Reviving Psychedelic Art: Guide to Vibrant Visuals

Published on 18 July 2023 9 min read

History of Psychedelic Art
Tools and Materials for Psychedelic Art
Color Theory in Psychedelic Art
Creating Psychedelic Patterns
Drawing Psychedelic Figures and Shapes
Experimenting with Psychedelic Portraiture
Using Technology to Enhance Psychedelic Art
Showcasing Your Psychedelic Artwork

Imagine stepping into a world of vivid colors, swirling patterns, and mind-altering visuals. Well, welcome to psychedelic art! A resurgence of this art form is making waves in the art scene, breathing life back into the vibrant and captivating world of psychedelic art. Join us as we dive into the mesmerizing journey of the psychedelic art revival.

History of Psychedelic Art

Let's turn back the clock and take a peek at the origins of psychedelic art. It's an art form that has withstood the test of time, continuously evolving and leaving its vibrant imprint on every era it touches.

The Flower Power Era

The roots of psychedelic art can be traced back to the 1960s and 70s. This was an era marked by a cultural revolution—free love, peace movements, and of course, the exploration of consciousness. Artists began experimenting with bold colors and intricate patterns, distorting reality and creating a unique visual language that echoed the ethos of the time.

The Rise and Fall

Psychedelic art quickly gained recognition, adorning album covers, posters, and even clothing. However, as the cultural landscape shifted in the 80s and 90s, the popularity of psychedelic art began to wane. Yet, the seeds had been planted and the influence of this art form persisted, laying the groundwork for its subsequent revival.

The Psychedelic Art Revival

Fast forward to the present day, we're witnessing a resurgence of vibrant and mind-altering visuals in the art world. This revival isn't confined to just canvases and prints; it's expanding into digital art, animation, and even virtual reality. Artists are once again embracing the mind-bending aesthetics of psychedelic art, pushing the boundaries of creativity and visual expression.

So, what sparked this psychedelic art revival? It's a combination of renewed interest in the exploration of consciousness, advancements in technology, and a desire to break away from conventional art forms. This revival is more than just a nostalgic nod to the past; it's a celebration of the limitless possibilities of artistic expression.

Tools and Materials for Psychedelic Art

Creating psychedelic art is like crafting a visual symphony, and every artist needs the right tools to bring their creative vision to life. Exploring the vast array of materials available can be an adventure in itself.

Traditional Mediums

Traditional art mediums hold a special place in the realm of psychedelic art. The tactile experience of creating art with these tools adds a certain depth to the process. Some of the commonly used materials include:

Acrylic Paints: Known for their bright, bold colors and quick drying time.
Oil Pastels: Perfect for creating rich, vibrant tones and blending colors.
Markers: Ideal for adding intricate details and bold lines.
Watercolors: Great for creating fluid, dreamy effects.

Digital Tools

With the advent of technology, the scope of psychedelic art has expanded into the digital realm. These tools allow artists to experiment with a plethora of effects and techniques that can elevate their artwork to new dimensions. Some popular digital tools include:

Adobe Photoshop: Offers a wide range of tools for photo manipulation and digital painting.
Procreate: A digital drawing app that's become a favorite among iPad users.
Blender: A 3D creation suite that's perfect for creating psychedelic animations.

Whether you prefer the hands-on experience of traditional mediums or the limitless possibilities of digital tools, there's no right or wrong way to create psychedelic art. The key is to experiment, explore, and most importantly, enjoy the process. After all, the psychedelic art revival is all about breaking boundaries and pushing the limits of creativity.

Color Theory in Psychedelic Art

Color is the heartbeat of psychedelic art. It's the life force that pumps vibrancy into the veins of every mind-altering visual. But how exactly does one navigate the vibrant labyrinth of color? Let's dive into it.

The Role of Complementary Colors

Complementary colors, those that sit opposite each other on the color wheel, play a big role in psychedelic art. When used together, they create high contrast and a visually stimulating effect. Some common pairs are:

Red and Green: Think of a wild strawberry patch in the middle of a lush forest.
Blue and Orange: Imagine a mind-bending sunset over a sapphire sea.
Yellow and Purple: Picture a field of golden sunflowers against a twilight sky.

