The transformation was pervasive and tangible. The touch of color and humour was uplifting. How did one artist come to have such a great effect on this tiny town?   

Yesterday I went to the small town of Tremona near Mendrisio Switzerland to do a quote for a potential customer. What I found there brightened my day!  

The beauty, color, humour and intrigue of the murals are palpable!

 Intriguing, Whimsical, Vibrant and Cheerful Murals Were Everywhere  

  As I walked through the narrow streets looking for my destination I was intrigued to see so many tiny murals in the "Trompe-l'oil" style. What was even more interesting is that many of them covered what would have otherwise  been mundane access panels to electrical or water services. Naked panels that would have detracted from the "antique" look of this ancient town have now been transformed into fitting features.

  "Trompe-l'oil" defined: 

• Is from French and literally means ‘deceives the eye’.   
• Visual illusion in art, especially as used to trick the eye into perceiving a painted detail as a three-dimensional object.    
• A painting or design intended to create a visual illusion.  

This piece, painted in 1988 covers an otherwise stark access panel!

This painting from 1991 is actually a sign pointing the way to the studio of another artist which is just down the lane.

    Who Was This Playful Artist? 

  Tazio Marti was born in Lucerne in 1947 and studied at the School of Artistic Industries in Lugano Switzerland. After graduating, he worked as a graphic artist in Basel and since 1976 he has devoted himself entirely to painting. He lives in the nearby town of Besazio and one of his specialties is "Trompe-l'oil" painting on the masonry and panels of private and public buildings.  

Tazio Marti has many other paintings adorning the village of Tremona and other surrounding villages. I will return to explore and enjoy them!

This playful painting done in 1993 adorns the small municipal office building of the town

This work of art is unfortunatley a little worse for wear.

This mural from 1995 once again features a cat! There were many real cats roaming the village!

  One Artist Has Beautified an Entire Town! Many Artists Have Beautified Steemit!

Yes one artist living and working near the town of Tremona has beautified it and given it a special character. Are we not thrilled to have many artists inhabiting the realms of Steemit? From painters, to sculptors, to musicians, poets, authors, photographers and cartoonists let's embrace and support these great contributors to our global village! 

Points to Ponder

• Do you enjoy the "Trompe-l'oil" style?
• Do Steemit's artists add beauty to our global village?
• Who are your favourite artists here on Steemit?

I hope that you enjoyed reading about how one artist beautified an entire town!

Until next time,

@kus-knee (The Old Dog)

Remember, I reward the best comment(s) on each of my posts with my "The Old Dog is Throwing You a Bone" program! So please re-steem and follow so that we can spread the wealth!