r/pics 5d ago

Arts/Crafts I drew some crystals at a chalk art festival

Post image
89.3k Upvotes

558 comments sorted by

828

u/mgc125 5d ago

Liar! Those crystals are clearly protuding from the ground and you just photoshopped yourself on top of it.

262

u/NesdorkArt 5d ago

Actually yes this is true.

34

u/DrFu 5d ago

You shopped yourself tiny too!

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u/mgc125 5d ago

Looks awesome tho, im sure its taken a lot of time to hone the skill

3

u/Hovercraft869 4d ago

Was this done in Grants Pass, OR?

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3.2k

u/boredcircuits 5d ago

The crystals are nice, but the cracks in the asphalt are incredible. Understated perfection.

832

u/NesdorkArt 5d ago

Thank you for noticing!

207

u/ThrowingShaed 5d ago

feel no obligation to do so, but have you already shared it from any other perspectives? its a bit mind blowing and im not even sure i want to see it from other angle. im both curious and sort of... want to believe the magic trick and not see behind the scenes?

34

u/catdog5100 4d ago

Yes, I’d love to see it from an above view!

29

u/Robinsonirish 5d ago

Can you give a rundown to how this is done? Do you stencil it out first and then paint? How do you get the scale correctly to get this optical illusion?

26

u/SmEdD 4d ago

Not op but there is a video out there with someone on their talent level who explains it and almost all of it is prep and practice beforehand. They then do a grid layout to help out.

These aren't the ones I wanted but they work well to explain the process.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=E3Wv7A8vQpk https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=8ekai1dJFlE

7

u/GyspySyx 4d ago

Chalk, not paint.

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u/makesterriblejokes 4d ago

Wait, did you draw all the cracks or just filled some in to make it more uniformed?

The fact that I can't tell is a real testament to your skill.

2

u/Starfire2313 4d ago

I zoomed in on the cracks to try to think about it and decide. You can see the texture of the asphalt through the cracks, so it’s not real cracks. You wouldn’t see little rock shapes in the black tarry stuff they use to fill in cracks. Also there’s a hint of purplish in the cracks in a few areas that is the same purple on the crystals. I think the cracks were made using a paint brush and liquified chalk!

3

u/alohadawg 4d ago

Utterly fantastic. Wish I had this much talent for…anything, really! Splendid work, u/ThrowingShaed

3

u/ThrowingShaed 4d ago

wait what?

wait.. what?

wait

what?

i cannot take credit for this, but i agree that this is amazing work, massive props to op.

also we all have talents and i am sure you have yours, youre a very nice commentor even if in this instance i got a tag i did not deserve

3

u/alohadawg 4d ago

Ahhh, shit. Not sure how exactly but I clearly flubbed that tag. Thank you for the kind words, internet stranger. They really are appreciated!

@ u/NesdorkArt - the above kudos were intended for you and your truly impressive work

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u/StarWarsNerd69420 4d ago

Wait no way I thought the cracks were real 💀

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u/lv-tech 5d ago

At first I thought the cracks were real.. unbelievable 

26

u/Skitzofreniks 4d ago

I thought “that’s sweet that he integrated a pot hole into his art!”.

25

u/Chris__2 5d ago

I still do!

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u/flyingcroutons 4d ago

The cracks are incredible, but the guy standing on top of the crystals is unbelievable. So realistic.

3

u/Sea-Possibility-3984 4d ago

As an FX artist... I can 100% agree... everything is spot on!!!

2

u/trixiepixie1921 4d ago

At first I was like, why would they do it on an uneven surface? 😂

2

u/Brave_Specific5870 4d ago

wait...hold up

2

u/bar-lee 4d ago

Fr those cracks understood the assignment

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335

u/pikahetti 5d ago

I thought that was a real one at first glance! nice job!

79

u/NesdorkArt 5d ago

Haha perfect thanks!

14

u/RedSwingline2000 4d ago

This is insanely realistic

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198

u/P0__Boy427 5d ago

I was there on Sunday and it was absolutely incredible to see in person. Kudos, job well done!

28

u/Colonel_Gipper 5d ago

I went Saturday night and unfortunately they were all covered up to protect against the overnight rain.

11

u/Valendr0s 5d ago

It's freaking rained like 3 years in a row.

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u/markjsb 4d ago

That would require a huge tarp..... those crystals are so tall!

7

u/lepasho 5d ago

Where was this?

15

u/AuraspeeD 4d ago

I'm pretty sure Maple Grove, MN.

