Trompe l'oeil

Trompe l'oeil

          Last semester I got to experience the idea of trompe l'oeil first hand in my Scene Painting class. Trompe l'oeil literally means "to fool the eye", and it comments on creating a false three-dimensional perspective on a two-dimensional surface. As I think about the designs behind 3D printing, I question what makes an effective design that utilizes the printers capabilities? Thinking back on my work, layers were very important in developing an effective perspective. 

Laying down the base for a pattern was a very important step using watercolors to create a woodgrain effect. I worked on top of a hand-drawn design on a canvas.

After adding the base, I painted a stain over the base and began to accent the details to help make this two dimensional design standout.

I added highlights to bring out parts of the woodgrain that would catch sunlight, and other highlights that accented the darkened corners.

Considering the capabilities of 3D printing, I wouldn't have to think about highlights, but a good design should have visual appeal. I think texture would contribute to an effective design.