Have you ever noticed how certain works of art almost seem to come alive when you look at them? Whether it is a painting of a windy hill, or a photograph of a whirling dancer, a still image is capable of producing the illusion of motion and movement. This illusion draws your eye throughout the artwork, almost causing you to feel as though you are inside of the painting or image.  

By utilizing a sense of motion and kineticism within an artwork, the artist is able to capture people’s attention and produce an artwork that is pulsating with life and energy. So, how does a visual artist or photographer achieve this illusion of movement? There is a vast variety of different techniques and mediums that can help create this illusion within an artwork. By utilizing elements such as line, shape, color, and composition, an artist is able to guide the viewer’s eye and create the perception of motion. In this article, we will explore a few of these fascinating techniques known as “illusory motion”. Let’s get started…