by Roberto Bernal. In this workshop, Roberto will take you through the techniques and thought processes required to develop an artistic eye for perspective in surrealism, helping you create even more captivating and imaginative artworks.