Amazing Optical Illusions

Neon Heart Optical Illusion

2009-07-20T01:41:00.000-07:00

Here is an excellent neon color spreading optical illusion from Sarcone & Waeber. Every yellowish square below is the exact same color, yet most of us will see a pale orange neon heart. If you can't see it step back from your monitor and look again.

Keep in mind that the orange color doesn't exist as pixels on the screen only in your mind's eye. Each square below has the exact same yellow background.

Ponzo Optical Illusion

2009-07-20T01:37:00.000-07:00

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia - The Ponzo illusion is an optical illusion that was first demonstrated by the Italian psychologist Mario Ponzo (1882-1960) in 1913. He suggested that the human mind judges an object's size based on its background. He showed this by drawing two identical lines across a pair of converging lines, similar to railway tracks. The upper line looks longer because we interpret the converging sides according to linear perspective as parallel lines receding into the distance. In this context, we interpret the upper line as though it were farther away, so we see it as longer – a farther object would have to be longer than a nearer one for both to produce retinal images of the same size.

I had been waiting quite a while for a great image to provide the backdrop for this illusion. Railroad tracks and long stretches of highway had been used to death. When I saw this great photo by Nuno Leitao I realized the search was over.

The two red lines (or three if you move your mouse over the image) below are duplicates, they are the exact same size. Which image is more convincing the one with two lines or the one with three lines?

Ponzo Illusion
(c) 2006 Walt Anthony

Original Photo:
(c) 2006 Nuno Leitao, used w/permission

Itty Bitty Mobile

2009-07-06T13:03:00.000-07:00

This might possibly be the smallest cell phone yet.

Itty Bitty Mobile
Flickr Artist: Criaturita Perjudicante

Holding Columbus on the Hand's Illusion

2009-07-06T13:01:00.000-07:00

Girl in this picture is holding Christopher Columbus on the palm of her hand!

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Sony Laptop Chalk Art

2009-07-06T12:57:00.000-07:00

Check out this chalk drawing of a Sony Laptop computer.It look like the top part of the screen is just jumping off the pavement.

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Horned Wombat in Flight

2009-06-01T12:00:00.001-07:00

In North Carolina at dusk you can often look up and see the Horned Wombat flying between the trees.

Kudos to Flickr Artist jamie B for this wonderful illusion.

Horned Wombat in flight
Flickr Artist: jamie B

Paris - Rome Sign Optical Illusion

2009-06-01T11:54:00.000-07:00

Here is another excellent optical illusion from Sarcone & Waeber. Look at the two sign poles below, Sarcone & Waeber ask one question, "are the poles straight and parallel?"

What do you think?

Pull out a ruler and measure the gap at the top and bottom and you'll prove to yourself that they are in fact parallel.

Pulsating Heart Optical Illusion

2009-06-01T11:53:00.000-07:00

Here is another anomalous motion optical illusion created by Herman J. Verwaal.

The illusory motion makes the heart seem to come alive and pulsate with the feeling of love.

Herman J. Verwaal
copyright 2005
used w/permission

Herman has a large collection of optical illusions that he has created over time. He has generously allowed me to feature a few of his pieces here. This is just one of many. His illusions run the gambit and I will be showing you more of his excellent Trick-Art in the future.

Thank You for sharing these excellent illusions Herman.

*** Herman J. Verwaal's Trick Art, Pop Art, and Fine Art available for purchase here.

A Spring Illusion

2009-05-25T03:49:00.001-07:00

The designs in this image appears to move and approaching you.

Drowning Child Illusion

2009-05-25T03:48:00.001-07:00

Australia's Watch Around Water is placing images of a little drowned boy at the bottom of swimming pools.
Watch Around Water is an education and awareness raising campaign run throughout public aquatic facilities in Western Australia. The campaign was developed to address growing industry concern regarding the supervision of children whilst visiting aquatic facilities. Watch Around Water takes a comprehensive approach to promoting and encouraging adequate supervision of children by parents and appropriate centre policies and practices.
Watch Around Water Asks 'Where Is Your Child?'.This is an advertisement thats gives a the message of how important it is to watch your kids in the water.

Funny Magazine Trick 2-Madonna

2009-05-25T03:46:00.000-07:00

-Flickr(capinky)

Spot the Difference-Street

2009-05-25T03:45:00.000-07:00

Try to spot the difference in this images.For answer check the comment section.

On The Upswing Illusion Painting

2009-05-11T10:13:00.001-07:00

Here is another painting by Rob Gonsalves. He never fails to impress me with his excellent eye for transitioning from the normal to the surreal.

On The Upswing
Copyright Rob Gonsalves
Available for sale across the internet

Top Hat Optical Illusion

2009-05-11T10:12:00.001-07:00

Here is another excellent classic optical illusion. Would you believe that this hat is as wide as it is tall?

