Art of a Different Sort
by Helene LeComte

   There is a story from ancient Greece that two painters were rivals in a contest: Each would try to make a picture that produced a more perfect illusion of the real world. Zeuxis, painted a likeness of grapes so natural that birds flew down to peck at them. Then his opponent, Parrhasius brought in his picture covered in a cloth. Reaching out to lift the cloth, Zeuxis was stunned to discover he had lost the contest. What had appeared to be a cloth was, in reality, his rival’s painting.
   Sometimes called illusionism, trompe l’oeil is a French term literally meaning “trick the eye.” The fundamental goal of this type of decoration is to deceive the viewer into believing that they are looking at something which really doesn’t exist. If you live in a small space but dream of Tuscan hills, Caribbean beaches or the French countryside, this elegant technique will successfully transform small areas into spacious zones of luxury. Whether you choose to hang your art work on a wall, or paint it directly on the wall itself, surrounding yourself with art is food for the soul.
   Here is a sampling of non-hanging art ideas for your home.

Artist Jeremy Jones is able to give this small dining room an enormous feel with a mural depicting the great Florida outdoors.
Courtesy of Jinx McDonald Designs



This wine cellar door is surrounded by faux stone and grape vines, complementing the wrought iron overlay.
Courtesy of McGarvey Custom Homes



Niches are the perfect spot to paint a mural creating the illusion of viewing the great outdoors through an arched opening.
Courtesy of Artisan Wall Designs



Sleep in Venice or anywhere else you choose by painting a city-scape of your favorite destination.
Created by Stephen Muldoon



Design professionals use murals to connect and help transition areas that are otherwise disjoined from one another. Not only does the wall art bring the rooms in sync, but gives the vestibule a much bigger appearance.
Courtesy of Agostino’s Design Group



Trompe l’oeil is about illusion. This niche creates the appearance of looking out to a trellis-covered walkway outside of the home.
Courtesy of Weber Design



Painted faux stonework and six-pointed medallion blend perfectly to create an old-world look in this soaring cupola found in a McGarvey Custom Home.



Seiler Pianos offer the ultimate in customization. Anything from a picture of your family to your favorite work of art can be immortalized on the inside lid of your baby grand. Shown is a Seiler Solitaire Opus grand from Euro Grand Piano Gallery.



If your home lacks a proper spot to place a fine sculpture, or even if you lack a fine sculpture, you can call on an artist to create both on any wall. Both shown here are the work of artist Stephen Muldoon.



Is it real or is it an illusion? A little of both actually. Starting with the front of an old car, artist Brett Steeves created quite a conversation piece as this car crashes into this fun room. Courtesy of Somers Fine Art.





Don’t worry about the weather. Artists can put blue skies and chirping birds overhead regardless of the conditions outside. This coved ceiling was painted by Tim Parker from Artisan Wall Designs.



The Villa Venezia, a Marco Island Dream Home, is meticulously detailed as an authentic reproduction of a Tuscan estate home. And no 16th-century Italian country home would be complete without Cherubs above. Created by artist Stephen Muldoon