Art & Soul Productions specializes in this specific style of illusionism, sometimes also referred to as quadrature painting. This style of painting incorporates the application of pictorial techniques (such as illusionary and aerial perspectives, foreshortening, etc.) in order to deliberately deceive the spectator into taking that which is painted for that which is real.

Decorative painting is any painting that serves to adorn or embellish a surface with design motifs, decorative accents, trompe l'oeil and/or painted faux finishes. Roberto can design beautifully detailed period friezes, decorative borders, or painted panels to match your existing decor and enhance any environment with exquisite ornamentation and subtle elegance.

"Trompe l'oeil is a French term meaning 'fool the eye.' This illusionistic style of painting is more than simply painting in a 'photo-realistic' manner; it requires a wry sense of humor and a strong understanding of composition, perspective, and, of course, drama. Decorative illusionism can be whimsical or elegant – but it is always intriguing. This style of painting really brings out the 'Magician' and the 'Trickster' in me." -RQ

Faux painting is the decorative treatment of a surface – antiqued, distressed, painted, gilded, glazed, stained, etc. Almost any surface can be adorned with simulated marbles, granites, malachites, semi-precious stones, or exotic woods—even tea or coffee stains, rusts, and oxidized metallics; dripped, chipped, and crackled paints; and fantasy finishes and textures: ragged, rolled, silicated, or bleached.

"The techniques of decorative painting are complex and require years of study and practice to master. Every project is unique and has its own set of design challenges. It is important therefore to have a strong grasp of the techniques and a deep understanding and knowledge of the materials — their limitations and their strengths — in order to transcend the 'merely decorative' project and reveal the expressive and artistic aspect of each piece. I've been doing this for nearly 35 years now and I am thrilled every time a new opportunity arises to try something new, or to solve a new visual problem." -RQ