Trompe L'oeil ...

Welcome to the Decorative Arts Newsletter for April 1, 2004

April Fools Day! How appropriate for this month's newsletter topic!
Welcome to "Trompe L'oeil"...( Fool the Eye) !

Hello to all!
This month I wanted to present another "not used as much as it should be" way to decorate.
Trompe L'oeil means "fool the eye" and it seemed appropriate for today.

The dictionary defines Trompe L'oeil as:

Main Entry: trompe l'oeil
Pronunciation: (")tromp-'l&i, trOnp-l[OE]i
Function: noun
Usage: often attributive
Etymology: French trompe-l'[oe]il, literally, deceive the eye
1 : a style of painting in which objects are depicted with photographically realistic detail; also : the use of similar technique in interior decorating
2 : a trompe l'oeil painting or effect

As you will see, trompe l'oeil, deceiving the eye, is a fabulous way to add interest both inside and outside your home. A decorative touch that I see far less often than I would wish! Below are some examples of the use of trompe l'oeil. The possibilities are endless!

"A person who works with his hands is a laborer. A person who works
with his hands and his mind is a craftsman. But a person who
works with his hands, mind and his heart is an artist."

- Louis Nizer

This talented gentleman is painting a trompe l'oeil in a courtyard.
If you look closely, you can see the plain background typical of a new home.
Can you see how this courtyard will look when he is finished? Spectacular! Unexpected and very chic!

Details of a marble trompe l'oeil ceiling being applied to a marble shower stall. The ceiling now matches! The walls are real marble. Look at the way the artist is applying the colors.

A storage area under a stairway! Neat! You have to look closely at this one!

Is this an open door, or a closed one? ~smile~

This is unfinished, but you can see the way this will turn out!

On the left, a window, faux painted to become a garden trellis. On the right, a peek-a-boo window/door on a door.

Urns! What a magnificent addition to any home!
Trompe L'oeil instead of a picture. These were painted in show homes.

Not just for adults! Look at these children's rooms!
Another fabulous fool the eye. More than murals, they look real!

Now for the best part!

As I stated above, trompe l'oeil was once the realm of only the very wealthy, who used the canvases to create spectacular decor. And let us be honest, they were showing off their wealth and good taste! I know some fabulous faux artists and trompe l'oeil artists who would not even consider doing small projects like the urns. If they did, the cost would be out of sight. This gentleman is just as talented, just as good, and is new on the scene as far as an expanded market. For this reason, he is willing to lower the prices he charges. Similar canvases and more are available, custom painted just like the old masters did, and rolled up and shipped to you. They are applied the way they use to be many years ago. Wall paper paste. Almost any design can be produced and if you are concerned about applying it yourself, you can ask for help at your local paint store. Or you can stretch the canvas and staple it to your surface. This is one way to be sure you can keep it if you are renting.

As custom pieces, they are not "in stock". Each one in painted according to the customer's wishes and therefore, no prices are shown here. Please contact me for pricing and information on what you desire. Let your imagination go wild! He can do almost anything to suit your needs. As a rough guide, I would estimate $250 and up for urns, and similar sized canvases. It depends on what you want. These can be sealed for durability and will become family treasures. Email for any information or questions you may have. Order now, while prices are low!

I am not the painter. Wish I were this good! His name is Robert and his work is incredible! Order something extremely special for yourself or as a gift. Email soon before he is swamped! We are expecting a tremendous response. Excellent trompe l'oeil is much in demand, especially with these prices. What works with your decor?