![]() 6, 2020–Does photography accurately reflect the things we see? Or does it merely present illusions? Those are the central questions explored in an exhibition opening this summer at The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art in Kansas City. Now that you’ve learned what trompe l’oeil means, it’s time to see it in action! Dennis Crayon’s “That Which Was Once Whole” is on view at The Art League through January 2, 2017.Opens at Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art July 2020 ![]() Dennis Crayon, “That Which Was Once Whole” How to fool your eye Instead of popping out from the wall, these illusions rise up out of the ground, and they need to be viewed from just the right angle. And you’ve probably seen photos of crowd-gathering trompe l’oeil sidewalk chalk artworks. For example, these life-size security guard sculptures can make museum visitors jump. In other settings, trompe l’oeil can provoke a stronger reaction. In Wendell Castle’s famous Ghost Clock sculpture, what appears to be a clock draped in cloth is in fact a single piece of wood, partially bleached to complete the illusion. Ghost Clock, bleached Honduras mahogany, by Wendell Castle. Trompe l’oeil isn’t limited to painting, either. Crayon paints and sands many layers of gesso (a white, paint-like material) onto his panels before he starts painting. Regardless of the approach, a smooth surface is an essential starting point. “R is for Rose” by Dennis Crayon was awarded second prize in the “Flora & Fauna” exhibit. He starts with a photograph and plans out the composition in Photoshop before starting the painting. (Kirwin is known for painting murals, a common setting for trompe l’oeil because there’s no frame to give away the illusion.)Ĭrayon, this month’s solo artist, explained some of his process in our 2013 Q&A interview. This painting by Art League instructor Patrick Kirwin uses the texture of wood and attention to the details of light to create an illusion that would be at home in a carnival.Īrt League instructor Patrick Kirwin shows how he uses things like a turkey feather and plastic bag to paint marble in these videos. There are many tricks and techniques painters can use to fool the viewer. The composition is that of a classic portrait, as well: the figure is posing within the frame, not attempting to climb out of it. For one, because it’s monochrome, it doesn’t try to fool the eye the way a drawing or painting in color could. So, the above drawing by Wendy Donahoe could be described as photorealistic, but not trompe l’oeil. Nicholas, graphite, by Wendy Donahoe, winner of best in show in December 2012.
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