# Imaginative Childhood Illustrations Colwyn Thomas Depicts Surreal Images of Children Through Art By Jordy E | Published 2013-02-01 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/colwyn-thomas References: [mymodernmet](http://www.mymodernmet.com/profiles/blogs/colwyn-thomas-illustrations) & [colwynart](http://www.colwynart.com) Colwyn Thomas has created a [series of illustrations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/illustrations-ai) that are based upon the life of a young boy. The South African artist begins each piece by pencil. He then adds layers of color and texture via Photoshop and even coffee stains, providing them with a great sense of depth. Nature is as essential to Thomas' portfolio as is youth. His images depict large whales, tigers and birds, all of which interact with [children in an endearing manner](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/storyland-illustrated-personalized-ebook). These moments provide a look into a [surreal childhood](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/surreal-street-art-1) that is full of magic and exploration. This is consistent with his mandate, "The Whale is not so much a whale and a little human making separate observations of one another, but two…creatures sharing a moment." ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.3/10 - Popularity: 69% | Activity: 21% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial - Top markets: Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Customization](https://www.trendhunter.com/customization) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Surreal Childhood Imagery:** Exploration of surreal childhood experiences through imaginative illustrations presents opportunities for disruptive innovation in children's entertainment and storytelling. - **Nature Interactions with Children:** Depicting interactions between children and animals in illustrations opens up possibilities for disruptive innovation in wildlife education and conservation. - **Mixed Media Art Techniques:** Combining traditional pencil sketches with digital manipulation and unconventional materials like coffee stains in artwork offers opportunities for disruptive innovation in the art and design industry. ### Where This Applies - **Children's Entertainment and Storytelling:** Innovative illustrations of surreal childhood experiences can disrupt traditional children's entertainment and storytelling, offering new ways for engaging and educating young audiences. - **Wildlife Education and Conservation:** Illustrations depicting nature interactions with children can disrupt the wildlife education and conservation industry by providing unique and immersive educational experiences for children. - **Art and Design:** Exploration of mixed media art techniques in illustrations opens up opportunities for disruptive innovation in the art and design industry, pushing the boundaries of traditional art forms and mediums. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Transformative AI Art](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/drawings-alive.md) - [Whimsical Childlike Furniture Series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-eternal-child.md) - [Spectral Painting-Inspired Furniture](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/thomme-collection.md) - [Striking Urban Wildlife Art](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/clare-allin.md) - [GenAI Storybook Illustrators](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/storybooks-illustrator.md) - [Kid-Designed Sculptural Furniture](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/galerie-philia.md) - [Vibrant Interactive Digital Artworks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/interactive-digital-artwork.md) - [Creative Kid's Drawings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/joyful-outlines.md) - [Imaginative Pared-Back Art Supplies](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/woset.md)