Have you ever wished there was a window or a shelf of treasures on that blank wall, or that you had a view of Venice through an arch — perhaps in your bathroom? Or a pot of ivy you never have to water, that looks so real your friends have to touch it? Well, why not paint it? This class is about painting illusions, or trompe l’oeil (pronounced tromploy) — French for “trick the eye.” 

You will learn techniques like shading, perspective and framing to make paintings that look like they’re real 3D objects or scenes — at least at first glance! We’ll use acrylic paints on canvas and thin boards and begin with simple projects. I will demonstrate techniques and share creative ideas to get you going — and will nurture your visions along their way to ... Voila! There will be plenty of reference materials (animals, windows, statuary, landscapes, topiary, etc.) to use for inspiration and realistic details. I will have templates to follow for those who aren’t sure of their drawing abilities but want to get painting. If you can dream it we will find a way to paint it. Over the sessions you may find you have time to paint just one mural on a canvas, or a variety of mini-murals — all portable to take home with you and attach to that wall!

Trompe l’oeil techniques have been used for thousands of years in mosaics and paintings all over the world. There is often an element of surprise and whimsy involved, which adds to the fun. What will you do?

There will be a materials fee and a list of things to bring from home

Meet your Instructor

Morgan Wright

Morgan Wright lives in Davis, California where she has painted murals in acrylics both residential and commercially in the greater Sacramento area since 1991. She has also taught elementary school and art classes to people of all ages. A highlight in her career was participating, on two separate occasions, in a mural painting class with internationally acclaimed muralist and teacher, Janet Shearer, in Cornwall, England. Her extensive world-wide travel and scuba diving experiences have added to the scope of her subject material. View Morgan's website: https://www.morganwright.net/the-artwork-of-morgan-wright