Artist Guido Daniele’s Amazing Illusions

These amazing hand paintings of animals by Italian artist Guido Daniele create illusions that are truly one of a kind.

Guido Daniele/SIPA Press: Fulvio & Cinzia/Neon Studio/SIPA

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When Italian artist Guido Daniele was hired by an advertising agency to create body painting of animals, he loved the idea. "I researched each animal in depth to see how I could transfer it to a hand, and then set about bringing it to life."

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Guido Daniele/SIPA Press: Fulvio & Cinzia/Neon Studio/SIPA

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The Cheetah, Daniele's first painting, is still his favorite. "It turned out perfectly the first time and gave me the courage to complete the rest of the set."

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Guido Daniele/SIPA Press: Fulvio & Cinzia/Neon Studio/SIPA

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Daniele says his daughter, Ginevra, 22, and son Michael James, 15, proved to be his best canvases. "If you're spending hours on end holding someone's hand, I'd rather it be the hand of someone I love. There's nothing worse than working with a nervous, unfamiliar model whose hands are shaking."

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Guido Daniele/SIPA Press: Fulvio & Cinzia/Neon Studio/SIPA

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Daniele's paintings take an average of three to four hours to complete.

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Guido Daniele/SIPA Press: Fulvio & Cinzia/Neon Studio/SIPA

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The first time Daniele painted the eagle with outstretched wings it took him ten hours to finish.

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Guido Daniele/SIPA Press: Fulvio & Cinzia/Neon Studio/SIPA

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Daniele now has grand designs for a horse, a panda and a snake, all for his personal portfolio.

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Guido Daniele/SIPA Press: Fulvio & Cinzia/Neon Studio/SIPA

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The hardest part of his job is watching his creations disappear down the drain after they're photographed. "I'm getting used to it," Daniele shrugs. "At least I get to start each day with a fresh canvas."