These stunning 3D paintings of harvestmen arachnids - which are not technically spiders - are the creation of artist Marlin Peterson
These stunning 3D paintings of harvestmen arachnids - which are not technically spiders - are the creation of artist Marlin Peterson

Daddy long legs: Artist Marlin Peterson with one of his roof paintings. The 37-year-old wanted to create a large-scale version of tromp l'oeil - an art style in which 2D images appear three-dimensional when viewed from a certain angle
Daddy long legs: Artist Marlin Peterson with one of his roof paintings. The 37-year-old wanted to create a large-scale version of tromp l'oeil - an art style in which 2D images appear three-dimensional when viewed from a certain angle
 Optical illusion: Viewing the 2,100 sq ft image from a specific angle makes it look as though the arachnids are perched on the roof of a warehouse and ready to pounce
Optical illusion: Viewing the 2,100 sq ft image from a specific angle makes it look as though the arachnids are perched on the roof of a warehouse and ready to pounce

A prototype wire model of a harvestman arachnid, which helped the artist develop his painting technique
Art in action: The early stages of the painting
A prototype wire model of a harvestman arachnid, left, which helped the artist develop his painting technique. Pictured right is the painting in its early stages
Art in action: The painting begins to take shape as the arachnid slowly comes to life. The artist, who describes himself as a freelance scientific illustrator and muralist, was inspired by his love of creepy crawlies
Art in action: The painting begins to take shape as the arachnid slowly comes to life. The artist, who describes himself as a freelance scientific illustrator and muralist, was inspired by his love of creepy crawlies

From this angle the painting looks like nothing more than an innocent piece of art