3D Chalk Art
What is 3D chalk art?
3D chalk art is an optical illusion created by drawing a stretched and distorted image in just the right way so that when viewed from a specific location the artwork appears to be three dimensional. This type of artwork uses anamorphic perspective to achieve the illusion of depth. These drawings are usually created directly on the ground using pastel chalk. 3D chalk art looks best when viewed from one specific viewing point and usually through a camera. The camera helps enhance the 3D illusion because it only has one “eye” and therefore lacks true depth perception. When viewed from the wrong angle the artwork will appear stretched and distorted. Below you can see an example of a 3D street painting photographed from the correct viewing point and then from the side to show the distortion.
This is how the artwork appears when photographed from the correct viewing point.
This is how the artwork appears when viewed from the side. Notice how stretched everything looks.
Kurt Wenner is credited with inventing 3D pavement art in 1984. Since then, artists like Julian Beever, Tracy Lee Stum and David Zinn have helped propel the art form to new heights. As this art form becomes more popular chalk art festivals are popping up all around the country. Check out this link to find a festival near you!
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