Animal Hand Paintings by Guido Daniele

Italian artist Guido Daniele takes bodypainting to extremes in these life-like depictions of animals that employ the use of hands as painted canvases. The Milan native has been painting illusions at both small and large scale since the early 90’s, and draws on those years of experience with stunning precision of all manner of fauna.

Reptiles, mammals, birds, fish - Guido renders them all with convincing and well-honed skills in his own hyperrealistic trompe l’oeil style. Quite a few of these images demand close scrutiny before one realizes what they are looking at, which in itself is a testament to the artist’s skill, patience and familiarity with his subjects.

On the topic of his viral fame and current choice of medium, Guido is candid about his motivation;

“The hands are the most powerful part of the human body. The brian gives the impulse to the hands to construct or destroy our world. This is why I believe that our hands are the key, and we must lend them to protect the planet, its inhabitants, and ourselves. This is my message.”

All images courtesy of Guido Daniele. View more at his home page or visit him on Facebook .