Surreal Scenery Guide

Purpose: This guide breaks down core techniques, step-by-step processes, and inspiring examples to help you craft your own dream-inspired, surreal landscapes.

1. Introduction

Surreal landscapes blend realistic painting methods with fantastical twists. In this guide, you’ll learn how to:
• Develop an imaginative concept
• Structure your composition
• Apply layering, glazing, and texture techniques
• Integrate at least two surreal elements that surprise the viewer

2. Materials Checklist

• Sketch Paper or Thumbnail Pads
• Full-size Watercolor or Acrylic Paper
• Paint Set (Watercolor or Acrylic)
• Brushes (various sizes)
• Palette & Water Cups
• Pencil, Eraser, Fine-tip Black Pen
• Composition Planning Sheet

3. Step-by-Step Process

Step 1: Concept & Thumbnails (15 mins)

• Review your dream memory or fantasy.
• On the Composition Planning Sheet, sketch at least three small thumbnails.
• Focus on perspective: foreground, middle ground, background.
• Mark two or more surreal twists (floating, unexpected scale, morphing objects).

Step 2: Underpainting & Atmosphere (20 mins)

• Transfer your strongest thumbnail to full-size paper.
• Create a light underpainting: broad washes to establish sky, land, water.
• Use soft gradients for a dreamlike feel; let colors blend organically.

Step 3: Building Depth & Texture (20 mins)

• Layer mid-tone washes to define shapes.
• Add darker accents under ledges or objects for depth.
• Use dry-brush or sponge techniques to suggest texture (clouds, rocks, foliage).

Step 4: Introducing Surreal Elements (20 mins)

• Paint one realistic area (tree trunk, rock formation) as an anchor.
• Integrate surreal features around it:
  • Floating islands or objects
  • Oversized mushrooms, melting forms
  • Transparent shapes revealing hidden scenes
• Adjust scale and color contrast to make surreal elements pop.

Step 5: Glazing & Final Details (15 mins)

• Apply thin glazes of complementary colors for highlights or shadows.
• Refine edges with a fine-tip pen or small brush for crisp details.
• Add subtle touches: tiny floating figures, glowing orbs, drips.

4. Technique Tips

• Layer Gradually: Let each wash dry before adding the next to avoid muddiness.
• Contrast for Focus: Use warmer or brighter hues on your focal point.
• Scale Surprises: Place large surreal objects in the distance to skew perspective.
• Texture Variety: Combine soft washes with sharp brush strokes to keep the eye moving.

5. Inspiring Examples

• Melting Horizon: A shoreline that drips like wax into a pool of color.
• Floating Ruins: Ancient columns levitating above a misty valley.
• Translucent Trees: Branches that reveal starry skies within their trunks.

6. Reflection & Next Steps

• Which surreal detail most changed the mood of your scene?
• How did layering affect the atmosphere?
• What new ideas will you explore in future dreamscapes?

Composition Planning Sheet

Use this sheet to plan your dream-inspired surreal landscape. Sketch thumbnail layouts, choose surreal elements, and note composition and color ideas before beginning your full-size painting.

Student Name: _______________________ Date: ____________

Dream Inspiration

• Describe your dream memory or fantasy in one sentence:

Thumbnail Sketches (3 Ideas)

Thumbnail 1

(Draw a small sketch of your first concept)

Description: What is happening in this scene? Include main objects and mood.

Thumbnail 2

(Draw a small sketch of your second concept)

Description: What surreal twist have you added here?

Thumbnail 3

(Draw a small sketch of your third concept)

Description: How does this layout guide the viewer’s eye?

Composition Zones

List the key elements placed in each zone of your strongest thumbnail.

• Foreground:

• Middle Ground:

• Background:

Surreal Elements

Select at least two surreal features to include in your final painting.

1. Element #1: ________________________________________

• How will this element surprise the viewer?

1. Element #2: ________________________________________

• How will this element change the mood or scale?

Color & Atmosphere Plan

• Primary Color Palette (sky, land, water):

• Accent Colors / Glazes (highlights, shadows):

Notes & Details

• What do you want the viewer to feel when looking at your dreamscape?

• Any special textures or techniques you plan to use?

Reflection Questions (Post-Painting)

(Use this section after completing your painting.)

• Which surreal element most changed the mood of your scene?

• How did your composition planning help guide your painting process?

• What would you try differently next time?

Gallery Share Prompts

Use these prompts to guide your peer feedback:

1. First Impressions: What catches your eye first in this artwork and why?

1. Composition Flow: How do the foreground, middle ground, and background work together to lead your eye?

1. Surreal Elements: Which imaginative feature stands out most? How does it affect the overall mood?

1. Color & Mood: How do the chosen colors contribute to the dreamlike atmosphere?

1. Technique & Detail: Identify one technique the artist used well and suggest one area for refinement.

1. Question & Appreciation: What would you ask the artist about their creative choices? Share something you particularly appreciate.