:"Visual deception" can open up space, solve a decorating problem, or create exciting objets d'art to enliven your home. With just a few tricks of perspective, shadow, and color, anyone can usetrompe l'oeil to change the appearance of furniture, ceilings, walls, or an entire room! It's easy, and you don't have to be a skilled painter to get fabulous effects; this basic primer guides you through all the materials; preparing surfaces; mixing colors; and the laws of perspective from background to mid-distance to foreground--even an aerial view. Beautiful projects include a projection of a window overlooking a park, extremely suitable for beginners; painted stones; decorative panels; and classical forms like arches and columns. You won't believe how fast you can get great results!

A how-to craft book that shows how to use simple stenciling, template and faux finish techniques to create trompe l'oeil paintings.

Beginners can try their hands at basic projects (some requiring only six steps to complete,) while intermediate decorators can take on more elaborate trompe l'oeil compositions featuring landscapes, drapery and architectural elements.Complete instructions show how to block out shapes, scale drawings, and use shading and highlighting to create three-dimensional effects. Readers will also find a techniques and materials section, as well as a template section with full-size, traceable patterns.

“An unusually good survey of the techniques for decorative trompe l’oeil....Projects...go from painted stones, to decorative panels, to classical forms like arches and columns...accomplished by projecting photographs on a wall, free hand, with stencils, or photocopies.”—Library Journal. “Supplies information on perspective, color, techniques, and architectonic and scenic methods.” —Booklist.

Offers step-by-step instructions for creating trompe l'oeil murals using stencils and includes advice on tools, paints, and stenciling techniques.

Takes the fear out of painting large murals by starting with the very basics. 11 step-by-step projects.

From the coauthor of the best-selling Handbook of Painted Decoration comes this advanced exploration of trompe l'oeil art and technique.