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For beginners to advanced.
In this course, you will learn how to create optical illusions in contemporary abstractions. It will teach you how to produce the trompe l’oeil effect (“deceive the eye” in French) in a non-representational painting - the “floating brushstrokes”. Optical illusions in art existed for centuries; the Great Masters during the Renaissance developed the techniques for impressive dimensionality in painting, paving the way for contemporary artists to reinvent and appropriate those methods for abstract art. Abstract illusionism is one of those new art forms of the 20th century.
How is it done? Masterful depiction of space in realism is produced by means of lights and shadows; the same means are used in abstract compositions. This type of Abstract art is pretty rare, like a precious gem. Artists who possess this wizardry are seen as almost magicians.
You will be introduced to several methods for how to play with the illusion of depth on a flat surface of canvas. Your teacher will demonstrate the “secret sauce” that makes it work.
You will learn -
This course is for
Week 1 (Class 1 & 2): First, you will learn how the illusion is created and create studies to practice each technique in your sketchbook.
Week 2 (Class 3 & 4): Paint an abstract piece on canvas.
Week 3 (Class 5 & 6): Add the optical tricks. Your finished painting is guaranteed to wow your viewers.
Get inspired! You'll do similar projects in class.
Frequently Asked Questions
All of our classes are online via Zoom. Our instructors and our students have fallen in love with the online format. Our students are getting incredible results from our online sessions: students attend more classes, make more art, are getting better faster, and still enjoy the benefits of in-person lessons like personalized feedback and a wonderful community, all from the comfort of their home.
Plus, no more traffic, lugging supplies back and forth, or trying to find parking. And now there are recordings of every session!
All live courses come with recordings unless otherwise specified. If you miss a class, you'll be able to catch up by means of the recordings. If you bought the individual course, you'll have unlimited access to recordings for a year.
If you're a member, you have unlimited access to our full recording library as long as you're an active member.
All live courses come with recordings unless otherwise specified. If you miss a class, you'll be able to catch up by means of the recordings. If you bought the individual course, you'll have unlimited access to recordings for life! This is the only course we offer where your access to recordings never expire.
If you're a member, you have unlimited access to our full recording library as long as you're an active member.
Each course has a specific supply list. Click here to see supplies for this course.
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