Vexel is a form of pixel-based raster art that imitates the appearance of what we know as vector graphics; smooth, sharp-edged illustrations that can be scaled up and down. Vexel art, however, is created using pixel-based shapes that are layered upon each other to create stepped but gradual color transitions. Gradients are sometimes used to give the artwork a more detailed and smooth look, but at the end of the day, no matter what technique has been used, the final outcome is a rasterized image that can’t be scaled. This technique is typically used by those who are more comfortable with programs like Photoshop, rather than alternative vector-based apps.
Due to the amount of detail that can be put into an image using the vexel technique, it is a great process to use if you want to replicate images of both humans and animals, as well as landscapes. It can also be used to create illustrations like those we see being produced in vector-based applications like Illustrator. This post showcases 45 wonderful examples of vexel artwork for your inspiration. What’s your favorite?
Animals
Chi
Law of Survival
A great vector-style illustration that demonstrates that no matter how colorful and happy the world is, there will always be someone bigger than you willing to eat you up!
Equus
It’s Bacon
A very impressive and detailed vexel piece by Amanda Schubert, just imagine how many layers were in this PSD file!
Googly-Eye Animals
Squirrel Love
An incredibly cute vexel print piece of two squirrels in love. The main shapes of the design were produced in illustrator, and once rasterized were colored in Photoshop, making it fit into the vexel category.
I Am A Bird
Unicorn
This piece falls under the subcategory ‘Lineart Vexel’, using pixel-based applications to produce complicated lines to form an image.
Fantasy, Sci-Fi and Thriller
Star Wars Propoganda
Wanted
A great vexel piece of the great thriller/action movie starring Angelina Jolie, ‘Wanted’.
I’m Sorry
Aviatrix
A beautiful vexel piece of a musician called Magdalene Veen. Be sure to click through to view the full size image so you can see the detail in the transition of the different colors.
Clone Trooper
RX78-2
A robotic sci-fi style vexel image. When viewed at full size, this image demonstrates the differences between vector and vexel images well, as you can see the pixels on diagonal lines.
Morrigan
Poison of Live
A warm fiery color palette combined with intricate details make this piece stunning to look at. It was mainly produced in Illustrator, and was finished off using Photoshop to drop it into the vexel category.
Crimson King
Melancholy Journey
A pretty immense, colorful abstract vexel piece by a psychedelic artist known as SaltyShadow.
Hypnos
Nature
Fear La
Fear La uses a lovely varied color scheme and swirly patterns in the ocean to grab the viewers attention. This great piece of vexel art is very powerful and can be interpreted and enjoyed in many different ways!
RUMAHnya KATA
Tree Sunset
Yet another colorful and gorgeous piece, with an abstract watercolor look to it. This is enough to make anyone wish for summer!
Tropical
Sevenlakes
The combination of animals and landscape/scenery in vexel art is quite rare. This piece however, tackles the common problems spectacularly well and gives us, the viewers, something great to look at.
Fisherman’s Vexel
The Sea Tower
This vexel piece makes use of a monochromatic color palette to create a real gloomy and scary mood. The detail of the sky/water and the simplicity of the building creates an interesting combination and is pulled off very well.
Japanese Bridge
People
Xerox
A hilarious washed-out vexel that makes use of texture to add a completely different feel to the design.
Stare Into Me
Lash
An amazing portrait that was completed to improve the artists hair vexeling skills. The pink tones and hair work is just incredible, and it’s hard to imagine how many hours this took!
Can You See Me?
I Can’t Hear You
A much simpler piece of vexel art compared to most others in this showcase, but still very impressive nonetheless!
Key of Heart
Ace of Spades
Yet another beautiful vexel portrait piece, proving that the color combination of greyscale/b&w and red go tremendously well together.
Silence is Golden
Buffy: She’s Like Madonna
This image has so much depth and quality that without close inspection it appears to be a photograph, especially if you’re only glancing!
Hugh Jackman
Hayley Williams
The popular rockstar Hayley Williams in vexel format, another piece that looks just like a photograph, although upon close inspection in full size you’ll notice that it is entirely made up from hundreds of shapes.
Zemotion
Colorful Geisha
This lovely colorful geisha piece of vexel artwork is enough to blow everyone away with the excellent details and shading.
Her Candy World
Cold Ice
Another portrait piece that could easily be mistaken for a glamour photograph.
Hard Candy: Scarlett Johannson
Almost Rainbow
This experimental and very colorful piece is one of the most detailed pieces in this showcase. When viewed at full size (over 1600 pixels wide) you’ll really appreciate the detail, especially the eyes and eyelashes.
The Fooling Around
You May Also Like
- Into The Wild: Awesome Animal Photo-Manipulations
- Inspiration: Centric Vector Illustrators
- From Adorable to Angry: Robot Vectors to Inspire You
- Inspiration: 50+ Vector-Based Book Covers
- 25 Fantastic Vector Portraits