Trompe l'oeil workshop

This conspicuous technique originates in the 15th century from the encounter of the Italian perspective with the Flemish realistic paintings. As the meaning of the French expression clearly tells ("trompe-l'oeil"), its explicit aim is to "deceive the eye" of the observer.

The first unreal objects were actually painted on a wall and represented every-day-life things on a fictitious table or shelf. The trompe-l'oeil technique became more refined and elaborate later in the Baroque period, during which hunting trophies, perching birds, precious cabinets, game tables and several other sophisticated artistic objects were often painted for aristocratic families and rich merchants.

During this course students will be introduced to the study and analysis of the most celebrated artworks, by showing them the mastery and expertise in this technique of some famous painters. Afterwards each student will put into practice what he/she has learnt by creating his/her own trompe l’oeil work.

Consequently, the students' task will be challenging: they will have to take into account the natural size of the objects, make use of the perspective theories, consider the position of the observer towards the fictitious space, as well as create a tridimensional effect through the use of lights and shades.

Recommended Art material

For drawing
1 pencil HB and B2 or B4
1 rubber

For oil painting
3 o 4 canvas for oil (size 6, 8 o 10)
4 o 5 brushes for oil painting of different sizes
1 little bottle of linen oil
1 little bottle of turpentine
1 palette
Oil colours: 2 white, 1 lemon yellow, 1 deep cadmium yellow, 1 ochre, 1 natural Sienna earth, 1 burnt Sienna earth, 1 vermilion red, 1 carmine red, 1 emerald green, 1 deep green, 1 cobalt blue, 1 light blue, 1 black

Art material is not included in the price. Approximate cost: 50 Euro

Please note
If you do not have the material for your course do not worry, you can buy it on the first day of your course in an Art shop offering discounts to our students.