Customer Reviews

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

5 star:		(18)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

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.

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.

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.

This is a terrific book - very well thought through instructions, wonderful paintings from a very talented artist. I have just about all the books in print on this subject and this is among the best. Well worth the money.

After reading countless books on the art of Trompe L'oeil, I just can't speak highly enough of this one. This book is marvelous! Ms. Shearer uses easy-to-understand steps and does a terrific job of giving hints to those of us trying to improve our perspective and other techniques in making our murals more realistic. Most importantly, it gives tips that assume anyone can paint, yet it doesn't assume you are in Kindergarten! I think this is the most comprehensive and easy-to-follow book ever written on the subject, and the talent she shares can improve any artist's murals - from beginner to the top professionals.

...While the murals in this book are absolutely gorgeous, they are very advanced. There's a lot of info on perspective, how to get it right, etc., and that chapter is golden. However, the how-to's on the actual painting, I feel, is lacking. The author paints movie sets for a living, if that gives you an idea of her skill level. I'm afraid I will shelve this book and pull it out only for inspiration, as it's not going to be something I can use as a reference other than to look at the paintings. A fabulous book for advanced mural-painters or artists looking for a new canvas, but too advanced for a beginner or intermediate.

This book is a treat. In addition to the beautiful work which one immediately would like to copy, the author gives some basic details. Her color mixing pages are excellent and I wish there were more of them. I was also very pleased with the explanation of perspectives which can be tricky for someone who paints but doesn't draw well. Definitely a library keeper.

Some reviews say the book is to advanced and some reviews say it is not advanced enough. If you're looking for a book to teach you basic brush strokes and how to paint, this is not the book for you, some knowledge is required. If you have some painting skills and want to take it to a new level and paint murals, I found the book very helpful. I had very little painting experience but wanted to do a full room mural for my daughter's room. I searched and searched and could not find a book that met my needs. I got through it and did pretty good guesswork on the perspective but watching how items changed as I moved them around the room. This book would have been extremely helpful and saved me a lot of time and effort if I had it then. Even though I had finished that mural I bought this and it has been very helpful in doing my second mural which is far more complicated.

She covers several ways of doing things and gives tips on each technique such as how to transfer you plans to the wall. She covers all the basics: planning out the project, perspective, how to handle shadows, how to achieve depth and distance in background elements and the use of color. She talks about lots of tools and how to use them for different affects and what to do if you don't have them or want to invest in them.

I loved the examples and she had a good mix of projects in both complexity and range of styles. She explained how she got all the details in a simpler piece and showed some more complex ones later. I found her writing style and the details easy to follow and very informative. The book does not cover it all. It doesn't contain how to information for different faux finishes such as stone or brick or every detail of her examples. It does give the basic techniques use to create different affects used in her examples. I cannot speak for the experienced artist, but for me it has been a valued addition to my library. I found the information and exercises very helpful. I have recommended the book to others who have been interested doing what I have done.

I agree with the first two reviews. This book was more than I could have hoped for! I have also purchased several books on this subject. I have painted a number of murals in my home, but this book is so inspiring, I can't wait to start painting again. It may also give me the motivation I need to create murals elsewhere. The author shares lots of techniques with detailed explainations that many other books don't. All the murals shown in the book are very professional. There is something for everyone.

I just finished a 55 sq. ft. mural, (my third large one) and I took Jane Shearer's book with me every day for reference and technical support. Her wonderful color brews and sensible methods helped me make this my most successful project yet. This book is for people with some experience in painting and composition. Thanks, Jane.