An introduction to the principles and techniques of trompe l'oeil and realistic painting. In this course students explore the skills and techniques for rendering a realistic image in oil paint. Course covers the history of trompe l'oeil and realistic painting, the basic concepts for rendering a trompe l'oeil and realistic image, preparing a canvas or panel for painting, setting up a color palette, underdrawing, underpainting and imprimatura, painting mass tones, penumbra or dark shading, developing highlights, detailing, oiling out and varnishing.