# Toasty Charcoal Sketches Check Out the Dark and Edgy Artwork of Rene Almanza By Luisa Amanda Gomes | Published 2010-04-25 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rene-almanza References: [sweet-station](http://www.sweet-station.com/blog/?p=11517) & [renealmanza.net](http://www.renealmanza.net/) Artist Rene Almanza has created these [dark and ominous works of art](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/light-into-darkness) that I'm finding pretty intriguing. Almanza [only uses the color black](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ralph-pucci-pure-exhibition) in his works, adding an air of mystique to the images. The artwork is [heavily detailed](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wooden-sculptures-1); it's easy to tell Rene Almanza poured his heart into every aspect of his work. Much of Almanza's art resides in private collections all over the world--see more of his pieces at the links provided. **Implications** - Consumers in modern society look for designs that feature an edgier aesthetic. Products that contain a darker style appeal to those shoppers who want to stand out from the crowd. Companies could develop more items like this to increase their popularity. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.2/10 - Popularity: 22% | Activity: 6% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 30% men, 70% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Modern](https://www.trendhunter.com/modern) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Dark Aesthetic:** The trend towards darker, edgier designs in art and consumer products provides an opportunity for companies to develop products that appeal to those looking for an alternative to traditional design. - **Detailed Artwork:** The trend towards highly-detailed artwork provides opportunities for artists and companies to create unique products that showcase the artist's skills and stand out from competitors. - **Minimalist Color Schemes:** The trend towards minimalism in art and design allows for artists and businesses to create striking pieces using only a limited color palette, making them visually distinct and memorable. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Art:** The art world can benefit from this trend by encouraging artists to explore darker, more detailed works and showcasing them to interested collectors and buyers. - **Fashion:** The fashion industry can utilize this trend by incorporating darker designs in their products to appeal to consumers looking for a unique and edgy look. - **Home Decor:** Home decor companies can offer products with darker, more detailed designs that allow consumers to showcase their individuality and stand apart from traditional design styles. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Material-Exploring Industrial-Style Lighting](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/industrialstyle-lighting.md) - [Jet Black Dessert Concept](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/opaque-2.md) - [Digital Archetype Sculptures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/christian-rex-van-minnen-1.md) - [Raw Metal Design Shows](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nick-valentijn.md) - [Mineral-Inspired Furniture Capsules](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/renegade-neutrals.md) - [Realistic Sketch-Reflective Furniture](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/drawing-series.md) - [Street Artist Tequila Collaborations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gustavo-zermeo-jr.md) - [Artful Wooden Furniture Series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/knowledge-of-all-dark-things.md) - [Chamotte Stoneware Furniture Series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/alan-louis.md)