Pushing Boundaries with Neon Colors

Neon colors are the rebels of the color wheel, pushing boundaries and demanding attention. They are bold, bright, and unapologetically psychedelic. Think of neon pink, electric blue, or vibrant green. These are the colors that make your artwork pop and catch the viewer's attention.

The Power of Black and White

While psychedelic art is known for its vibrant colors, never underestimate the power of black and white. These two colors are the timeless classics of the art world. They can create a striking contrast, add depth, or even create illusions.

Understanding color theory is like learning the language of psychedelic art. It's all about experimenting and finding the perfect balance of hues that resonate with your unique artistic vision. Remember, the resurgence of vibrant, mind-altering visuals in the psychedelic art revival is all about pushing the boundaries of creativity and color.

Creating Psychedelic Patterns

Patterns are the rhythm to the melody of colors in psychedelic art. They keep the eyes moving, dancing from one point to another, and make the viewer's mind swirl with their complexity. But how do you create these patterns that are both intricate and mesmerizing? Here are some tips:

Embrace Asymmetry

While symmetry can be aesthetically pleasing, in psychedelic art, asymmetry often rules. It introduces an element of surprise and keeps the viewer engaged. Don't fear if your patterns aren't perfectly balanced — that's part of the charm. The psychedelic art revival appreciates the unexpected.

Incorporate Nature's Patterns

Nature is a goldmine of patterns, from the spirals of a seashell to the intricate lines of a leaf's veins. Drawing inspiration from these can add a touch of natural beauty to your psychedelic patterns, grounding them in the familiar while still exploring the surreal.

Experiment with Geometric Shapes

Geometric shapes can act as the building blocks of your patterns. Squares, circles, triangles, hexagons — each shape brings its own energy. Layer them, twist them, play with their sizes. The possibilities are endless.

Use Repetition

Repetition in patterns can create a sense of rhythm and movement. It’s like a visual echo — the same element appears again and again, creating a sense of unity and flow.

Creating psychedelic patterns is an adventure — a dance between order and chaos, symmetry and asymmetry, simplicity and complexity. It's what fuels the resurgence of vibrant and mind-altering visuals. So, go ahead, let your patterns tell their unique stories in your psychedelic art revival journey.

Drawing Psychedelic Figures and Shapes

Psychedelic art is not just about vivid colors and intricate patterns; it's also about the figures and shapes that leap off the canvas, taking the viewer on a mind-altering journey. So, how can you incorporate these elements into your work? Let's explore:

Distort Perspective

Psychedelic art is known for its warped perspective. Don't hesitate to stretch and skew your figures and shapes. This not only adds an element of surprise but also challenges the viewer's perception of reality — a hallmark of the psychedelic art revival.

Fuse Realism with Abstract

Integrating elements of realism with abstract shapes can create a striking contrast. Perhaps you could draw a lifelike figure and surround it with abstract geometric patterns. The fusion of these two art styles can contribute to the vibrant and mind-altering visuals that psychedelic art is known for.

Play with Scale

Scale can be a powerful tool in psychedelic art. You could draw a tiny elephant floating in a giant teacup. Or a colossal butterfly perched on a miniature tree. Playing with scale not only adds visual interest but also lends a dreamlike quality to your artwork.

Emphasize Texture

Texture can add depth and dimension to your figures and shapes. It can create a sense of touch and feel. So don't shy away from experimenting with different textures, from the roughness of a tree bark to the smoothness of a pebble.

Drawing psychedelic figures and shapes is a joyous exploration of the boundless possibilities of your imagination. It's what makes the psychedelic art revival so exciting and relevant in our times. So, let your creativity run wild and let your figures and shapes come alive in your psychedelic art.

