Dramatic Doomsday Artwork

Brian Mashburn's Oil Paintings Series is Sombre and Surprisingly Serene

There is something uniquely dreamy yet eerie about this oil paintings series. The color palette used by Asheville-based artist Brian Mashburn is dark and moody and has a somberly sad feeling to it. When you look at the oil paintings series you feel that there is something trying to be said behind the apocalyptic style setting and foggy overview, but what it is is hard to say.

"My paintings are about accumulation and consequence, contrast and depth, narrative and observation," says Brian Mashburn.

What makes this artwork special and unique is the contrast found. With an utterly ominous and doomsday-like feel there is still hope and a serene sense of love felt from the animals Mashburn always adds to his artwork.

Dark Art Trend
Artists are exploring dark and moody color palettes to create dramatic and apocalyptic artworks.
Contrasting Emotions Trend
Artists are experimenting with creating a contrast of emotions in their artworks such as combining ominous and doomsday-like settings with serene and hopeful elements.
Narrative Depth Trend
Artists are adding depth and narrative to their artworks, telling stories beyond the surface level.

Industries Being Reshaped

Fine Arts Industry
Artists and galleries can embrace the dark art trend and narrative depth trend by showcasing works that play with contrasting emotions to stand out in the industry.
Home Decor Industry
Home decor businesses can incorporate art with contrasting emotions and narrative depth into their product offerings to appeal to customers looking for unique and thought-provoking pieces for their homes.
Fashion and Textile Industry
Designers in the fashion and textile industry can incorporate dark and moody color palettes and narratively rich prints into their collections to stay on-trend and offer something different to consumers.
SCORE
0.8 out of 10
GENDER
50% Men50% Women
MARKETTop markets: North America
GENERATION
  • Gen Z
  • Gen Alpha
  • Millennial (primary audience)
  • Gen X (primary audience)
POPULARITY
Popularity 14%
Activity 3%
Freshness 8%

Solutions for innovators working at the edge of change. We help transform emerging ideas into practical, durable solutions by combining strategic thinking, creative exploration, and hands-on execution.

Trends © 2026 Trend Hunter Inc. All Rights Reserved.
LinkedIn Instagram X