Decorative arts such as wall paintings have a long and fascinating history, from prehistoric cave paintings to contemporary wall finishes; the art itself has evolved from the primitive to the sophisticated. Among North Carolina art schools and academies that feature the decorative arts in their curriculum, TC Artworks Design Studio consciously focuses on faux finishing practices and techniques with our students.

There are few famous or distinguished methods of decorative arts more recognizable than wall murals. The wall mural is an ancient art form which still captures the imagination today. A mural is a wall or ceiling painting which lends itself to large scale representation. As an aesthetic painting, it is intended to be a decorative enhancement to the wall and often portrays historic, religious, or even whimsical themes or events. For instance, a European cathedral mural might extol the life of a saint, and an Egyptian tomb mural would record the exploits of a pharaoh! Decorative arts like wall murals have helped preserve history and immortalize heroes and villains for thousands of years.

In the caves of Lascaux, France (ca.15,000 BC)  and Altamira, Spain, are some of the earliest examples of the wall mural. The ancients recorded specific memorable events with breathtaking detail, including human and animal representation and depiction. The Egyptians and Romans decorated sarcophagi and temples, respectively, in the wall mural style, usually idealizing their subjects. The methods of fresco and tempera were the more common techniques used and are terms associated with the decorative arts form. Into the Middle Ages and beyond, artists have created magnificent frescoes in the world's famous cathedrals throughout Europe.  Beautification and decoration go hand in hand with history.

The most accomplished decorative arts muralists create architectural illusion through a technique known as "trompe l'oeil" (fool the eye). The careful use of light, perspective, and faux painting techniques create an illusion of depth upon a flat surface. This is one of the high points of decorative arts, and is still used today to grace interiors around the world.

Today's faux painters have learned from their predecessors. Modern technology has contributed products (eg. metallic paints, synthetic plasters and brushes) to assist the artist, but mastering the methods takes patience, determination, talent, and experience. Plain walls are transformed with amazing glazes, stunning marbling, and decorative arts textures. TC Artworks, as one of the North Carolina art schools and academies that focus on the decorative arts, can help students of all ages learn the faux painting skills and techniques that have created wall murals and other forms of "trompe l'oeil" for centuries.

We look forward to hearing from you with your questions or comments concerning the increasingly popular decorative arts. Please contact us for more information on our programs or faux painting services or for queries regarding decorative arts in general. We look forward to addressing your question about our North Carolina art school's faux finishing classes, services, and products, and involvement with the decorative arts in the 21st century.