Art review: New takes on classical art forms in two Portland shows

BY JORGE S. ARANGO, PORTLAND PRESS HERALD

Trompe l’oeil painting dates to ancient Greece. In the 17th century, however, Dutch artists became especially adept at these sleights of hand (their trompe l’oeil still lives and portraits were, in fact, called “deceptions”). The English (Edward Collier, for instance) and French (Jean-Étienne Liotard) carried it into the 1700s.

John Whalley, who lives near Damariscotta, clearly reveres this genre. His skill is, frankly, astonishing. His work is so meticulously painted or drafted with graphite that textures of wood, leather, metal, grass, twine and pinecones take on a visceral presence. The illusion of three-dimensionality is thoroughly convincing.

Read the full review HERE.