The journey of creating a surrealistic animal painting

Surrealism is a world where the rules of reality bend and imagination takes flight, which is why I love exploring it through my art. My paintings don’t just depict animals; they tell stories that uncover deep truths about our world—especially the ones often overlooked, like the fragile existence of endangered species. I wanted to share with you the journey behind creating one of these surrealistic animal paintings and how each piece comes to life in my small beachside studio.

Inspiration: it starts with a connection to nature

My creative process always begins with a connection to nature. Growing up in the Dutch countryside with a deep bond to animals has left a lasting impression on me. This connection fuels my passion for highlighting the lives of animals, particularly those that are endangered or deeply affected by human actions. When I start thinking about a new painting, I begin by researching an animal species that speaks to me—sometimes it’s because they are in danger, other times because they symbolize something larger about the natural world.

For instance, take my painting "Where Are We Going?", featuring three koalas in the shape of balloons connected by a thread to a blue heeler. The idea behind this piece sparked as I was researching the struggles of koalas, who move slowly and have difficulty adapting to a rapidly changing environment. I wanted to contrast their plight with the carefree existence of a domesticated animal like the blue heeler. This contrast brought a deeper question to my mind: Why do we prioritize our pets while wildlife suffers?

Brainstorming the surreal elements

Once I’ve chosen the animal, I start thinking about how to tell its story in a surrealistic way. The beauty of surrealism is that you can blend reality with fantasy, which allows the message of the piece to resonate on a different level. In "Where Are We Going?", the idea of koalas being depicted as balloons came to me as a symbol of their slowness and fragility. The balloons represent their struggle to keep up in a world that’s moving too fast for them. Meanwhile, the blue heeler running freely with the koalas attached by a thread speaks to the comfortable lives we provide for our pets, while wildlife faces extinction.

When brainstorming the surreal elements, I often think in metaphors. Each surreal feature must mean something in the story. For example, the thread connecting the koalas to the dog isn’t just a visual choice—it’s symbolic of the invisible connection between wildlife and domesticated animals, and how our decisions impact both in different ways.

Sketching and composing the artwork

Once I have a clear vision of the surreal elements, I sketch out my ideas. I love this part because it’s where everything starts to come together. The composition is crucial—I play with different positions, scaling, and proportions until I find something that resonates with the emotion and story I want to tell. I spend a lot of time figuring out how each element relates to the other, using my background in UX design to ensure the viewer’s experience is captivating and thought-provoking.

With "Where Are We Going?", the three floating koalas had to visually convey lightness, helplessness, and vulnerability. The blue heeler needed to feel grounded, secure, and unbothered by the fact that it's carrying these koalas along. Every brushstroke has intention behind it, as I make adjustments to balance both the surrealism and the narrative.

Bringing it to life with paint

Next comes my favorite part: bringing the painting to life with bold colors and thick textures. I love using impasto oil paints because they allow me to add depth and emotion to the piece. The textures make the animals feel alive, as though you could reach out and feel their fur or the cool air that seems to be lifting the koalas. The colors are equally important—they need to communicate the emotional tone of the story. For this painting, I chose vibrant yet soft tones to reflect the koalas’ innocence and the blue heeler’s casual comfort.

I’m always mindful of keeping the message visible and positive, even if the subject is serious. While the animals are facing hardship, I aim to give them a sense of dignity and resilience. Through the vibrancy of the colors and the texture of the paint, I hope to evoke both joy and a sense of urgency in viewers.

Wrapping up: the message behind the art

When the painting is finally complete, it’s always incredible to take a step back and see how all the elements have come together. Each surrealistic animal painting I create is not just about the aesthetic, but the message behind it. I want my art to resonate with people who care deeply about animals and the environment, to inspire action, and to remind us that we can do better to protect the wildlife we share our planet with.

Through my art, I strive to create not just a visual experience, but a connection to the world of endangered species and the environment we’re losing. I want people to feel something when they look at my work, whether it’s awe, concern, or even a sense of responsibility. Art has the power to change perspectives, and I hope my surrealistic animal paintings help viewers rethink how they engage with the world around them.

So, the next time you see one of my pieces, take a moment to ponder the story behind it. What does that animal represent to you? How do you feel about its place in our world? And most importantly, how can we, as individuals, make a difference for the creatures that need our help the most?