Treasure trove: An Egyptian style mural adorns a wall in Los Gatos, California. Pugh paints people into the mural to heighten the 3D effect

At first glance, it looks as if some natural disaster has shaken away the walls of these buildings to reveal architecture hidden for thousands of years.

And at second and third glance, it looks like that too.

But these spectacular images are not the unexpected result of an earthquake.

Off the wall: The astonishing 3D murals painted on the sides of buildings by a trompe l'oeil artist

Greek tragedy: But the Doric-style columns apparently exposed in this university hall are nothing but paint

Wonder wave: John Pugh's Mana Nalu mural in Honolulu. Fire crews rushed to save the children from the mighty wave - before realising it was an optical illusion

Blurring the lines: A mural entitled Art Imitating Life Imitating Art Imitating Life, at the Cafe Trompe L'oeil, in San Jose, California

Having a cow: Valentine's Day, a mural unveiled during the Global Mural Conference in Twentynine Palms, California

Take a pew: This looks like a nice spot to rest your weary feet on a sidewalk in Sarasota County Health Center, Florida

Off the wall: The astonishing 3D murals painted on the sides of buildings by a trompe l'oeil artist

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