decalcomania
Paper-to-surface technique
Decalcomania is the process of transferring designs from specially prepared paper onto surfaces like glass, porcelain, or metal—or the decorative result itself.
The technique produces decals.
In surrealist art, decalcomania refers to a method of pressing paint between surfaces to create random patterns, which artists then interpret or develop: Ernst used decalcomania to suggest alien landscapes.
Dada and Surrealism pioneer
- automatismInvoluntary mechanical behavior
- unconsciousNot awake or aware
- dreamscapeImagined realm during sleep
- RorschachProjective personality assessment
pareidolia · psychic · irrational · aleatory · biomorphic · imagination · subconscious · fantastical
Wet recreational chute
- stickerAdhesive-backed paper or plastic
- vinylSynthetic resin plastic
- ceramicFired clay material
- potteryFired clay objects
application · graphic · slide · skin · label · emblem · motif · apply
Move between locations
- blottingAbsorbing by pressing
- pressingRequiring immediate attention
- foldingBending something over itself
- impressionEffect on the mind
rubbing · brayer · burnisher · pressure · symmetry · smooshing · pulling · peeling
Max Ernst
Dada and Surrealism pioneer
- automatismInvoluntary mechanical behavior
- unconsciousNot awake or aware
- dreamscapeImagined realm during sleep
Rorschach · pareidolia · psychic · irrational · aleatory · biomorphic · imagination · subconscious · fantastical · evocative
waterslide
Wet recreational chute
pottery · application · graphic · slide · skin · label · emblem · motif · apply · cling
transfer
Move between locations
- blottingAbsorbing by pressing
- pressingRequiring immediate attention
- foldingBending something over itself
impression · rubbing · brayer · burnisher · pressure · symmetry · smooshing · pulling · peeling · spontaneous
decoupage
Glued cutout decoration art
scissors · cutting · glue · lacquer · crafting · handmade · embellishment · scrapbooking · furniture · decorative
symmetrical
Even on all sides
- mirroredReflected or duplicated inversely
- organicFrom living matter
- marbledStreaked with irregular patterns
veined · dendritic · fractal · natural · abstract · mottled · branching · feathery · cellular · random
decalcomaniafreehand drawing
Art made without guides
brushwork · impasto · wet-on-wet · calligraphy · sketching
decalcomaniaphotorealism
Art imitating camera accuracy
hyperrealism · technical drawing · trompe-l'oeil · hard-edge painting · draftsmanship