Experimenting with Psychedelic Portraiture

Psychedelic portraiture is a fascinating sub-genre within the wider psychedelic art revival. Imagine capturing the essence of a person, not just their physical traits, but their energy, emotions, and psyche with vibrant, mind-altering visuals. Here's how you can embark on this unique artistic journey:

Explore Emotion through Color

Colors can be incredibly emotive. Bold reds can denote passion, cool blues can evoke tranquility, and vibrant yellows can symbolize joy. Use color to not just depict your subject's physical traits, but also to convey their emotional landscape.

Experiment with Symmetry

Often, portraits adhere to a certain symmetry— but who says you have to follow this rule? Experiment with asymmetrical features. Perhaps one eye bigger than the other, or a mouth that's slightly off-center. This can lend an intriguing, off-beat quality to your psychedelic portraits.

Consider the Background

The background of your portrait shouldn't just be an afterthought. It can be used to complement or contrast with your subject, or even reflect their internal state. Think of the background as an extension of your subject's personality.

Use Bold Strokes

Psychedelic art is characterized by bold, confident strokes. Don't hold back when it comes to applying your paint or ink. Bold strokes can add a dynamic, energetic feel to your psychedelic portraiture.

Psychedelic portraiture is more than just a physical likeness— it's about capturing the essence of a person in a way that's as vibrant and complex as they are. So, don't be afraid to experiment and push the boundaries. That's what the psychedelic art revival is all about.

Using Technology to Enhance Psychedelic Art

The merging of technology and art is nothing new, but it has taken on an exciting dimension in the psychedelic art revival. Harnessing the power of digital tools can breathe new life into your vibrant, mind-altering visuals. Let's dive into some ways technology can enhance your psychedelic art.

Digital Drawing and Painting Tools

Tools like Adobe Illustrator or Procreate offer a vast color palette and a variety of brushes. With these, you can replicate the effect of physical paint, or venture into new, digital-only techniques. The advantage? You can undo, redo, and tweak to your heart’s content.

3D Modelling

Programs like Blender or SketchUp allow you to create complex 3D models. These can be rendered into 2D images with an otherworldly, psychedelic twist. Think beyond flat canvases and explore the depth and dimensionality that 3D modelling offers.

Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR)

There's nothing quite as immersive as AR and VR when it comes to experiencing art. Tools like Tilt Brush let you paint in 3D space within a virtual environment. This opens up endless possibilities for creating and interacting with psychedelic art in new and exciting ways.

The fusion of technology and art in the psychedelic art revival isn't just about creating new ways to make art — it's about redefining what art can be. So why not explore the myriad of digital tools at your disposal and see where they take your creativity?

Showcasing Your Psychedelic Artwork

After you've put your heart and soul into creating a piece of psychedelic art, you'll likely want to share it with the world. But how do you get your artwork out there in the midst of a psychedelic art revival? Here's a guide to help you navigate the process.

Hosting an Art Exhibition

Nothing beats the traditional route of hosting an art exhibition. It allows people to experience your vibrant, mind-altering visuals in person. Find a local gallery that aligns with your style and ask about their submission process. Remember, every artist started somewhere!

Online Platforms

Why not take advantage of the digital age? Websites like Etsy, Redbubble, and Society6 allow you to sell prints of your artwork. Furthermore, social media platforms like Instagram and Pinterest are great for showcasing your work and reaching a larger audience.

Art Festivals and Fairs

Art festivals and fairs provide an opportunity to display your work to a diverse crowd. Look for events in your area that celebrate psychedelic art. Not only will this expose your art to potential buyers, but it also allows you to connect with like-minded artists and enthusiasts.

Remember, showcasing your art is not just about selling a product—it's about sharing a piece of yourself with the world. So go ahead, put your vibrant and mind-altering visuals out there and contribute to the psychedelic art revival.

If you're captivated by the world of psychedelic art and want to dive deeper into creating vibrant visuals, don't miss the workshop 'Expressing Your Unique Artistic Vision' by Michael Ryan. This workshop will help you unlock your creativity and guide you in developing your own unique artistic vision, taking your psychedelic art to new heights.