Pull out a ruler and measure and measure for yourself.

Spinning Optical Illusion

2009-05-11T10:11:00.001-07:00

Here is another anomalous motion optical illusion created by Herman J. Verwaal. I love the colors Herman chose for this illusion. It is amazing how many different color combinations can be used to give the illusion of motion.

Herman J. Verwaal
copyright 2005
used w/permission

Raised or Indented?

2009-05-11T10:08:00.000-07:00

I love this visual oddity. We've seen this with craters on the moon and foot prints in the sand. The photographer has this to say about the photos.

"This is two copies of the exact same photo, rotated 180 degrees from each other.

Are the letters on the marker raised or imprinted?

Is the marker itself slightly concave or slightly convex? "

What do you think?

Up or down?
Flickr Artist: mag3737

Pencil Close-up Illusion

2009-05-06T07:23:00.001-07:00

The Photo Artist shed this enlightenment on this photo, "Fish eye lens? No. Extreme macro shot? Nope." I'll add that there was no manipulation of this image.

How else could this effect occur?

Pencil Close-up
Flickr Artist: photoOpp

Orbiting Planets Optical Illsuion

2009-05-06T07:21:00.000-07:00

Here is another anomalous motion optical illusion created by Herman J. Verwaal.

I love the way the planets appear to orbit the central star. Excellently done Herman.

Herman J. Verwaal
copyright 2006
used w/permission

Herman has a large collection of optical illusions that he has created over time. He has generously allowed me to feature a few of his pieces here. This is just one of many (check the sitemap for his others). His illusions run the gambit and I will be showing you more of his excellent Trick-Art in the future.

Thank You for sharing these excellent illusions Herman.

*** Herman J. Verwaal's Trick Art, Pop Art, and Fine Art available for purchase here.

2009-05-06T07:18:00.000-07:00

This painting-in-progress blends into the landscape well. This photo has not been manipulated in any fashion.

When I first saw this photo I thought the whole thing was a painting due to the shadow pattern created on his face by the hat. Strange how even with the simplest things your eyes can play tricks on you.

Painting
Flickr Artist: strobist

Miniature Light House Illusion

2009-04-27T15:11:00.000-07:00

Peggy's Cove Nova Scotia, Canada home of the smallest light houses in the world.

Alright you got me this is another play on perspective. A Do-it-Yourself illusion that we can all try to create.

Peggy's Cove
Flickr Artist: adriankelly23

Necker Cube Optical Illusion

2009-04-27T15:10:00.000-07:00

First published in 1832 by Swiss crystallographer Louis Albert Necker, The Necker Cube is an ambiguous line drawing.

Is the blue face the front or back face of this cube?

Is the blue dot inside or outside the cube?

It is a wire-frame drawing of a cube in isometric perspective. This makes the picture ambiguous; it can be interpreted two different ways. When a person stares at the picture, it will often seem to flip back and forth between the two valid interpretations.

Flat & Stereo Ambiguous Illusion

2009-04-27T15:08:00.000-07:00

Which angle is pointing up?

As you look at this image your view point will shift as the image keeps changing focal points.

Herman J. Verwaal
copyright 2006
used w/permission

Light is Weightless Illusion

2009-04-08T08:55:00.001-07:00

What is truly amazing is the fact that he was able to capture and weigh light with these scales.

This is a great effect caught in a photograph and to top it off this photo has not been manipulated in any way.

Light is weightless
Flickr Artist: nelmaf

Polaroidzada Recursive Illusion

2009-04-08T08:52:00.000-07:00

I've seen recursive images done as fractals on laptops, and animated and static via Photoshop but this is the simplest example that we can all easily grasp.

polaroidzada
Flickr Artist: wweeggee

Giant Ferris Wheel Optical Illusion

2009-04-04T04:17:00.000-07:00

Here is another anomalous motion optical illusion created by Herman J. Verwaal.

If you get on this ride you might never get off.

Herman J. Verwaal
copyright 2006
used w/permission

Weeping Building Optical Illusion

2009-03-23T12:04:00.000-07:00

No digital manipulation of this image was done. As the artist says, this is "just a fortuitous juxtaposition."

How do you think this was accomplished?

Crown Fountain - Juxtaposition
Flickr Artist: kunstkammer

Bus Ad Optical Illusion

2009-03-22T16:53:00.000-07:00

Another creative ad using the side of a bus that speaks for itself.

Rotating Ambigram Optical Illusion

2009-03-18T11:46:00.000-07:00

I went to ambigram.net and selected the their 3-D ambigram generator then slapped in OIE for Optical Illusions Etc and this creation is what it spit out.

The ambigram sculpture in the center casts the shadows that create OIE depending on the light source and angle.

