The Art of Illusion: A Trompe L'Oeil Painting Course

Rating:
Summary: Great for someone who's already an artist...
Review: ...While the murals in this book are absolutely gorgeous, they are very advanced. There's a lot of info on perspective, how to get it right, etc., and that chapter is golden. However, the how-to's on the actual painting, I feel, is lacking. The author paints movie sets for a living, if that gives you an idea of her skill level. I'm afraid I will shelve this book and pull it out only for inspiration, as it's not going to be something I can use as a reference other than to look at the paintings. A fabulous book for advanced mural-painters or artists looking for a new canvas, but too advanced for a beginner or intermediate.

Rating:
Summary: Great for someone who's already an artist...
Review: ...While the murals in this book are absolutely gorgeous, they are very advanced. There's a lot of info on perspective, how to get it right, etc., and that chapter is golden. However, the how-to's on the actual painting, I feel, is lacking. The author paints movie sets for a living, if that gives you an idea of her skill level. I'm afraid I will shelve this book and pull it out only for inspiration, as it's not going to be something I can use as a reference other than to look at the paintings. A fabulous book for advanced mural-painters or artists looking for a new canvas, but too advanced for a beginner or intermediate.

Rating:
Summary: Utterly disappointing
Review: A complete disappointment for the experienced artist - absolutely uninspiring as well. The projects are very basic and dull in content. I based my purchase on other reviews - there has to be better than this available! If you can't paint it may be ok - if you can, buy another book.

Rating:
Summary: This Book is a Fabulous Exercise for All Artists
Review: After reading countless books on the art of Trompe L'oeil, I just can't speak highly enough of this one. This book is marvelous! Ms. Shearer uses easy-to-understand steps and does a terrific job of giving hints to those of us trying to improve our perspective and other techniques in making our murals more realistic. Most importantly, it gives tips that assume anyone can paint, yet it doesn't assume you are in Kindergarten! I think this is the most comprehensive and easy-to-follow book ever written on the subject, and the talent she shares can improve any artist's murals - from beginner to the top professionals.

Rating:
Summary: This Book is a Fabulous Exercise for All Artists
Review: After reading countless books on the art of Trompe L'oeil, I just can't speak highly enough of this one. This book is marvelous! Ms. Shearer uses easy-to-understand steps and does a terrific job of giving hints to those of us trying to improve our perspective and other techniques in making our murals more realistic. Most importantly, it gives tips that assume anyone can paint, yet it doesn't assume you are in Kindergarten! I think this is the most comprehensive and easy-to-follow book ever written on the subject, and the talent she shares can improve any artist's murals - from beginner to the top professionals.

Rating:
Summary: More than I could have hoped for!
Review: I agree with the first two reviews. This book was more than I could have hoped for! I have also purchased several books on this subject. I have painted a number of murals in my home, but this book is so inspiring, I can't wait to start painting again. It may also give me the motivation I need to create murals elsewhere. The author shares lots of techniques with detailed explainations that many other books don't. All the murals shown in the book are very professional. There is something for everyone.

Rating:
Summary: Saw the author working on a piece and never forgot it
Review: I am SO pleased I ordered this book. Three years ago I was in England and attended an art supply show in London. Among the many vendors and displays, Janet Shearer had a booth set up, in which she was working on a huge panel depicting St. George and the Dragon. If the place hadn't been so crowded, I'd have stayed there ALL day and just watched her. I asked her about her materials, and she said she liked to keep it simple..and she used acrylic paints because there are far fewer concerns about toxicity and fumes. I have read a bit about tromp l'oeil and faux techniques and so many stress the use of oil based paints. I was pleased to see someone working (fantastically!) in acrylics. Shearer's use of color is rich and fascinating. I can only speak for myself, but I was mesmerized. Of the many souvenirs I took back from my time in England, one I kept track of was a small glossy piece of paper advertising Shearer's work. I had forgotten about it for a while, and actually purchased this book without realizing who the author was. When it came in the mail and I recognized a couple of the pieces, I practically danced around the room, I was so happy. I can't wait to start trying it myself. Oh, and I agree with all the positive comments by other reviewers. Shearer is terrific. If you want to appreciate and learn from the work of a master, buy this book.

Rating:
Summary: Saw the author working on a piece and never forgot it
Review: I am SO pleased with this book. I once attended an art supply show in London, and among the many vendors and displays, Janet Shearer had a booth set up in which she was working on a huge panel depicting St. George and the Dragon. It was mesmerizing to watch her work. When asked her about her materials, she said she liked to keep it simple...she used acrylic paints because there are far fewer concerns about toxicity and fumes. I have read a bit about tromp l'oeil and faux techniques and so many stress the use of oil based paints. Because the technique is so often used indoors, fumes can be a problem for some. It was great to see someone working (fantastically!) in acrylics. Shearer's use of color is rich and fascinating. She has both an educated and an intuitive use of color that brings her work alive. Her color and perspective advice are invaluable. She also has an unpretentious writing voice which made the subject very approachable.
I agree with all the positive comments by other reviewers. Shearer is terrific. If you want to appreciate and learn from the work of a master, buy this book.

Rating:
Summary: The Art of Illusion
Review: I cannot rate this book as I do not feel qualified. I was looking for something much more simple - very, very simple. This was to advanced for me such as the murals and En Grisaille technique etc. I do not feel it is for the beginner, but thats me - what do I know. (I am not looking to have my review posted, I just wanted to expess my views, however I will give it 5 stars as my message does not go through without a rating.)

Rating:
Summary: Brilliant Title
Review: I found this book very inspiring - it makes you feel that you can do it yourself and it is all written so that it will work for a complete beginner, whilst allowing you to use any and all knowledge you may already possess. Because of the book I did Janet Shearer's Trompe L'Oeil 1-week course in Cornwall and I have now begun work on a complete wall. She has a fantastic eye and her understanding of perspective is brilliant. Can't wait for the next book.