Illusions in Paint: Trompe l’oeil painting in acrylic with Alastair Gordon
Start Date: 11 Mar 2025
Time: Wednesdays @18:00 – 20:00 GMT | 13:00 – 15:00 ET | 10:00 – 12:00 PT
Duration: 6 weeks
Location: Online
Capacity: 20
Fee: £240
Interest-free instalment payments available with Klarna
Supported by Winsor & Newton

Course Description
This six-week immersive course invites participants to explore the captivating world of trompe l’oeil painting and its techniques. Participants will learn to create stunning optical illusions that transform flat surfaces into three-dimensional visuals. Through expert guidance and hands-on projects, participants gain essential skills which will enhance their artistic practice. This solid foundation will enable artists to realize their personal visions with precision and confidence.
This practical course is encouraging and supportive, and available to anyone with the necessary materials, a table-top to work on and access to Zoom. Session recordings will be automatically available for the duration of the course for absentees or those wishing to enjoy the class again. Key outcomes from Illusions in Paint: Trompe l’oeil painting in acrylic include:
- A comprehensive understanding of trompe l’oeil painting techniques, with a focus on quodlibet flat relief and key principles such as scumbling, woodgraining, and marbling.
- Proficiency in drawing and painting methods specific to creating illusions.
- Creation of original trompe l’oeil paintings that demonstrate acquired techniques.
- Confidence in using perspective, shading, and texture to enhance visual impact.
Illusions in Paint: Trompe l’oeil painting in acrylic is for:
- All artists
- All nationalities (sessions conducted in English)
- Age 16 +
Materials
Workstation
Paint Palette | Essential | The following are suitable; paint palette, ceramic plate, piece of glass |
Jars | Essential | |
Rags | Essential | For dabbing brushes and wiping up spills |
Pencils & pens | Essential | For drawing and sketching |
Drawing paper | Essential | |
Palette knife | Desirable | For mixing colours |
Apron | Desirable | |
Easel | Desirable | |
Faculty
Timetable & Guidelines
Tuesday 11 March 2025/ 18:00-20:00 | Introduction to Trompe l'oeil | Overview of trompe l'oeil painting: history, significance, and notable artists. |
Tuesday 18 March 2025/ 18:00-20:00 | Mastering Perspective | In-depth study of linear, aerial and flat perspective in art. |
Tuesday 25 March 2025/ 18:00-20:00 | Shading and Highlights | Techniques for realistic shading and highlighting to enhance three-dimensionality. |
Tuesday 01 April 2025/ 18:00-20:00 | Techniques for Creating Illusions | Demonstration of techniques for achieving realistic textures (wood, marble, etc.). |
Tuesday 08 April 2025/ 18:00-20:00 | Designing Your Own Trompe l'Oeil Artwork | Planning and sketching a personal trompe l'oeil project incorporating learned techniques. |
Tuesday 15 April 2025/ 18:00-20:00 | Finalising Projects and Showcase | Reflecting on the learning journey and sharing insights with fellow participants. |
Fee
£240
Instalment payments available with Klarna
Technical Information
Padlet
We use Padlet as our course interface. Once you register you will receive a link to your course Padlet. Here you will find all relevant course documents including TIMETABLE which contains the Zoom session links. You will also find your own column where you can upload images and documents. Here is a course Padlet sample.
Zoom
We use the Zoom platform for live sessions. You will find the link to each session posted in your course TIMETABLE on Padlet. There are two ways to access the live session:
1. Via the Zoom app
Before joining a Zoom meeting on a computer or mobile device, you can download the Zoom app here or here or here. Otherwise, you will be prompted to download and install Zoom when you click the Zoom session link on TIMETABLE.
2. Via Google Chrome Browser
If you are using Google Chrome, you will see a dialogue box inviting you to launch the Zoom app.
https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/articles/201362593-Launching-Zoom-from-a-web-browser
Zoom System Requirements
For Windows, macOS, and Linux:
https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/articles/201362023-System-requirements-for-Windows-macOS-and-Linux
For iOS, iPadOS, and Android:
https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/articles/201179966-System-requirements-for-iOS-iPadOS-and-Android
Register Below
- Any questions about this course? Please visit FAQs or email office@contemporaryartacademy.com
- Course full? Timings wrong? Join waiting list here
- Ready to enrol? Register above, save username & password, then hit SUBMIT to proceed to purchase
- Interest-free instalment payments available with Klarna