Seahorse Motion Optical Illusion

2009-03-18T11:44:00.000-07:00

Here is another anomalous motion optical illusion created by Herman J. Verwaal.

I know the effect below is relatively simple to execute, but I am always amazed that my mind insists on seeing static objects as animated.

Well done Herman!

Herman J. Verwaal
copyright 2006
used w/permission

Thank You for sharing these excellent illusions Herman.

*** Herman J. Verwaal's Trick Art, Pop Art, and Fine Art available for purchase here.

The ghostly Angel of the Vatican

2009-03-15T11:45:00.000-07:00

When retired policeman Andy Key went on a trip to Rome, he was struck by the beauty of sunlight streaming through a window in the Vatican.

As the Pope made an address nearby, he decided to capture the stunning image on his camera.

But it was only when Mr Key, 48, and his wife Susan, 44, returned home and and downloaded their photographs that they noticed a strange apparition in the picture.

An apparition? Andy Key's image of a 'guardian angel' above the heads of other visitors to St Peter's Basilica
They were amazed to see what looked like the image of a guardian angel above the heads of other visitors to St Peter's Basilica.

Mr Key, from March, Cambridgeshire, said: "It looks like an angel hovering on the people's heads.

"No-one can explain it - there's nothing on their heads for the light to bounce off."

Mr Key went on the holiday to mark his retirement from his job as a police constable for Cambridgeshire Police.

He and his wife, a medical secretary, were looking around the famous church when they noticed a large group of people and realised the Pope was making an address nearby.

"I was taking pictures of all the things around us and saw this huge window with the light streaming through and thought it looked beautiful," he explained.

"I snapped the picture and didn't noticed anything until I got home.

"It looks almost like a hologram. I thought it was really spooky."

-dailymail

Fitness Company Bag

2009-03-15T11:44:00.000-07:00

This is really a very creative and funny bag.

New Hidden Eagles Illusion

2009-03-11T10:21:00.001-07:00

Try to find how many hidden eagles are in this image.

Brain Switching Test. Creative right and left brain results.

2009-03-11T10:19:00.000-07:00

Good question - and here’s one theory on the whole right/left brain thing and a way of testing your brain. We can all do this, but the results may be more pronounced between highly “CREATIVE” and highly “LOGICAL” brains. One of the claims is that the ’switch rate’ may be predetermined from birth and affect our careers…

- Bonneh's Illusion

WHAT TO DO: (Read this before you start)

* Get a pen and paper.
* Time the test for 30 seconds.
* Concentrate on the top left yellow dot. As you stare at this dot, the other dots will begin to disappear. Each time all three dots re-appear, tick the paper.
* Stop after 30 seconds.

Scores

* If you scored between 4 and 6, your brain switch rate is average.
* If you scored more than 6, your brains switch rate is fast, like a dancer.
* If you scored less than 4, your brain switch rate is slow, like a mathematicians.

Spraying Clouds Illusion

2009-03-11T10:16:00.000-07:00

Spraying Clouds Illusion

It looks like someone is spraying the clouds in the sky.

Feed The Hungry Children Ads

2009-03-11T10:15:00.000-07:00

Feed The Hungry Children Ads

These Ads are very inspiring and touching.

Vanishing Sripes Lines Illusion

2009-03-11T10:13:00.000-07:00

Vanishing Sripes Lines Illusion

Stare at the red dot for sometimes ,you will notice the stripes getting disappear.

Tea Cup Ride Illusion

2009-03-03T01:05:00.000-08:00

A coffee counter, a tea cup, just the right angle, and walla these men are sharing Disney's Tea Cup ride while at lunch.

Excellent juxtaposition.

"Would You Care to Join Me in a Cup of Coffee?"
Flickr Artist: SF buckaroo

The O in TOY BOX Puzzle

2009-03-03T01:04:00.000-08:00

Is there anything unusual about this wooden ring?

Would it be easy or hard to lift the ring off of the blue surface it rests on?

By the way, you have all of the info needed to answer the last question.

The O in TOY BOX
Flickr Artist: Auntie P

Simpson's Escher Optical Illusion

2009-03-03T01:01:00.000-08:00

Every Simpson's episode has a unique beginning where they all usually end up sitting on the couch. This one was from episode number: 124 (2F19) season num: 6 First Aired: Sunday April 16, 1995.

In this episode the family walks into the living room from all directions, rather like the people in Escher's "Relativity" picture. View the actual opening sequence below.

Going Blind Optical Illusion

2009-02-19T04:54:00.000-08:00

Notice that all the lines in the photo are perfectly straight.

Now stare at the center for 45-60 seconds and you will see the lines become wavy before your eyes. After staring at this photo for an extended time try and read this paragraph again. You will notice that an after-image severely distorts your vision.

