Trompe-l'oeil - To Deceive the Eye

become smaller as they recede into the distance but they also have a tendency to become cooler in colour. Mountains in the distance may appear bluish or mauve in colour. In Australia we have a mountain range called The Blue Mountains and this is why. Even bright colours, such as oranges and reds, will become hazier and lighter in the distance. To create the effect needed for absolute realism bold contrast is needed in the foreground and blended tones for the distance. If you are interested in following up any type of painting style or finding our about any technique you will find that Calli Soules presents excellent information on the About Directory.

Texture is the ability to make something look like it would feel if the viewer touched it. Many techniques are used  such as ragging, sponging, fresco, marbling, strie', crackle, stucco, stippling  to create visual effects.  The artist and create the illusion of  brick,  leather and  wood graining, reflections and many, many more. To see some examples of these techniques see Jeff Harper Artistic Applications; Painted Finishes.

Of course actual texture can be cast, carved and scratched into as well as built up onto the wall.

And so if the artist can create an illusion of realism, and place it into a completely different environment then the juxtaposition of space, place and time can create a feeling of surprise and wonder.  "Often I like to play with the art's context by contrasting these environments with another place and or time. This paradox or juxtaposition of environments transports the viewer from local reality into a new space. I also like to design the composition to unfold in layers so that the viewer may experience discoveries within the piece." Artists Statement John Pugh

I hope this article has stimulated some interest in this fascinating art form. I know that I have found a treasure trove of ideas to try. Let me know if you try out new ideas and would like to feature them in an article.

*I would like to thank John Pugh and Mark Gerald for allowing me the use of their Images.

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[1] Excerpted from The Oxford Interactive Encyclopedia. Developed by The Learning Company, Inc. Copyright (c) 1997 TLC Properties Inc. All rights reserved.

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[1] Excerpted from The Oxford

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