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
Peta Laurisen has created visual illusions and painted trompe l’oeil in her house and in her garden. The Burke’s Backyard team first visited Peta in 1991, but since then she has changed the illusions in every room as her visual concepts and techniques have developed.
Using the existing archway over the stairs to the central landing as a guide, Peta has painted two more arches, each the same size and shape as the real one. This has given the once pokey area a feeling of extra space, with marvellous views of parklands, manicured gardens, and mountains in the distance. These views are painted as if seen from a very high viewpoint, making the house appear to be of much grander dimensions. The floor on the upstairs landing is painted to look like black and white tiles, complete with a leopard skin rug. Peta has painted curtains behind a bed, which she says is great because they never need washing! Fresco finishes in the bathroom were achieved by painting onto damp plaster with lime paint. The floor has been painted to look like large sandstone blocks.
When her neighbours were planning to build a studio on the boundary of Peta’s garden, she asked them to cement render her side of the wall. She then set about painting an Italian loggia, or open-air room on the wall.
Peta Laurisen, Grand Illusions
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‘Creating Grand Illusions’ by Peta Laurisen, $75, Craftsman House (distributed by Thames & Hudson).