Going Blind
Flickr Artist: cszar

DIY Tower Topple Illusion

2009-02-19T04:53:00.001-08:00

Every time I see a do-it-yourself optical illusion with the Leaning Tower of Pisa the people are trying to hold the tower up.

Será que cai ?!
Flickr Artist: André Gustavo
It is refreshing to to see someone trying to kick the tower over. I think with a couple more well placed kicks we can finally be rid of this eye sore.

Bedtime Aviation Optical Illusion

2009-02-19T04:51:00.000-08:00

Here is another painting by Rob Gonsalves. He never fails to impress me with his excellent eye for transitioning from the normal to the surreal.

Bedtime Aviation
Copyright Rob Gonsalves
Available for sale across the internet

Canada 5 Dollar's Scary Illusion

2009-02-13T01:17:00.000-08:00

In 1954, the Bank of Canada issued a new bill with the engraving of Queen Elisabeth II on it. But then the bank started receiving complaints . People saw the face of the devil in the Queen's hair, right behind her ear. I don't think it's very convincing, but the bank did . they destroyed all bills and reprinted them with a slightly changed version. Click on the pic to see the Face of Devil properly.

Rabbit Or Duck Illusion

2009-02-13T01:16:00.000-08:00

Rabbit Or Duck Illusion

Nature's Reality is Always Better

2009-02-13T01:13:00.000-08:00

Again part of the Etc... in the Blog's title. Not an illusion, but an amazing display by Mother Nature and her creatures.

Can anyone tell me exactly what is taking place in this photo?

explode
Flickr Artist: -amol-
As a side note there was no manipulation of this image.

Butterfly Dance

2009-02-13T01:11:00.000-08:00

Here is another anomalous motion optical illusion created by Herman J. Verwaal.

I love the way the butterflies dance around the flower.

Herman J. Verwaal
copyright 2006
used w/permission

The Ghosts of No Evil

2009-02-06T06:23:00.000-08:00

The photo artist states "No "photoshop magic" here. A little tweaking of colors and such, but that's it."

So how do you take this kind photo?

Excellently done.

The Ghosts of No Evil
Flickr Artist: lindes
(c) David Lindes 2006

The artist explains how it is done "It's just a long exposure and multiple manually-triggered flash firings."

Localized Zero Gravity Illusion

2009-02-06T06:21:00.000-08:00

Brendon found a very small spot of localized zero gravity in his house and captured it here in this photograph.

levitate
Flickr Artist: bzo

Recursive Insanity

2009-01-24T22:39:00.000-08:00

An excellent example of an Escheresque image created with modern digital manipulation instead of pen or paint.

Pinky Dinky Dave Thinks Big
Flickr Artist: dmswart

Visual Paradox

2009-01-24T22:37:00.000-08:00

This is a fun picture that might cause a second look to figure out what is actually going on.

By the way, there has been no manipulation of this photo

Proportions
Flickr Artist: the_good_old_haku

Little Wild Horse Canyon Illusion

2009-01-24T22:34:00.000-08:00

The photo artist says the following about this image,

"Here is an optical illusion from Little Wild Horse Canyon in Goblin Valley Utah. The pictures are the same shot just one is turned upside down."

My question is which perspective is real the holes or the bumps?

Optical Illusion
Flickr Artist: jiggerpress

Dice on Steps Optical Illusion

2009-01-17T10:53:00.001-08:00

Dave Barlow created this illusion and frames it like this,

"The picture shows exactly the same model with two dice set upon it, from opposite viewpoints. The person with the uppermost view swears that the dark die is higher than the light one. The person with the lower view is certain that his friend is seeing things, because clearly, the lighter die is higher than the dark one.

Who is right?"

Dave Barlow
copyright 2006
used w/permission

Coke Balancing Illusion

2009-01-17T10:51:00.000-08:00

Another Do it Yourself (DIY) optical illusion. Send in your own and you to will see yourself here.

coke balancing
Flickr Artist: kneilp

Fountains Abbey Obelisk Illusion

2009-01-17T10:49:00.000-08:00

This is the third item that Dave Barlow sent me. He took this photo while on holiday at Fountains Abbey, UK, last year. When he got home he realized there was an illusion that the obelisk seemed as tall or taller than the church.

My question is, how tall is the obelisk seen here?

Taller than the church?
As tall as the church?
3/4 as tall as the church?
1/2 as tall as the church?
1/4 as tall as the church?

Dave Barlow
copyright 2006
used w/permission

Now view the following from a different angle. How close was your guess?

St Marys Church @ the Abbey
Flickr Artist: JuanJ

Illusory Motion Optical Illusion

2009-01-17T10:47:00.000-08:00

Here is another excellent optical illusion from Sarcone & Waeber. The below image is static, only the colors change. The base image is an anomalous motion optical illusion. When we add the changing color to the mix it is very hard not to believe that the image itself is not moving.

