Dina Farris Appel
The Art of Trompe l'oeil
What is Trompe l'oeil ?
Trompe l'oeil (pronounced Trump Loy) is a French term meaning to mislead or deceive the eye. Trompe l'oeil is an ancient art form that creates the illusion of three-dimensional objects on a two-dimensional surface. First recorded in the 4th century B.C., Greek artist Apelles painted grapes that were so realistic, birds flew down and pecked at them! This intense, demanding, and time consuming style of painting relies on techniques such as masterful use of shadow, precisely calculated perspective, and smooth almost invisible brush strokes. Sometimes called "the brain surgery of art" for it's difficulty, trompe l'oeil painting is considered to be a rare form of art practiced today.
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Dina Farris Appel
Aloe and Chilis II
Original 30" x 24" - $3200
A lifetime in the arts has never been a question in the mind or heart of Dina Farris Appel. Drawing and painting from a very early age, she sold her first commercial illustration while attending the Laguna Beach Institute of Art, at the age of fifteen.
Growing up in the artistic community of Newport Beach, California strongly influenced Dina's talent and aspirations. She went on to receive her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Drawing and Painting from California State University Long Beach, and a Master's Degree from the renowned School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Upon graduation Dina turned her talents to the mural and decorative painting field and in 1995 started her own company, Dina Farris Appel Studios. Her expertise in the specialized field of trompe l'oeil (pronounced 'trump loy') led Dina's mural company to great success, with a client waiting list scheduled a year in advance.
Working now in her light-filled studio in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, Dina is consistently inspired by the abundant wildlife and natural beauty that surrounds her. She applies the same skills that made her mural business a success to the illusionary style of her fine art. These unique and very popular acrylic paintings combine a three dimensional effect, with lyrical design and vivid color, to create beautifully stunning results.
Dina Farris Appel
Sonoran Afternoon
36" x 12"
Original $1995
Dina Farris Appel
Chilis in the Round
Original 16" dia. - $1700
"I look for the unusual within the usual, the mystery hidden in the beauty and complexity of the natural world," says Appel. "I include depictions of nature's most stunning creations in all my paintings as celebrations of life's fragility and beauty. My paintings work at many different levels, drawing the viewer in and taking them to a new place--a beautiful place."
Dina's artwork is enjoyed throughout the world, in both corporate and private collections. In addition to a few select galleries you'll often find her exhibiting at fine art shows throughout the West. All of us at Spiritwind are honored to be included as we share the unique and gifted style of this remarkable artist and delightful woman.
Dina Farris Appel
Ladybug for Luck
Original 12" dia. - SOLD
Dina Farris Appel
Spring's Promise
Original 12" dia. - $1295
The intense, demanding and time consuming style of trompe l'oeil (meaning fool-the-eye) relies on techniques such as masterful use of shadow, precisely calculated perspective and smooth almost invisible brush strokes. It is an ancient art form that creates the illusion of three-dimensional objects on a two-dimensional surface. First recorded in the 4th century B.C., Greek artist Apelles painted grapes that were so realistic, birds flew down and pecked at them! Sometimes called "the brain surgery of art" for its difficulty, trompe l'oeil is the rarest form of painting practiced in America today, and Dina takes the style to completely new levels.
Please contact Spiritwind Art Gallery
by email or phone for more information.
928-821-1178
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