23 August 2012

This Is Not A Photograph, Hyperrealistic Portrait Drawn With Ballpoint Pens

Click to view enlarged version



Click to view enlarged version



No, your eyes aren’t playing tricks. This isn’t a photograph—but actually a portrait, hand-drawn by Portugal-based lawyer and hobbyist, Samuel Silva.



According to Silva, his portrait is based on a photograph by Russian photographer Kristina Tararina—which he replicates on paper using nothing but standard ballpoint pens.



His hyperrealistic portrait uses eight different colors and it took him about 30 hours to complete.



When asked if he’s a professional artist, he replies “No, I’m just a lawyer, art is just a hobby for me, although it takes from 5 to 50 hours to finish each drawing.”



With his talents, it seems like he’s in the wrong profession—wouldn’t you agree?



The first picture above is Silva's hand-drawn portrait, while the one directly below is Tararina's photograph.



Click to view enlarged version



Click to view enlarged version



Click to view enlarged version



Click to view enlarged version





Check out some of his other works below:





















[via Samuel Silva]