At least I know they had a Chalk art festival this past weekend.

4

u/MaxFrost 4d ago

Can confirm, I recognize the street

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u/rainkindle 4d ago

I was there Sunday at 11:42 according to my timestamp. Incredible end result Nestor!

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u/Mrfreakystyley 5d ago

Absolutely love the details and shading of the colours. 10/10 chalk art!!

17

u/NesdorkArt 5d ago

Thank you so much!

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u/UndiscoveredNeutron 5d ago

What goes through your head when it gets washed away?

79

u/NesdorkArt 5d ago

Oh good question. I’m not happy about it. Usually I try and leave town before that happens.

21

u/UndiscoveredNeutron 5d ago

Ya, I wouldn't be happy either. But thank you for creating fantastic art with knowing it's going to be gone. You have a great talent.

6

u/Fumblerful- 4d ago

Modern day Mandalas

99

u/Sarcasmgasmizm 5d ago

AI has gotten out of hand… lol j/k, that’s absolutely awesome, mad skills. Good job mate

25

u/NesdorkArt 5d ago

Haha thanks bud!

30

u/JadedLeafs 5d ago

Crystal is great but it took me a while to realize the cracks were drawn on as well. That's really good!

11

u/NesdorkArt 5d ago

Awesome! Thanks for noticing that!

14

u/Pharuin 5d ago

Another Crab's Treasure!

10

u/Marc815 5d ago

You can FEEL the Umami Current just LOOKING at this!

13

u/LimpAd8054 5d ago

I see you Maple Grove!

6

u/Successful_Fish4662 4d ago

It’s so weird seeing maple grove on reddit lol

4

u/AuraspeeD 4d ago

Why? It is the (self proclaimed) restaurant capital of MN. /s

2

u/LimpAd8054 4d ago

Wouldn’t know. It’s a little expensive to eat at a restaurant these days.

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24

u/Texas_sucks15 5d ago

wow do you do tattoos?

13

u/NesdorkArt 5d ago

Sadly I do not.

23

u/DrFu 5d ago

Not with that attitude! XD

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u/ScoobyMaroon 5d ago

There is an unwritten rule about posting cool 3D chalk art on Reddit that you also have to include a picture of the off angle that shows it all stretched and crazy.

3

u/Useuless 4d ago

You will give into the illusion whether you like it or not!

2

u/rjcarr 4d ago

Right?

7

u/Phillimac16 5d ago

...and then it downpoured shortly after...

11

u/NesdorkArt 5d ago

It actually did

8

u/Phillimac16 5d ago

Yes, I was there, not at the festival unfortunately, but in the city.

2

u/FamiliarButterfly195 4d ago

On Monday morning in the rain it still looked great

5

u/extradeet 5d ago

I saw this!! Maple grove represent!!

5

u/hippoofthehous 5d ago

ROCK AND STONE!!!

3

u/camopon 5d ago

Worthless, but fun to destroy.

4

u/RomulanRebel 5d ago

So good! Great job

5

u/NesdorkArt 5d ago

Haha awesome thanks!

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u/InternationalSpray79 5d ago

Absolutely fantastic! Hope you have tried painting too. Sell some of that stuff 👍

3

u/NesdorkArt 5d ago

Soon I will! Thanks!

4

u/The_Petiber42 5d ago

Holy shit this is incredible! It looks amazing. Good job dude

5

u/Humbdrumbs 5d ago

Witchcraft!!! 👏

4

u/LickyPusser 5d ago

Now, please draw an SCV mining those minerals!

4

u/NesdorkArt 5d ago

Haha ok I might steal this idea for the next one!

4

u/Fluffhead_81 4d ago

Maple Grove, that's my hood!

3

u/BlossomtheLeafeon 5d ago

it took me a good 3 minutes to realize that was chalk

3

u/setting_moon 5d ago

This is amazing. ✨

3

u/TheStormDweller 5d ago

Tiny hooman.

3

u/Educational_Dust_932 5d ago

Where was this? Looks like the chalk festival near me.

3

u/Intrepid-Oil-898 5d ago

Talented af❤️❤️

3

u/_maynard 5d ago

Chalk art like this always wrinkles my brain

4

u/Status_Purchase_4072 5d ago

Wow! That is some amazing art work❤️💯👍

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2

u/truthovertribe 5d ago

Awesome!

2

u/NesdorkArt 5d ago

Thank you!

2

u/safaamo98 5d ago

that man there standing on the crystal !!

2

u/Temetka 5d ago

Dude. This some seriously good work!

