FOOL THE EYE!

Trompe l'oeil (pronounced tromp loi') is a French term which literally means "fool the eye," "to trick the eye," or "that which deceives the eye." Therefore the Trompe l'oeil style of painting is creating a painting so true to life that it actually looks real and "fools the eye." In essence, a Trompe l'eil painting creates an optical illusion.

EARLY EXAMPLES

Examples of Trompe l'oeil can be found dating back to early Greek and Roman times. Artists might seek to add a little whimsey to a painting by painting a ladybug or other bug or item on the frame. Often, ceilings might be painted with clouds or tree branches to appear that the room has no ceiling but is open to the outdoors. A door or window complete with an outdoor view might be painted on a blank wall to create the illusion of added space. A truly good Trompe l'oeil artist must have a great perception of depth and perspection to achieve the desired results.

TRUE TO LIFE!

People have been known to walk around Trompe l'oeil paintings on sidewalks because they appeared so true to life. It might appear that someone has fallen, or that someone is working in an open manhole. Perhaps a part of the sidewalk has appeared to have collapsed or that there is a puddle of water ahead. A magazine or another item might be painted on a table so realistically that one starts to reach for it before realizing that the item isn't there at all. This is Trompe l'oeil.

IS IT REAL OR NOT?

Any number of effects can be created with Trompe l'oeil painting. Perhaps someone may appear to be standing along a stream of water with animals grazing in the background. We've all seen newspeople and others on TV with various backgrounds, perhaps tall buildings of a large city behind them. It is difficult to tell whether the background is the actual thing or Trompe l'oeil. It takes a great artist to create this effect.