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CANNERY ROW TROMPÉ L’OIEL

“Trompé l’oiel” means “eye deceiver.” Objects are painted with close attention to details and shadows to make them appear as if they are real. I know the elements are working when I’m tempted to pick up or brush away something I’ve just painted.

In this painting, I carefully chose and arranged objects to tell the story of Cannery Row in Monterey, California. I include references to the historic sardine fishery, John Steinbeck’s Cannery Row, and his character inspiration, marine biologist Ed Ricketts. I also added a review article comparing theories about why the lucrative sardine fishery suddenly collapsed—was it overfishing, or decadal climate change?

Trompé l'oiel painting of objects telling the story of Cannery Row.
Cannery Row. Student work. Acrylics on Crescent Illustration Board. ©2005 Fiona Martin

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