Tempe Center for the Arts Masters of Illusion: Unveiling the Mystery of Trompe L’Oeil Sneak Peek at the Artists and the Magic May 3 – Aug. 2, 2008

About the exhibition at Tempe Center for the Arts: The boundaries between trompe l’oeil and photo-realism can be confusing even for professionals. But, perhaps, the exhibition and these magicians unveil some of the mystery without giving away too many of the secrets. The majority of the 20 artists in the exhibition are from the Phoenix Metropolitan area. Thanks to the city of Tempe and the artists, educators, private collectors, businesses and local galleries who have made this exhibition possible.

Illusion: A deceptive or misleading image or idea. Trompe L‘Oeil: A French term meaning "trick the eye.“ Usually refers to two-dimensional and life-size art that looks realistic up close and from a distance. Photo Realism: Art that appears nearly photographic. Subject matter can be from life or from photographs and appear life-size or not.

“…trompe artists toy with spectators' seeing to raise questions about the nature of art and perception.”

Patrick Bailey, Phoenix “River Rock,” 48”x48” oil on canvas

Patrick Bailey, Phoenix “River Rock,” 40”x24” oil on canvas

Larry Charles, Peoria “A Couple of Extravagant Nature,” 18”x24” watercolor and oil

Larry Charles, Peoria “Goddess of Love,” 16”x20” oil

Craig Cheply, Tempe “X Marks the Spot,” 16”x24” acrylic on board From the collection of the Arizona Museum of Natural History

Craig Cheply, Tempe “Blind Assumptions,” 8’2”x12’6” acrylic on canvas

Donald Clapper, Scottsdale “War and Peace,” 16”x20” oil

Donald Clapper, Scottsdale “Yellow Rose,” 14”x18” oil

Tom Eckert, Tempe “Twisted,” wood and polychrome

Tom Eckert, Tempe “Gossamer Levitation,” wood and polychrome

Tom Eckert Studio process images

Suzanne Falk, Phoenix “The Day the Scissors Came to Bunnytown,” oil

David Gordinier, Mesa “Untitled,” 60”x48” oil

David Gordinier, Mesa “Untitled,” 38”x48” oil

James Gucwa, Pinetop “Berry Go Round,” 30”x36” oil

James Gucwa, Pinetop “Blue Fox,” 55.75”x38.25” oil

Clinton T. Hobart, Tempe “Encore,” oil on canvas

Clinton T. Hobart Studio Process Images

Peter Holbrook, Redway, Calif. “Morning at the Osiris Temple,” 28”x41” oil

Peter Holbrook, Redway, Calif. “Spearhead Mesa, West End,” 38”x61” oil

Jane Jones, Arvada, Colo. “Bella,” 33”x17” oil

Jane Jones, Arvada, Colo. “True Heart,” 23”x21” oil

Jane Jones Studio Process Images

Lorena Kloosterboer, Belgium and Scottsdale “Abuela’s Silver,” 12”x12” acrylic on wood

Lorena Kloosterboer, Belgium and Scottsdale “Abuela’s Silver,” 16”x16” oil

Ellen Murray Meissinger, Tempe “Search,” watercolor

Ellen Murray Meissinger, Tempe “Going Green,” watercolor

Ellen Murray Meissinger Studio Process Images

Cynthia Peterson, Phoenix “Table Autumnal,” 30”x40” watercolor

Cynthia Peterson, Phoenix “Purple, Green and Orange,” watercolor

Cynthia Peterson Studio Process Images

Robert Peterson, Albuquerque, N.M. “Three Apples in a Cellophane Bag,” 33.5”x41” pastel

Robert Peterson, Albuquerque, N.M. “Eggs in a Metal Bowl,” 33”x28.5” pastel

Ted Polomis, Marshfield Hills, Mass. “Bus Tops,” oil

John Schieffer, Avondale “Marbles and Numbers,” 10”x8” oil

John Schieffer, Avondale “Spectrum Jacks,” 18”x24” oil

Carol Shinn, Fort Collins, Colo. “Achilles Downfall,” machine stitched canvas

Ellen Wagener, Scottsdale “September,” 12” x 60,” pastel

Anna Youngers, Sioux Falls, S.D. “Momentos,” oil

Anna Youngers, Sioux Falls, S.D. “European Starling,” oil

Anna Youngers Studio Process Images