What do you think?

Stare at the center of the 'animated' image. The image is static only the colors change!

© 2005, Sarcone & Waeber
www.archimedes-lab.org
used w/permission

Good Night Sweet Sun Illusion

2009-01-06T18:11:00.000-08:00

I love the amazing colors and superb composition of this photo. The silhouette suggests this is a young lady saying good night to the sun, but we can never really be sure can we?

Great work Nicole!

souffler
Flickr Artist: Nicole.

Masterpiece Pavement Artist: Julian Beever

2009-01-06T18:09:00.000-08:00

Julian Beever has made pavement drawings for over ten years. This drawing is just one illusion of a recent batch posted on his site.

Here is a photo of the Julian kneeling on top of a bottle of Slate 20, apparently begging for a drink.

Little <-> Large
(C) 2006 Julian beever

Magical Illusion or Optical Illusion?

2009-01-06T18:07:00.000-08:00

Here we have an apparently green liquid being poured into a clear glass with normal lighting, but in the glass we see red liquid splashing around. Is this a magic trick or is there and optical illusion at play here? Read what the artist says below.

Color Illusion I

Flickr Artist - Catherine Jamieson

Gear Box Optical Illusion

2009-01-06T18:06:00.000-08:00

Here is another anomalous motion optical illusion created by Herman J. Verwaal.

Herman is a rare illusion artist in that each of his images not only confuse the eye and brain, but are unique works of art that can stand apart from the illusion world.

Herman J. Verwaal
copyright 2006
used w/permission

Herman has a large collection of Pop Art, Paintings, and Optical illusions that he has created over time. He has generously allowed me to feature a few of his pieces here. This is just one of many. He has created a wide range of Trick-Art from impossible construction to anomalous motion and hopefully Herman will allow me to show some more of his wonderful art.

Thank You for sharing these excellent illusions Herman.

*** Herman J. Verwaal's Trick Art, Pop Art, and Fine Art are available for purchase.

Love Potion #9...

2009-01-06T18:02:00.000-08:00

So what is in this potion that is so effective? Click on the image to find out this photo was taken.

Love Potion #9...
Flickr Artist: ttstam

2008 Yunnan Revisit

2008-12-31T16:03:00.000-08:00

Rice farming in China presented here as art. Excellent capture.

2008 Yunnan Revisit
Flickr Artist: peace-on-earth.org

Diatom Art illusions

2008-12-31T16:02:00.000-08:00

Diatom: a family of minute unicellular Algae having a siliceous covering of great delicacy, each individual multiplying by spontaneous division.

diatom art
Flickr Artist: Trazy
The photographer has entered this photo in the 2008 Nikon Small World Contest.

The photographer has this to say about this image,

"This is a prepared slide that I found in an old dusty box. The slide is dated April 5, 1897 and contains exactly nine diatoms of three different types, meticulously arranged into an ornate pattern. The botanist that prepared this slide near the turn of the century was F.F. Forbes. The label on the slide reads "Diatoms in center from Hammonds Pond Brookline, Mass. Navicula peripunctata"."

America's Cup Sailing Illusion

2008-12-31T15:53:00.000-08:00

In honor of the current defending America's Cup champion, Team Alinghi (the black and red ship below) of Geneva, Switzerland, here is a real life sailing illusion. Which direction are these ships sailing? Away from us, toward us or one in each direction.

The novice sailor might take up to 15 seconds to derive the correct answer.

Your 15 seconds are up what is the correct answer? Was your initial thought correct or did reality come to you slightly after that first thought. I'll tell you this much at first glance I was wrong, blinked my eyes, then concluded correctly.

High Tide Illusion

2008-12-31T15:50:00.000-08:00

Global warming has caused the seas to rise, yet somehow women, men and fish are getting along just fine. This is an excellent photograph by flickr artist Jef Safi.

Understand that this has not been digitally manipulated in any way. How do you suppose he got this effect? I guess it could just be an experimental under water commune.

Horizona dream . .
Flickr Artist: jef safi

Jet Engine Optical Illusion

2008-12-25T15:16:00.000-08:00

It is rare that an actual photograph will exhibit the feel of motion. This photo is an example of a real life anomalous motion optical illusion. Not everyone is able to see every illusion so I ask, is it just me or does this static image appear to be rotating?

Jet engine optical illusion
Flickr Artist: Johnny Vulkan

Vintage Perspective Illusion

2008-12-25T15:15:00.000-08:00

Judging from the story accompanying this image this photograph must have been taken in the 1930s. The timing was excellent. I wonder if they got this on the first shot. I am also curious what the conversation was like working up to this shot.

Bob jumping over Adgate's house
Flickr Artist: gnosis / john r
Used w/permission
Some rights reserved.

