Pencil Versus Camera Artist

Pencil versus camera: Belgian artist is at it again with mind-bending blend of art and reality     Ben Heine, 28, crosses the fine line between art and reality by blending photographs with his own pencil sketches A randy rabbit, a beat-boxing sparrow and a woman trapped in her own nightmare are among his bizarre imaginings He ensures his hand is visible in every picture - to represent the connection between viewer, artist and artwork Ben, who studied journalism but now works as a full time artist in Brussels, has used locations worldwide By Matt Blake PUBLISHED: 13:42 GMT, 23 July 2012 | UPDATED: 19:21 GMT, 25 July 2012 There's something about these surreal artworks that really draws you in to their creator's imagination. And as these inventive pictures show, Ben Heine is one of the most hands-on artists you are likely to find. The 28-year-old Belgian blurs the line between art and reality by blending photographs of people and landscapes with his own pencil sketches. A randy rabbit, a beat-boxing sparrow and a woman trapped in her own nightmare are among the bizarre imaginings of the Ivory Coast-born artist. A fine line: A blonde has her polka dot dress tugged at by a bunny rabbit He begins by taking a picture of an everyday scene then covers part of the shot with a sketch - transforming the bland backdrops into intriguing scenarios. Part of his method involves him ensuring his hand is visible in every picture - to represent the connection between the viewer, the artist and the artwork. Ben said: 'I find a location, then do the drawings, then take a photo to combine with the drawing. I like to stretch people's imaginations.' Ben, who studied journalism but now works as a full time artist in Brussels, has used locations in London, Spain, Tunisia, and Belgium for his work. A bird blares out music from a boombox around his neck: Ben begins by taking a picture of an everyday scene then covers part of the shot with a sketch - transforming the bland backdrops into intriguing scenarios A redhead looks at a double of herself trapped in a nightmare: Ben Heine, 28, crosses the fine line between art and reality by blending photographs of people and landscapes with his own pencil sketches Ben said: 'Drawing or taking the photo isn't really a challenge as I've been doing it a long time, but it is very time consuming. 'People are usually surprised and intrigued by my work, many want me to create a Pencil Vs Camera image with their own photos.' Heine describes himself as a multidisciplinary visual artist who is inspired by people and nature. A blonde looks away as a male admirer with flowers is left with a broken heart: The artist said he has been deeply influenced by Belgian Surrealism, German Expressionism, American Pop Art and Social Realism How it is done: The 28-year-old grew up in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, where he lived for seven years with his parents and three sisters before moving back to Brussels in 1990 The 28-year-old grew up in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, where he lived for seven years with his parents and three sisters before moving back to Brussels in 1990. He has become well-known for three art concepts he has been working on, including his Pencil Vs Camera project. He always makes sure the sketch is in black and white, while the photograph is often brightly coloured to maxmise contrast. Painstaking: Heine describes himself as a multidisciplinary visual artist who is inspired by people and nature Ben's creations have become a internet hit - and has had a significant impact on the graphic design community. The artist said he has been deeply influenced by Belgian Surrealism, German Expressionism, American Pop Art and Social Realism. He has also created two other art projects for which he has become well-known for: Digital Circlism and Flesh and Acrylic. Storm approaching: An image from Spain of a man reaching out to the skies. Ben Heine said: 'I like to stretch people's imaginations. A monkey on the underground, why not?' Bizarre: Model Caroline Madison lies on the ground in London in another image from the gallery Hands on: Part of his method involves him ensuring his hand is visible in every picture - to represent the connection between the viewer, the artist and the artwork Ladder to the skies: Another image from the Pencil Vs Camera series by Belgian visual artist Ben Heine A different perspective: As these sunflowers smile, the one in the middle screams in this picture originally taken in Spain Rush: A monkey on the underground in this image taken in Barcelona. The animal, dressed in an suit, dashes from a train clutching a banana Reeling in a whopper: A fisherman appears to catch an unusual trawl in this perspective-bending picture taken in Tunisia as part of the Pencil Vs Camera series by Belgian visual artist Ben Heine

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