TROMPE
L’OEIL - “to
fool the eye”
is the art of specialty decorative painting
depicting real or fantasy settings to create the illusion
of three-dimension. It is truly an art of deception.
What You Can Expect When
PLANNING AND COMMISSIONING A TROMPE L’OEIL PAINTING
OR MURAL
Hopefully you will find this information
helpful if you are considering a trompe l’oeil
painting or mural commission for your individual environment.
There are many questions
and hopefully this will help you to understand the process.
Please keep in mind that every
project is different.
Consultation - The first
meeting is a review of the artist’s
work and discussion of the overall
objectives. Then the measuring and analyzing of the location
and surface of the project. If you
have specific ideas or referral photos, this is most helpful
to the artist to understand your
individual project desires.
Estimate and Contract - You will receive a detailed (plain
English) estimate describing the
type of work that will be executed, timeline and charges.
The contract includes details of the
project, deposit/payment schedule, and a full agreement between
you and the artist. You should
also be aware that because every project is unique, an estimate
is exactly that - an estimate.
There is no exact science for giving a “to the penny” estimate
or forecasting the exact amount
of time a project will take.
Development (Phase One) - Initial concepts are sketched
from photos or ideas supplied by the
client or are completely created by the artist. This stage
is considered the “guts” of the project.
It involves the composition and almost all visual elements.
Painting (Phase Two) - This is the fun part. If on-site,
seeing a work of art develop is a
wonderful experience. Especially when it’s for you.
We use environmentally safe, almost all
water-based products. When working on-site, the artist needs
full cooperation for privacy, so
not to be disturbed and to stay on schedule. Commissioning
an off-site mural, on canvas or
panels, avoids disruption to the artist, as well as your
home or business. This has become the
most popular type of mural commission because it is very
cost-effective. In contrast, it takes
considerably more time to complete an on-site project because
of the travel time that is billable.
A transportable mural on canvas or panel(s) requires separate
professional attaching. The
cost-effective element of an off-site mural should be considered
if you should ever decide to
move. This is a work of art. Otherwise, if painted directly
onto the walls, it becomes the next
owner’s to enjoy. Again keep in mind that the artist
is able to work undisturbed when not being
on-site and the project can be completed faster. These are
important factors that must be
discussed and agreed upon initially.
Pricing - This can be very subjective depending
on the following elements of each project.
First considered is the concept and composition. Next,
the size and location - meaning wall
height, ceilings, small or angled areas, outdoor, etc. Then
the construction element which
usually involves wall/surface repair and preparation. In
the case of transportable panels, the
constructing of the panels themselves. Supplies are per project
involving primers, paints and
possible building supplies. Travel is also another element.
In conclusion – the artist combines
all these elements when estimating a project.
Trompe l’oeil decorative painting is very different
from “fine art”. The artist does not simply
sit down at an easel and paint. The process is very in-depth
and physical. It is very personal
because it blends the client and their own environment. Comparing
a work of fine art from a
gallery to a trompe l’oeil work, is like night and
day. It is not fair to the artists to compare a
20”x24” framed oil to a 10’ x 10’ dining
room wall, when each is so different. All potential
clients need to understand the elements and the entire process
that validate the costs for this
type of commission.
While a gallery piece “hangs on a wall”, trompe
l’oeil “transforms the wall”.
Remember that you are commissioning
an “original work
of art”. This is an endeavor and
investment you should cherish for a very, very long time.
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