What is the difference between a mural and trompe l'oeil?

A mural is a large scale work of art that is commonly applied to a wall surface through the use of paint materials or plaster. Subject matter may vary, ranging from abstract expressionism to a realistic interpretation. In many regards a mural is a decorative finish to a surface. Though some artists are able to use the genre as a means for profound artistic expression. The murals of Diego Rivera are a testimony to the power and controversy of mural art.

Trompe l'oeil differs from a mural due to the fact that the trompe l'oeil is a philosophy or an approach to rendering as opposed to an actual composition. Trompe l'oeil translates from French meaning "trick the eye". The artist who successfully creates a trompe l'oeil image achieves exactly that result. Through the use of measured prospective, precise photo-realistic rendering, attention to light and shadow, as well as architectural knowledge, the artist is able to transform a two-dimensional surface into an implied three-dimensional image. Subjects can range from a small composition as displayed in still life to an entire wall as displayed by the interior trompe l'oeil compositions of Envirooments : Atmospheric Interiors.

Envirooments strives to utilize the concept of trompe l'oeil in every installation. To learn more about how the process of creating a trompe l'oeil composition, please proceed to the tutorial page for more information.

All pictures displayed here © 1995-2008 Sean McConnell
All web pages displayed here © 2003-2008 Sean McConnell

Problems with these pages? Contact the web master