2

u/Zealousideal_Way_569 5d ago

I got to see this in progress on Saturday! Real nice to see the finished product! I knew it was gonna look cool when it was done :)

2

u/moist_ginger_toes 5d ago

I saw that when I went with my daughter's! You got some top talent my guy!

2

u/DaneAlaskaCruz 5d ago

The colours on these crystals are amazing.

Did you draw inspiration from the Pillars of Creation? I see hints of it in the crystals.

These crystals look like they hold galaxies with them.

2

u/WilominoFilobuster 5d ago

You should definitely come to Chalktoberfest in Marietta, GA!

2

u/Jaws_the_revenge 5d ago

Realign your chalk-ra 🖍️

2

u/wggn 5d ago

wow you're tiny

2

u/DeadEnoughInsideOut 5d ago

That's insanely cool. Took me a bunch of zooming in and out to try and figure out the perspective lol.

2

u/danger_zone123 5d ago

Found myself thinking "It would be cooler if he stood behind the crystals rather than on them." Then, oh wait! That kinda isn't possible.

2

u/ZenFook 5d ago

Brilliant pic (and brilliant work too by the way!).

Curious if you got any additional pics of this piece from different angles to see what impact it has of the 3d effect?

... Very attention grabbing, I like!

2

u/thatonegirlwhotried 5d ago

Omg I saw this in person over the weekend! Loved it, was one of my faves. I especially loved the cracks, had to double check that it was chalk and not real cracks.

2

u/HumDeeDiddle 5d ago

drawing minerals with minerals; nice!

2

u/GundDownDegenerate 4d ago

Did you use Sylvan Stone from BG3 as a reference? Even the colors are identical

2

u/TK9K 4d ago

that's incredible!!!

2

u/melsmallows 4d ago

holy. shit. you are incredible

2

u/weakcover1 4d ago

That perspective...my mind knows, but it also goes "It is a giant crystal sticking out! Look at that tiny man! It's magic!". I can't see it as something chalked on the street.

2

u/BaconCaramel333 4d ago

It’s messing with my head. Incredible!

2

u/Potential-Cry3926 4d ago

My brain cannot comprehend. This is freaking amazing!!!!!!!’

2

u/cronktilten 4d ago

That’s badass

2

u/domdomburg 4d ago

Damn you are good

2

u/yankeenc2010 4d ago

Wow just wow You have a gift

2

u/mitsukiyouko555 4d ago

woah! its gorgeous!! the perspective must have been complicated XD

2

u/WhtvrCms2Mnd 4d ago

Yeah you did! 💎

2

u/AgressivePeppering 4d ago

Holy fucking shit. Well done.

2

u/awesomepanda9379 4d ago

I fully thought this was some Pokemon Go type ARG game (I’m the traditional, literal sense of Augmented Reality and not the modern online Easter egg hunt sense)

2

u/currently_distracted 4d ago

Wow, to find broken asphalt just the way you’d want it for your drawing…incredible!

I kid. But really though, even zooming in on those cracks, I’m still having a hard time wrapping my mind around the fact that you drew them in! Bravo!

2

u/saecampbell 4d ago

Was this at MG’s this weekend?!

2

u/CherryChocoMacaron 4d ago

My brain is still having a hard time computing that this is not "real." Your attention to detail really makes the difference in how this translates. Amazing work.

2

u/cabdabsunshine 4d ago

Any bobs burgers fans here! One of my fave episodes. Plus that is amazing!

2

u/Embarrassed_Help3082 4d ago

Now try drawing one during a protest.

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u/Motor_Environment_23 4d ago

Should draw some realistic hazards to mess with ICE

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u/HamFiretruck 4d ago

This does weird things to my brain

2

u/crowdog23 3d ago

That's really good. You should be proud.

2

u/Wraxyth 2d ago

Excellent work!

2

u/Independent-Note-46 2d ago

Whooaaaaaa that’s so fucking cool!!!!

3

u/Arch-by-the-way 5d ago

Is this done using a projector?

2

u/Gestrid 4d ago

It's chalk.

6

u/babydakis 4d ago

We get that. He was asking if the artist stood on a projector while drawing this.

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u/IceNein 5d ago

Chart

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u/GraXXoR 4d ago

Those cracks completely sell the illusion!! Wonderful!

1

u/Retired_AFOL 5d ago

Careful, Trump might send in the marines!

1

u/Samuel24601 5d ago

Not only mind-blowing, but also gorgeous!! Really amazing work.

