Advice from Other Experts:

The Virtual Remodel—What Could Be "Greener"?

By John Pugh

Trompe l'oeil, from French meaning to deceive the eye, is an artistic tradition that dates back to ancient Greece. It is a style of painting in which objects are rendered with photographically realistic detail, but they are also given the illusion of depth that no photo can quite replicate.

John Pugh is a master of architectural trompe l'oeil. By fully integrating his art into the architecture, he leaves the viewer wondering where reality begins.

"Effective space-creating art can offer a viable solution to building code restrictions, allowing maximum use of space—and perhaps creating a more interesting focal point than even real architecture can, while staying within lot-line limitations," Pugh says. "Collaboration between artist and architect is also a more fulfilling, site-specific means of meeting city expenditure requirements for public art, as it integrates with the architecture. On a residential level, trompe l'oeil, though not inexpensive, can often solve problems no architectural solution can.

"Although I wish I could say that collaboration between the artist and architect is always generated out of the simple desire to [add] more—like putting syrup on your pancakes—most of the time it is a function of need. Quite interestingly, though, these collaborative needs often turn into great accidents. As artist and architect bridge concepts, a synergy forms. We create a team more powerful than the individual. And with a happy client whose expectations have been met and exceeded, the topping on the pancakes is real maple syrup.

"While most of the time I respond to existing architectural settings, I have also had the opportunity to take part in the development of the architecture itself, modifying the design of the structure to marry the painting to the site. This bridge between art and the architectural can effectively erase the transition point between reality and illusion. The art thus becomes integrated into the real world of architecture and lends credibility to the illusion of the painting. Together, the sum is greater than its parts."

John Pugh's creative energy, easy manner, and ability to articulate the client's concepts into a singular solution for each site make him a favorite choice among private collectors as well as architects and designers who serve discriminating clients.

John Pugh's large- and small-scale murals are designed to meet exacting specifications and architectural requirements. Attention to detail from design through final installation is his hallmark. John's rare craftsmanship and custom pigments mean brilliant, archival colors—and easy maintenance.

Note: With the exception of the wood floor in the first image above, all the photographs on this page are of artwork on a two-dimensional surface. To see more of John's work, enter his website by clicking here.

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