Abstract: A method of making and exhibiting a decorative art work, particularly paintings or the like, wherein an outline of a desired design is first applied to a surface of a light transparent softenable substrate, such as a thermoplastic polymer. Portions of the substrate at the outline are thereafter softened through the application of heat or solvent and decorative materials, such as paint or reflective particles, are embedded within and encapsulated by the softened substrate to provide a design having depth of field and a substantially three-dimensional configuration when light is directed through the substrate from at least one direction.