Trompe L'oeil At Home

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Summary: An Illustrated History of Trompe L'Oeil
Review: This book is a photographically illustrated essay on the history and current usage of trompe l'oeil. Trompe L'Oeil at Home has its inspiring moments but is definitely not a "how-to" manual. There are no instructions or diagrams on how to achieve any of the paint effects or murals shown. Most of the photos are from grand settings (estate homes, museums) or are ceramic dishes, fashion shots, building exteriors, movie sets, or pictures of wallpapers and borders. Less than half of the murals and projects would be used in an average home. Thus the book's title is misleading. The photographs selected for this book are primarily formal but some smaller projects are shown (bathroom "window", kitchen "shelves" etc.) The "Window with a View" (p.126) and its companion painting (untitled, p. 180 and back cover of the dust jacket) are wonderful examples of trompe l'oeil in the home. I wish more of the book was like that. There are no murals or projects with children's themes at all. For its type, this illustrated essay is an average read. If you are looking for something to inspire you in your work within the family home, or if you are looking for a "how-to" manual, you'd best keep looking.

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Summary: Trompe L'Oeil at Home: Faux Finishes and Fantasy Setting
Review: While there are dozens of books available with how-to instructions for a relatively small number of trompe l'oeil painting projects, very few provide a wealth of images for inspiration to let you see the possibilities. This book fills that void with a wide variety of settings, images and finishes ... enough to make you want to grab those how-to books collecting dust and plan your next (or first) attempt at trompe l'oeil!