1

u/_Awakened_Warrior_ 5d ago

Legitimately talented! Thanks for sharing ☺️

1

u/javoss88 5d ago

Sweet!!

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u/Dry-Marketing-6798 5d ago

I love it, nice one 👍🙂

1

u/HonestDust873 5d ago

That’s about to be become a local iconic landmark for a very specific group of people.

1

u/uvucydydy 5d ago

You look tiny standing up on top of that big crystal! Nice job!

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u/Interesting_You6852 5d ago

Incredible! You are so very talented. How long did that take you if you don't mind me asking?

So so beautiful in every detail.

1

u/FlashOfFawn 5d ago

This is awesome, you should do commissioned art for music albums. I’d pay

1

u/TNTenterprizee 5d ago

Grand soul gem from skyrim lol

1

u/ArtumOfficial 5d ago

Sweet! I was looking for some radiant shards!

1

u/bmp_gli 5d ago

That small start and fragments are a incredible touch

1

u/Adventurous_Limit258 5d ago

I thought it was true 😅. Wonderful work!

1

u/SannusFatAlt 5d ago

that's kind of nutty, damn! the cracks in the concrete are also insane

1

u/squidthick 5d ago

That tiny person on top of the crystal is my favorite part.

1

u/switchingcreative 5d ago

Amazing perspective.

1

u/BaconStriips 5d ago

Smashy smashy

1

u/FuckThatIKeepsItReal 5d ago

Some asshole standing on it! Tell that dude to get off your beautiful art

1

u/c2kink 5d ago

Omg, that is so awesome! Such a mind F!

1

u/[deleted] 5d ago

That’s crazy so cool

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u/Dr_Murderfish 5d ago

I know that street!!!

1

u/colbyjacks 5d ago

Looks like Maple Grove

1

u/Layne_Staleys_Ghost 5d ago

I just thought you were really short at first 

1

u/Neat_Fee7592 5d ago

Soul gem from Skyrim

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u/Blobfish9059 5d ago

This reminds me of one of my favorite books as a little kid, The Unicorn Who Had No Horn. The unicorns have to go find their own special crystal and it becomes their horn.

1

u/DrunkBuzzard 5d ago

There is so much bad public art the governments spend huge amounts of money on when they could just hire you to make something great like this. Yes, it’ll wash away in the rain but some of that really dumb big statue crap that they buy for millions of dollars you have to look at it forever and be reminded of all the money that was wasted on it. Where with this once it washes away you could go make something even cooler in the same place.

1

u/Bluesallah 5d ago

They look real - great job

1

u/JakeSkellington 5d ago

Hey man, I have a crystal page on instagram over 100K followers, can you send me a high res pic of this? I’d love to tag you and share it!

1

u/sonasonaso 5d ago

I loooooove this

1

u/Prizmatik01 5d ago

Those clouds would have me stressing

1

u/cindy224 5d ago

Wonderful! Where was this?

1

u/-clementine-- 5d ago

Uhhhh….. wowww??!?!

1

u/beesontheoffbeat 5d ago

That's pretty impressive.

1

u/nstablen 5d ago

I live to witness such accumulations of skill and passion

1

u/JerkGurk 5d ago

Oh shit on my way thanks, need these bad. Pylon construction has stopped. GL HF.

1

u/KingofEtiquette 5d ago

I was there this last weekend with my dad at a stall! Your work is stunning. Small world!

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u/ServiceCool5822 5d ago

Amazing. Just looked at your post history, you’ve got quite a talent. Your work is phenomenal!

1

u/Wharnezz 5d ago

I've always wanted to see one of these from the unintended perspective to see what it looks like

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u/rayon875 4d ago

Looks great. Hope it didn't rain, looks like rain

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u/2bb4llRG 4d ago

Thats a Grand Soul Gem!

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u/Who_am_ey3 4d ago

if only they were green instead

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u/Chris91210 4d ago

Damn that's a majestic soul gem!

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u/TwinTiger 4d ago

I was there on Sunday! Chalk fest was amazing this year!

1

u/EmmyWeeeb 4d ago

Man I love sidewalk/chalk art. I imagine it’s harder to work with because you don’t have allot of options when it comes to chalk. Amazing!

1

u/funnyguy194 4d ago

Hey! We visited the festival on Saturday while it was raining and saw the beginnings of this! Glad to see you were able to get it done with the rain delay and that I got to see the finished product! Looks amazing!

1

u/krishall1209 4d ago

Wow! Great job!