Hyper-Realistic 3D Paintings of Aquatic Animals by Keng Lye

Singapore-based artist Keng Lye produces unusual three-dimensional works of art with acrylics and epoxy resin that could be easily passed off as photographs. Using a technique pioneered by Japanese painter Riusuke Fukahori, Lye manages to produce the illusion of different animals swimming in water by pouring resin into a bowl and then painting on top of it with acrylics, layer by layer.

Keng Lye shared his thoughts about his art with The Colossal:

I started my first series in 2012 where all the illustrations were “flat” and depth was created using the layering of resin and acrylic over the different parts of the illustration. This year, I started on the octopus and it was purely an experiment; I just wanted to see whether I could push this technique to a higher level. After applying acrylic paint straight onto the resin, I incorporated a 3-D element in this instance, it was a small pebble for the ranchu and octopus. For the turtle, I used an egg shell for the turtle shell and acrylic paint for the rest of the finishing. The whole idea here was to give the art work an even more 3D effect therefore you can have a better view from any angle. I think there are still many other techniques to explore.