There’s no need to feel bad if all you can draw are stick figures and imperfect circles. Being good at art takes years of study and practice, and even professionals have days where their art comes out looking less-than-ideal. But once you master perspective, lighting, and color values, it all pays off.

These 12 3D art pieces are shining examples of that, so let’s take a look and admire them in all their glory.

1. When did this cave get here?

And now the masters show us how it’s done! Edgard Mueller is a seasoned expert at perspective. One of the fundamentals of perspective is to make sure the values are darker as they get close to the foreground and lighter towards the back. It sounds simple on paper, but putting it into practice is a whole other story. Nonetheless, Edgard pulls it off flawlessly.

2. Waterfall in the streets

Another remarkably good piece from Edgard Mueller once again. His ability to render the foaming of the water is extraordinary, much like everything else he makes.

3. I hope the smell isn’t as realistic

Most 3d art involves rendering something or pleasant. It’s time to put a spin on things and throw something disgusting into the mix! Artists Joe Hill and Max Lowry give us this wonderfully rendered manhole complete with sewer rats and sludge. Note the lighting on the man hole’s lid giving the illusion that it’s actually close enough for someone to hold.

4. “I want pictures of Spider-Man!”

Sorry to keep your inner John Jonah Jameson waiting, so here’s a fantastic piece from Kurt Wenner of the spectacular, memorable and, above all – amazing, Spider-Man. Although we’re not sure if you could submit this photo to the Daily Bugle.

5. I can’t even tell which bits of this are real and which ones are chalk.

Pierre Delavie presents this spectacular, 1:1 rendering of some buildings in France. It looks obvious as an illustration right now thanks to the mismatching skies, but imagine if the time of day was right. Would you know this was a drawing?

6. Concrete jungle, dude, not literal jungle!

The tiger, or Panthera tigris, is one of everyone’s favorite wild animals. Artist Nikolaj Arndt does justice to it, in addition to nailing the 3d effect. Tigers are endangered much like other big cats, so it’s great that there are artists like this reminding us what we should work to save.

7. It’s not who I am underneath, but what I draw that defines me

The cinematography of Christopher Nolan’s Dark Knight Trilogy was pure era-defining imagery. Thus, it’s only natural that artists love recreating and capturing its iconic shots and imagery in their artworks.

8. Taking ads to a new level

Joel Hill and Maw Lowry, who you may remember as the artists behind the spectacular sewer hole piece a while ago, have way more mind-blowing 3D illustrations on their Tumblr. This one seems to have been a commission by Lacoste, or maybe they just really like the brand. Who knows?

9. What goes Up must come down

https://www.instagram.com/p/zxTDtTgizs/

Jeez, Mr. Frederickson’s house has sure seen better days. Try guessing which parts of this are drawn and which ones are actually the house. Not so easy, huh? Ciaran Brennan is one skilled artist and this is just a small taste of what he can do.

10. I wouldn’t try kissing that if I were you

Lily Pads for two, please. The frog is rendered spectacularly, but the water is something is done so well that it’s not even funny. Notice how it even has reflections in it. Truly this artist is a master of their craft.

11. Share a coke with Julian

Much of the illustrations on this list were the handy-work of Julian Beever, and in case you haven’t visited his website yet, well, what are you waiting for? Look at this Coca Cola bottle he’s illustrated, complete with the reflection of the light shining through the cola and onto the ground. That’s some insane mastery of lighting!

12. Bringing life to the pier head

When you don’t have the time to finish the interior of a building, this is the next best thing. Artist Nina Camplin is an expert at form, light, perspective, and shadows. This little example here is Looney Tunes-levels of convincing that we wonder if anyone slammed themselves into the wall trying to run inside it.

What a remarkable display of artistic skill all throughout this list! If it upsets you that you aren’t this good yet, it’s never too late to start practicing. Make sure to check out these artists on their websites and social media too!

Please SHARE this with your friends and family.

Source: [Julian Beever, Joe and Max 3D, Nina Camplin, Nikolaj Arndt, Edgard Mueller, Kurt Wenner, Ciaran Brennan, Pierre Delavie]