Presentation Type
Demonstration
Number of Presenters
1
College or University
Arkansas State University
Department
Art and Design
Faculty Mentor
Lydia Dildilian
Student Level
Undergraduate student(s)
Abstract
Trompe L’oeil is a term in Art History often associated with creating a painting so realistic that it tricks the viewer into believing it is real. Producing a Trompe L’oeil required extensive training in art academies, and historically, ownership of such works was limited to wealthy or upper-class individuals, as the craft was highly valued and expensive. This notion is present in today’s art world and raises questions about who can access and own art, and whether fine art is accessible to the public.
This context informs my demonstration, which explores new technologies in painting and sculpture that enable material-based Trompe L’oeil. The proposed demonstration will document my unique process for creating droplet effects on string and constructing large sheets of paper made from acrylic paint, referred to as paint skins.
The demonstration highlights the planning and ingenuity often overlooked within creative fields. It will showcase techniques, including a handcrafted metal jig designed to suspend the string, allowing spray paint to land and remain fixed, creating a Trompe L’oeil droplet effect. The large acrylic paint sheets, or paint skins, will demonstrate both the application process and the material properties of acrylic skins, revealing new possibilities for sculptural and painting applications.
Recommended Citation
Vanpelt, Sharline G., "Creating Your Own Way" (2025). Arkansas Liberal Arts and Humanities Day. 11.
https://arch.astate.edu/humanities-day/2025/2025/11
Creating Your Own Way
Trompe L’oeil is a term in Art History often associated with creating a painting so realistic that it tricks the viewer into believing it is real. Producing a Trompe L’oeil required extensive training in art academies, and historically, ownership of such works was limited to wealthy or upper-class individuals, as the craft was highly valued and expensive. This notion is present in today’s art world and raises questions about who can access and own art, and whether fine art is accessible to the public.
This context informs my demonstration, which explores new technologies in painting and sculpture that enable material-based Trompe L’oeil. The proposed demonstration will document my unique process for creating droplet effects on string and constructing large sheets of paper made from acrylic paint, referred to as paint skins.
The demonstration highlights the planning and ingenuity often overlooked within creative fields. It will showcase techniques, including a handcrafted metal jig designed to suspend the string, allowing spray paint to land and remain fixed, creating a Trompe L’oeil droplet effect. The large acrylic paint sheets, or paint skins, will demonstrate both the application process and the material properties of acrylic skins, revealing new possibilities for sculptural and painting applications.
