Trompe l’oeil
Trompe l’oeil is a French phrase meaning "to fool the eye", and it’s the name of an art-form which is all about illusion, subterfuge and fun. The technique involves using the laws of perspective to create an impression of depth on flat walls, and unlike an ordinary mural, the result is often so convincing it’s hard to tell just what is real and what’s fake. The idea is not new, in fact it was quite popular with the ancient Greeks, and with Roman muralists. Famous exponents of the art include 19th century still-life painter William Harnett, and muralist Richard Haas, who covered entire buildings in Chicago and New York City with trompe l’oeil.
In the garden
Up until now Australians used to wide open spaces probably haven’t seen the need for trompe l’oeil, but with urban consolidation and tiny gardens becoming commonplace, it has a very practical application. It’s a great way of making a small backyard look bigger. Imagine an open door leading down a flight of steps into a beautiful rose garden, or maybe stunning views that just go on and on, somehow conjured up from a flat, boring brick wall. Combining real objects with the trompe l’oeil, or including something personal belonging to the client, are ways of making the illusion seem even more convincing, as well as adding a little touch of humour.
The artist
Mark Geldard has been painting trompe l’oeils for over ten years, but says he is still learning the tricks of the trade. He showed Jim Pike some examples of his work at the Vittoria Coffee Lounge in Gladesville, NSW, and some of the tools used to do the painting, for example air brushes, sponges and water based paints. If you have some artistic ability, you could do your own trompe l’oeil at home, or you might prefer to leave it to the experts. Mark is happy to suggest ideas, and he can take images from books and magazines, or use photos, dogs, kids – the list is endless. Mark says that he loves helping people to achieve a look and feel that is complete fantasy.
The cost
Each job is different, and costs vary depending on the subject matter, degree of detail required and the amount of time needed for completion, but Mark says expect to pay from $400 upwards for a trompe l’oeil.
Trompe l’oeil specialists
Mark Geldard Painted Finishes, 138 Grosvenor St, Wahroonga, NSW, 2076.
Phone: (02) 9487 7554. Mobile: 0412 622 102.
James Blackie & Franca Crea, Aesthetics, 29 Newton St, Surrey Hills, VIC, 3127.
Phone: (03) 9890 9679. Mobile: 0411 149 009.
Wendy Parker, The Finishing Touch, 7 David Street, Alderly, QLD, 4051. Phone: (07) 3352 6457.