Trompe l'oeil

I transferred into West Valley's interior design program from UCLA Extension's, where I completed several studio courses. These classes were my first introduction to drawing/designing/painting anything of my own. It was fascinating to read about the history of trompe l'oeil and one point perspective after having worked with them so extensively in those classes.I do not have the means to show the one point perspective drawings that I did, but I do have some photos of my experience with trompe l'oeil.

One of my first projects was a "trompe l'oeil" piece... in a non-traditional sense?... We were to choose two paintings, with at least one color in common in the two. We could chose any pieces... a daunting task when you think about how much art is in the world! Then we had to reproduce the paintings, and cut them up (!) to create the effect that the image was changing as you walked by.

I chose two pieces that struck me by Edward Hopper-- House by the Railroad, and Railroad Sunset. I liked the idea that you were potentially seeing both sides of this railroad when you looked at my final piece.







Another time I was exposed to trompe l'oeil was in one of the history courses. We were to go around Los Angeles and find modern day examples of a variety of architectural things, and one was an example of trompe l'oeil. I took this photograph at the HSBC building in the downtown area. As you come up the stairs (from the subway?), you are met with a wonderfully painted ceiling! My photo is bit dark... I've included one of the closer/detailed shots as well... although the close up is placed pretty much above where I am standing.