# Surreal Melancholy Paintings John Park Renders Gloomy yet Fascinating Illustrations By Kevin Young | Published 2012-04-16 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/paintings-by-john-park References: [sweet-station](http://sweet-station.com/blog/2012/04/john-park/) & [thinkspacegallery](http://thinkspacegallery.com/artists/bio/?artist=John) These paintings by John Park are subtle in tone, but still fascinating. Park's selective choice of bold hues, shades and texture permits his work to stand out, almost like the work of certain [graffiti artists](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/silent-echoes). This Los Angeles-based artist and teacher incorporates a fair amount of classical influences in the [pop surrealist movement](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/jeffrey-deitch-art-gallery). Park studied at the Rhode Island School of Design where he trained in [classical drawing, painting, sculpture](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/painting-exhibition) and anatomy; his aim is to attempt to revitalize the classical influences in everyday art. These latest illustrations depict expressionless subjects that project a lonesome feeling. All the faces are dull with only slight body language indications that leave viewers to interpret the meaning. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.6/10 - Popularity: 43% | Activity: 26% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/design) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Pop Surrealism Movement:** Exploring classical influences in contemporary art could spark a new wave of pop surrealism. - **Minimally Expressive Art:** Creating art that conveys emotion through subtle body language and expression could redefine the approach to minimalist artworks. - **Bold Color Scheme:** Using bold and contrasting hues in more figurative works could make them stand out in a time of subdued color palettes. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Fine Arts:** Incorporating classical techniques into modern art could appeal to collectors looking for something that straddles the line between traditional and contemporary. - **Education:** Teaching classical drawing, painting, and sculpture techniques could help revitalize the classical influences in everyday art and strengthen foundational skills for future artists. - **Graphic Design:** The subtle yet expressive elements in these artworks could inspire graphic designers to incorporate more emotion into their designs. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Realistic Sketch-Reflective Furniture](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/drawing-series.md) - [Human Duality-Themed Abstract Art](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/passive-aggression.md) - [Apocalypse Post Pandemic Art](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/contemporary-urban-art.md) - [Statement Street Art](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/surreal-street-art-1.md) - [Abstract Geometric Solo Exhibitions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/impermanent-state-of-being.md) - [Glamorous Artful Bronze Sculptures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sweet-jane.md) - [Forgotten Theme-Park Art Exhibitions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/forgotten-fantasy.md) - [Surreal Love-Themed Sculptures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/joakim-ojanen.md) - [Vibrantly Colorful Dynamic Artwork](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kayla-rumpp.md)