Snowflake in the Wind

2008-12-25T15:13:00.000-08:00

This is an anomalous motion illusion, as you scan the image and your eyes move from one point to another parts of the image will appear to move. This creation was inspired by Akiyoshi Kitaoka, he is a master of optical illusions and a must stop for all fans. If you have been to his site in a while he is adding things on a regular basis.

Snowflake in the Wind
Walt Anthony
2007

Idealistic Image Editing

2008-12-22T21:30:00.002-08:00

This are really so idealistic arts by Andre U.

Lion Roaring Cloud

2008-12-22T21:30:00.001-08:00

This amazing photograph of cloud taken at a thunderstorm in Großdubrau, Saxony, Germany.by Werner Lehmann.

Shadow Face Arts Illusion

2008-12-22T21:29:00.001-08:00

The shadows coming from those paper looks like a face.

Distorted Diagonal Lines

2008-12-22T21:28:00.000-08:00

The stars appear to warp the red lines, but they are perfectly straight.

Triple Sunrise Illusion

2008-12-22T21:25:00.000-08:00

Here is another illusion found on the Astronomy Picture of the Day. I stumbled upon it via Tricks and Illusions.

Triple Sunrise
Credit & Copyright: Jim Hoida

Explanation: Today, the Sun rises due east at the Equinox, a geocentric astronomical event that occurs twice a year. To celebrate, consider this view of the rising Sun and a lovely set of ice halos recorded on a cold winter morning near Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA, planet Earth. Produced by sunlight shining through common atmospheric ice crystals with hexagonal cross-sections, such halos can actually be seen more often than rainbows. The remarkable sunrise picture captures a beautiful assortment of the types most frequently seen, including a sun pillar (center) just above the rising Sun surrounded by a 22 degree halo arc. Completing a triple sunrise illusion, sundogs appear at the far left and far right edges of the 22 degree arc. An upper tangent arc is also just visible at the very top of the view.

Erik Axdahl
(c)2005
Erik has a blog called The Chronicles of Spaceman Axdahl and he had this to say about this photo he shot.

Sea Sickness Optical Illusion

2008-12-22T21:23:00.000-08:00

I decided to try my hand at some illusions. The below image is the result. This is an anomalous motion illusion so please read the caution at the top of this page.

This is how I visualize the results of sea sickness in the optical illusion world. You can see the center spiraling down toward the deck and the outside splashing out after hitting. I know it doesn't sound nice, but that's life in the world of illusions.

What do you think? Do you see any motion in this image?

Sea Sickness
Walt Anthony (c)2007

You can click to continue reading full article, but the truth is, this is it, there ain't anymore.

Peace!

Update: Steve Higgins over at Omnibrain has dubbed this "The Purple Nurple Optical Illusion".

Duck or Rabbit Illusion?

2008-12-22T21:20:00.000-08:00

This photo was taken by Flickr Artist Dropped_Stitch during a visit to the Ripley's Believe It or Not! museum in Branson, Missouri. The duck or rabbit reversible image has been around for over 100 years. This particular version came to my attention via Noticias de ilusionario.

What do you see a duck (looking left) or a rabbit (looking right). If you slide your mouse over the image the photo will rotate giving you a slightly differ perspective.

Flickr Artist: Dropped_Stitch
background blacked out by Walt

Jastrow's Cartoon (1899)
The interesting thing about this illusion is that it is frequently credited to Joseph Jastrow 1899.
Joseph Jastrow, an American psychologist, was the first to note this image in his work (see left). He used the duck-rabbit to make the point that perception is not just a product of the stimulus, but also of mental activity – that we see with the mind as well as the eye - source.

I obviously agree with Mr. Jastrow. You may have noticed that I frequently couch my words in setting up illusions in the hope that you will be more disposed to see the image from a particular perspective.

Original in Fliegende Blatter (1892)

The truth though is that while Jastrow used his image in 1899 it had appeared in print at least twice before both times in 1892.

Jastrow's 1899 cartoon version was based on one originally published in Harper’s Weekly (November 19, 1892, p. 1114). The Harper's cartoon, in turn, was based on one that had appeared earlier that year in Fliegende Blatter, a German humor magazine (October 23, 1892, p. 147) - source.

So what do you see in this image a duck or a rabbit? Which version is most effective for you?

Optical Illusion Arches

2008-12-20T10:31:00.000-08:00

Jos de Mey

The below unretouched real photograph reminded me of the above piece of art by Jos de Mey. Jos paints an arch that clearly can't exist in the real world. At least that's what I thought until I saw this photo. How do you think the effect in the below photo was accomplished

Locus of control
Flickr Artist: ilConte

Bending Lines Optical Illusion

2008-12-20T10:29:00.000-08:00

Here is an anomalous motion/distorted perception illusion.

The apparent motion induced by the blue spots seems to cause the red lines to bend and wave. If the whole image is in motion how could red lines not be bending with the motion?

