Trompe L'oeil is the ultimate artistic fakeout.
Trompe L'oeil (English translation: deceive the eye) is a painting technique utilizing highlights and shadows. While definitely a challenging medium, it can be mastered by artists with either years of experience or those with significantly less technique. A painting in this technique is meant to literally fool the viewer's eyes into thinking there is more depth and dimension than what is really on the canvas. As long as one has sufficient training in things such as artistic perspective and texture, the resulting piece can be exquisite.
Training and Techniques
One should have a strong background in artistic perspective and subject texture before attempting a trompe l'oeil work. Further, and as suggested by artist Melanie Royals in her "Trompe L'Oeil Murals Using Stencils," try to complete a drawing class to master value contrast. This will allow the finished painting to appear far more realistic and polished.
There are several techniques utilized with Trompe L'oeil painting. One such technique is referred to as foreshortening, which succeeds in giving the image far greater space to a person viewing the piece from below. Many works by Dutch artist Johannes Vermeer utilized this particular technique. One other technique in this vein would be body painting. Artist Joanne Gair painted a picture of actress Demi Moore with this technique, and entitled it "Demi's Birthday Suit." The subject's body was naked except for a business suit that appeared to be covering it.
Suggested Painting Surfaces
Whether the piece is painted onto a canvas or on a panel is at the artist's discretion. However, as stated by Tracy M. Weaver in trompeloeilwalls.com, there are several benefits to each.
While some prefer painting directly onto canvas, this also must be properly mounted and stretched, which can increase how long it takes to complete the piece, as well as adding additional cost.
An alternative to canvas is to paint on an MDF (medium density fiberboard) board. As stated by trompe-l-oeil-art.com, this surface is desirable because of its inherent smoothness.
Painting an image in the Trompe L'oeil style onto an installable panel is useful when the picture is of windows or doorways. While the panel may cause its share of shadows, just by virtue of the moldings on the panel, the shadows may lend additional depth and dimension to the image itself.
Suggested Paints
As stated by practitioners on trompeloeilwalls.com, latex-based paints are suggested for this medium due to their reputation for versatility as well as their ability to hold color over a long period of time. Further, this type of paint tends to dry quicker than most others, and is easier to mix with different colors. Latex paints can be utilized on exterior walls as well.
Finishes
If the finished product is going to be outdoors for any length of time, applying a coat of clear finish is suggested. This will typically not alter the color of the piece nor will it change its reflective nature. If the finished product is not going to have feet all over it (sidewalk art) or will reside indoors, this extra finish is not necessary.
