Surrealistic Fineliner Illustration

A fish smoking a pipe, a leopard violin, a flying teapot, a banana canoe…they may seem like combinations of random words, but they’re actually the concept behind some of Redmer Hoekstra’s surreal illustrations. The Dutch artist’s method involves associating seemingly distant concepts to create works that defy your expectations and bring a smile to your face.

In this course, learn the techniques Redmer uses for drawing with fineliners, paying attention to the aspects that make a drawing lifelike. Discover a series of associative thinking exercises that will help you design and create a surreal drawing.

Start the course by getting to know Redmer, how he became an artist, his influences, and what he most enjoys about their work. Get an overview of the course’s content before continuing onto the preparation of your final project.

Learn different techniques to start familiarizing yourself with fineliners. Redmer teaches you some basics about working with light, shadows, and structures that will be helpful in the creation of your final drawing. Then, get some tips on how you can correct minor mistakes.

Learn Redmer’s unique process for coming up with ideas and explore his creative methods for creating a surreal drawing from beginning to end. Create your drawing in pencil before using fineliners to add the finishing touches.

After your piece is finished, Redmer will show you the best ways to present it. Learn how to digitize your work to share on social media and how to frame it so it stays protected from the elements.

Create a surrealistic fineliner drawing combining an animal with an object.

This course is for anyone with an interest in drawing who would like to learn more and improve their existing skills.

Some drawing experience is necessary to take this course.

As for materials, you need a Staedtler pigment liner (0.1. and 0.3), a mechanical pencil (0.5), an eraser, and some reference material like books, magazines, or even online resources.