These types of motion images confuse the eye and brain. This confusion allows the viewer to perceive motion in a static image. That's right the below image is a static image and is not animated in any way.

Herman has an excellent collection of Pop art, Paintings, and Optical illusions. He has given me permission to feature his pieces here. This is just one of many. His illusion art ranges from color perception to distorted illusions.

Thank You for sharing these excellent illusions Herman.

*** Herman J. Verwaal's Trick Art, Pop Art, and Fine Art are available for purchase.

Graffiti in the Sky Illusion

2008-12-20T10:28:00.000-08:00

This was a truly interesting photo. No digital manipulation, just a straight up old fashioned photograph.

motel illusion
Flickr Artist: źé ń
See more of his photos
at Zenography

So how do you think this was accomplished?

The photographer only says this about the image, "Taken from the pool at the Duke Inn, VA".

Now you know what I know. Exactly how was this done?

Optical Illusions of Smoke

2008-12-20T10:23:00.000-08:00

The following are actual photos of smoke, true some post processing was done but everything you see in these images is photographed smoke. These are the work of Csaba Mészáros of Budapest, Hungary. I asked him permission to use the "Intimacy" image and he suggested two others. The most amazing of the three is the one below titled "Mom and Baby".

Mom and Baby
(c) Csaba Mészáros 2005
Used w/permission

You can read a brief biography on Csaba and find out exactly how he accomplished these amazing images in the January 2007 issue of PBase magazine.

Here is a short starter explanation he gave in a comment a couple years back,

"The setup is quite simple: the smoke comes from incense sticks (made in India), they are cheap and produce a constant smoke for a long period of time (and also a pleasant scent). The light source is a fashgun from side and behind. You need a black material for the background and something to shade the direct light from the flash to the lens. Plus some patience and some trials. "

Intimacy
(c) Csaba Mészáros 2005
Used w/permission

In the above image "Intimacy" two separate photos were merged into one during post processing to complete the duality of a male and female.

Apparition
(c) Csaba Mészáros 2005
Used w/permission

Csaba, Thank you for sharing your images here. You can find more photos of his on PBase.

Fire and Water Optical Illusion

2008-12-16T18:25:00.000-08:00

If you had a need to boil water and only had a candle and a glass, what would you do? If you were photographer Georg Pillwein you would be creative and boil the water from inside the glass.

Fire and Water
(c)2004
Georg Pillwein
Used w/permission

Having the flame directly in the water has to be a very efficient way to transfer energy to the water. I only wonder why other folks didn't think of this earlier.

Shadows in the Mist

2008-12-16T18:23:00.000-08:00

Again I take you into the Etc... of Optical Illusions Etc... Not everything in this blog is an optical illusion, some of it is frightenly real.

On August 11, 1999 a mysterious black mass swarmed across the surface of the planet. This might be biological in nature if it wasn't for the fact that it moved at almost 2000 kilometers per hour. Could this be extraterrestrial in nature? Is this phenomenon proof that we are being visited from other worlds?

Credit: Mir 27 Crew; Copyright: CNES
source

Explanation: Here is what the Earth looks like during a solar eclipse. The shadow of the Moon can be seen darkening part of Earth. This shadow moved across the Earth at nearly 2000 kilometers per hour. Only observers near the center of the dark circle see a total solar eclipse - others see a partial eclipse where only part of the Sun appears blocked by the Moon. This spectacular picture of the 1999 August 11 solar eclipse was one of the last ever taken from the Mir space station. The two bright spots that appear on the upper left are possibly Jupiter and Saturn, although this has yet to be proven. Mir was deorbited in a controlled re-entry in 2001

Dead Paper?

2008-12-16T18:19:00.000-08:00

Here are a couple of fascinating creations by artist Peter Callesen the first creation is a closeup of the original piece. The only material used is Acid free paper, pencil, and glue.

I love the skill and creativity of this artist. Is this skeleton breaking free of his two dimensional chains or settling in for a nice long nap.

Half Way Through (Detail view)

Peter Callesen

Impossible Objects Optical Illusions

2008-12-16T18:17:00.001-08:00

ere are a few excellently rendered impossible objects by Josh Sommers. Excellently done, thanks for allowing these via the "blog this" feature of Flickr. Josh talks about the first optical illusion presented.

"A variation on the 2 or 3 prong image, inspired by the work of Walter Wick, who managed to photograph his version using a partially reflective piece of glass and very careful lighting to create the illusion. "

Columns
Flickr Artist: Josh Sommers

Radiohead In Rainbows Optical Illusion

2008-12-16T18:15:00.000-08:00

Here is a possible cover art for Radiohead's album In Rainbow. There is some nice anomalous motion going on in this art.

