Trompe l’Oeil paintings coming to Gunnar Nordstrom Gallery

Published 10:32 am Wednesday, May 27, 2009

The Gunnar Nordstrom Gallery will offer new works by Northwest Trompe l’Oeil painter Bill Braun.

What initially appears to be an art project constructed by a third grader is in reality a painting of acrylic on canvas. The subject matter of cut out construction paper flowers and paper doll trees appear to be adhered by masking tape and staples to a crinkled background of brown kraft paper.

These are the tease that invites the viewer further. Upon seeing the work for the first time, the viewer can easily and immediately dismiss what he sees as what it “probably” is. “Of course it’s not a painting, because why would you paint it.”

Braun’s paintings will be shown from June 10 to July 5. A “meet the artist” reception will be from 6-9 p.m. Wednesday, June 10 at the gallery, 800 Bellevue Way N.E., Ste. 111.

The definition of the work and the likeness to real imagery is second only to the material itself. A second, third and frequently a fourth look is required to reassure ones self that what they are looking at isn’t really a collage.

It is difficult to explain the success of good Trompe l’Oeil and it takes an actual face to face experience to completely understand these paintings.

More information is available at the gallery at 425-827-2822.