The Art of Illusion: A Trompe l'Oeil Painting Course [Hardcover]

Janet Shearer (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 2000

This guide is a practical, project-based book designed to tackle all aspects of the subject of trompe l'oeil, from understanding how colour works and the rudiments of perspective, to scaling up and tracing the design onto a wall.

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

Translated from the French, trompe l'oeil means "deceive the eye," and The Art of Illusion by English artist Janet Shearer shows you how to paint trompe l'oeil murals in your own home. These illusionary murals are surprising "visual jokes" meant to deceive the viewer. As Shearer counsels, "The joke is only effective if you do it well." Projects range from smaller, more focused studies, such as an amusing trio of guinea hens perched above a doorway, to complex, large-scale designs such as a set of spacious, elegant arches that open onto mysterious rooms. You can create fabric or stonework impressions, and even employ trompe l'oeil effects upon furniture. Shearer covers design, perspective, preparation, and equipment before introducing techniques of mural painting. This book will prove a delight not only to interior designers, but to anyone who seeks the challenge of creating bold, imaginative visual effects in their own houses. --Mary Ribesky

Product Details

• Hardcover: 144 pages
• Publisher: North Light Books (August 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1581800975
• ISBN-13: 978-1581800975
• Product Dimensions: 10.7 x 9.4 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (22 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #983,469 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #82 in Books > Crafts, Hobbies & Home > Interior Design > Painting & Wallpapering

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

69 of 71 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars For anyone serious about becoming a trompe loeil artist!, February 22, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: The Art of Illusion: A Trompe l'Oeil Painting Course (Hardcover)

This book is the answer to my prayers! I own many books on murals, trompe loeil, acrylic paint techniques, etc. and nothing compares to what I have learned from this book. It's just like going to school to learn these techniques (which I have, by the way). I could have saved myself alot of time and money if I knew that this book was coming out. It covers everything, from colors to use, equipment, brushes, perspective, and paint techniques to how to plan out a trompe loeil mural. It's about time someone wrote a book that doesn't hold back any secrets. I had many questions even after taking a week long class and I think this book has answered all of them. If you are serious about becoming a trompe loeil artist (which I am) or you just want to learn the right way to do a trompe loeil mural in your home, this is the book for you. There are many photos of wonderful murals the author has done with step-by-step instructions. Have fun.

26 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Teaching a complicated process with simplicity, June 28, 2001

By 

Linda Lampman (San Diego, CA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Art of Illusion: A Trompe l'Oeil Painting Course (Hardcover)

I wouldn't call this just a book. It's more of an illustrated guide to walk you through each step of the creative and production process of creating a trompe l'oeil mural or design. Even for the accomplished artist, this guide has tricks of the trade that others may not know about. I found the text very readable and felt Janet Shearer and her editors had the end-user's need for simplicity and uncomplicated visuals in mind to get the concepts across, especially perspective. I really appreciate and enjoyed learning with this guide.

30 of 32 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant Title, March 27, 2001

By 

Val Gleave (London United Kingdom) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Art of Illusion: A Trompe l'Oeil Painting Course (Hardcover)

I found this book very inspiring - it makes you feel that you can do it yourself and it is all written so that it will work for a complete beginner, whilst allowing you to use any and all knowledge you may already possess. Because of the book I did Janet Shearer's Trompe L'Oeil 1-week course in Cornwall and I have now begun work on a complete wall. She has a fantastic eye and her understanding of perspective is brilliant. Can't wait for the next book.