OPTICAL ILLUSION ART CREATES MOVEMENT THAT APPEARS TO “TRICK” THE EYE

Op art is a style of abstract art popularized in the 1960, yet dates back to the 1938 with Victor Vasarely’s painting Zebras. Vasarely often used linear perspective which manipulates abstract forms creating a balloon effect. Linear perspective is said to have been invented by Filippo Brunelleschi, a Renaissance architect and sculptor in 1415. Op artist, Bridget Riley introduced the use of color in her optical art and is quoted as saying, “Focusing isn't just an optical activity, it is also a mental one.”

These optical illusions consist of converging black and white lines and shapes arranged in patterns that vibrate, shift, flash and warp as the viewer blinks or approaches the art. Op Art is interactive and visually kinetic. It has even made its way into neuroscience and was declared a phenomenon known as center/surround antagonism, explaining the visual effect of a black circle on a white background appearing darker than that same circle on a gray background.

There are talented op artist today creating realistic chalk drawings on streets around the world. Here some examples of street opt art on Pinterest.

Warning: Some Op Art can cause pain in the eyes or induce headaches (It’s a definite love/hate for me).

FURTHER READING:

Ludimar Hermann’s - Hermann’s Grid
“How To Use Your Eyes,” by James Elkins

Drawing and painting are huge stress relievers. Just think about the last time you were on a stressful call and you found yourself making swirly twirlies on a the back of an envelope. Maybe you doodle stick figures or flowers, it doesn’t matter because you were working the tension out onto paper.

Experiment with pencils, charcoal, pastels, markers, watercolor, acrylic, oil or finger paint. Mixing mediums is lot of fun and may just get the right amount of color or detail that you want. Colored pencils add detail and tonal value to marker renderings and watercolor paintings. It’s important to choose the proper paper for each medium and allow paint and markers to fully dry before adding another medium to the artwork. Choose colors and subject matter that you enjoy.

There are plenty of lessons, rules and “how-to” videos, but the best way to learn is by creating from your heart and trusting your instincts. Here are some of my abstract paintings along with a few portraits and a sketch. Love them or hate them, they were each created at different times in my life and I’ve gotten to a place where I see beyond the imperfections straight to how I felt during the process and of course, the completion. I hope this inspires you to get creative and surprise yourself with your hidden artistic talent.

OP ART

Drawing & Painting