10 Creepy Scary Drawings and Paintings That Will Give You Nightmares

There is a lot of incredible art in the world that celebrates how amazing and magical life is. But there are also a lot of dark and depressing artworks with just as big of an audience. These creepy scary drawings and paintings are what we want to focus on. You might think that’s a bit morbid, but many of these drawings resonate with our inner fears and nightmares. 

Art can be terrifying. It can be creepy. It can scare the hell out of you. This is why it is such a subjective form of expression. What you think is horrifying might be appealing to somebody else. Art that taps into your subconscious reveals a lot about who you are.

Throughout the ages, there have been some creepy scary drawings that are sure to keep you up at night. From Renaissance art to modern marvels, here are 10 drawings and paintings from accomplished artists sure to give you a nightmare or two. 

1. Picture of Dorian Gray by Ivan Albright

Ivan Albright, Public domain via Wikimedia Commons

This is one horrifying image. The painting is inspired by Oscar Wilde’s 1891 novel The Picture of Dorian Gray. In it, Gray sells his soul so he will never age, but his true reflection is captured in a painting that gets more grotesque as Gray indulges in his hedonistic lifestyle. This painting by Ivan Albright perfectly captures Gray’s disfigured appearance as he stands in a haunting room with what appears to be bloody hands. This is a horrific image you can’t help but look at. 

Fun fact: the actual painting appeared in the 1945 film adaptation.

2. Out Hunting for Teeth by Francisco Goya

Francisco Goya, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Spanish artist Francisco Goya is responsible for some truly horrible drawings. This illustration is no different. Taken from his famous “Los Caprichos” series of 80 drawings, this picture is something else. The drawing depicts a witch pulling out the teeth of a deadman to use for her magic potions. The deadman also happens to be hanging from the roof. Probably not a drawing you want your kids to see.