Nicely done!

inrainbows 800x800
Flickr Artist: pixelbaustelle

Trompe l'oeil Ad

2008-12-16T18:13:00.000-08:00

This is an ad for ramen in the causeway Bay Station in Hong Kong. I love this kind of art. I would love to see this from a angle that reveals how distorted this image needs to be to get this one perfect view.

Trompe d'oeil Ad
Flickr Artist: djwerdna

Sexy Silhouette Optical Illusion

2008-12-16T18:11:00.000-08:00

I love good silhouettes. They are almost always ambiguous. When dealing with a silhouette the subject can be looking toward you or away from you and the lines can be drawn in to show either perspective.

Which way is this lovely girl actually facing?

P2 - Beach 3
Flickr Artist: ZaksterNT

Pedigree Ad

2008-12-10T07:19:00.002-08:00

This image do not have any illusion,but it looks like.Is our dogs can really become this stronger ? lol.

Fake Techinical Parts Illusion

2008-12-10T07:19:00.001-08:00

The shapes in this image differs from the angles.

The Lichtenstein House Illusion

2008-12-10T07:18:00.000-08:00

The lichtenstein house is an extremely deceiving illusion created by roy lichtenstein.As the angle upon which it’s viewed changes, the house shifts in an unusual way by playing with perspective. the best way to try and understand it is by watching the video clip below the photos.

Weight loss billboard Ad Illusions

2008-12-10T07:16:00.000-08:00

An Ad from Silbermans Fitness Center.

Alternatively obey this billboard-->and switch to sweetex :P

Advertising may be described as the science of arresting the human intelligence long enough to get money from it-Stephen Leacock

Toy Car Illusion

2008-12-06T11:37:00.001-08:00

I am really a huge fan of Michael Huges.He is a very creative photographer.Check out his more cool photographs here.
"Trabi" toy car at the remains of the berlin wall this section painted by birgit kinder ongoing book project.

Cool Uncommon Images

2008-12-06T11:36:00.000-08:00

Got this images via mail.I think the people who are on the image are the authors,so thanks to them for these cool images.some similar unusual images.

Jesus Portrait made from Burnt Toast in Berlin

2008-12-06T11:35:00.001-08:00

The face shown on the toast-portrait in Berlin isn't Jesus, it's Murat Kurnaz. The case of Mr Kurnaz is one of the top stories in the German media.

On holiday in Berlin, Rez came out of the hostel watched as a guy spent the entire course of the day creating a large portrait of Jesus made entirely from hundreds of pieces of burnt toast, all in differing shades of "burntness"

Vertical Bent Lines Illusion

2008-12-06T11:34:00.001-08:00

Similar to the previous Distorted Diagonal Lines The vertical lines in this image are all straight ,they are just appears to bent.check out more

African Shop Illusion

2008-12-06T11:33:00.001-08:00

Below is a shop in Burkina Faso, in Africa. The owner seems to be looking for customers, but it seems like there is nothing interesting in his collection of bowls and buckets, or are we missing something. If we were to move a few steps towards our left, we can see something really interesting! Can you see it now? All the items, the straw roof, and the tree branch form the face of a man. The multi-coloured items on top form his hat, and his nose and mouth are to the right.

Alex Grey's - 7 Faces Illusion

2008-11-26T12:16:00.000-08:00

If you didn't got all 7 faces ,click here for the Answer.

Virgin Mary On Grape

2008-11-26T12:15:00.002-08:00

An Arlington,Texas woman said she has discovered a grape that bears a figure resembling the Virgin Mary.

Becky Ginn, 24, says she is a Baptist.

"I thought this stuff just happened to Catholics?" she said. "Mom and I had a laugh about it at first, seeing as how we're Baptists and all and we generally don't expect to see holy people popping up in our foodstuffs."

Ginn posted a photo of the grape to her LiveJournal page and was urged to contact the media. NBC 5 was her first choice, she said.

"I haven't made a shrine to it, nor prayed to it, nor done much of anything except e-mail the picture to a few friends and roll it around in the bowl in the fridge," Ginn said.

Friends have suggested she "eBay it."

"The logistics involved in shipping it to any buyer would be interesting," Ginn said.
-nbc5i.com

Dying Plants Illusion

2008-11-26T12:15:00.001-08:00

This illusion is one of the best natural illusion.

Cat Shadow Sculpture

2008-11-26T12:14:00.002-08:00

This sculpture that looks like a pile of trash, but when you shine a light on it suddenly looks like a shadow of a cat. This is so amazing how they changed those trash into an amazing art.

Impossible Bench Illusion

2008-11-26T12:14:00.001-08:00

Quite a nice illusion.One side the bar looks upper and the otherside it looks inner.

Expanding Blue Flower Illusion

2008-11-26T12:13:00.000-08:00

When you view this image the central yellow area appears to grow larger.