Julian Beever is a British artist based in Belgium who is known for creating paintings and drawings that appear to have dramatic dimension. Since the mid-1990s, Beever has been creating art using traditional techniques of trompe l'œil and anamorphosis to make them appear to have depth and dimension.
He is most well-known for creating detailed chalk optical illusions on pavement in public spaces around the world.
History
Beever uses a technique called trompe l'œil in his work, a traditional fine art technique that originated in ancient Greece and Rome. Trompe l'œil was so named and mastered by the French in the 18th century. To create trompe l'œil works, French painters used oil pants to create highly detailed, realistic paintings that appeared to have depth, either appearing to recede back into the canvas or pop out of it. During the Renaissance, wealthy aristocrats often commissioned artists to create trompe l'oeil murals of natural scenes in their homes.
Anamorphosis
Julian Beever's trompe l'œil work is created using a technique called anamorphosis, which creates the illusion of three dimensions on a flat surface. Creating successful anamorphic works is a complex process that requires a comprehensive understanding of fine art techniques, depth and shading. Generally, anamorphic works are drawn on a grid that allows the artist to sketch the object's dimensions before filling in colors and shading.
Mediums
While Julian Beever is most well-known for his chalk drawings on pavement, he has created works in several other mediums, as well. Specifically, he has created several wall murals (acrylic on wood paneling), oil paintings and paper collages.
Not all of his work demonstrates trompe l'œil and anamorphosis techniques; many of his oil paintings are classic realistic renditions.
Process
In Beever's chalk work, he uses a camera to project and manipulate his image onto the sidewalk or flat surface on which he is drawing. He outlines the image in white chalk first, then meticulously draws and shades in the image one part at a time. Some of this works can take as many as three days to complete.
Works
Julian Beever's work can be seen around the world. Some of his most famous works include "Politicians Meeting Their End" outside the Bank of England in London (1997); "Treasure Hunt," in Inverness, UK; and his "Swimming Pool," in Glasgow, Scotland.
