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50 to 250 hours – this is how long Alessandro Paglia takes to complete one intricate drawing. And we totally understand why. Each piece is so incredibly hyperrealistic and detailed that it looks like a black and white photograph rather than a pen drawing on a large cotton paper canvas. With his meticulous and unique technique, the Italian artist brings iconic pieces of design history and pop culture objects to life with an original twist on the story they entail. Each realistic drawing is presented in fine detail and exceptional attention to composition, depth, and shadows created solely with an intensely pigmented ink pen. Well, many pens actually.

From classic cars to iconic clothing pieces to hand gestures or sculptures, each unique artwork is up to your personal interpretation – see for yourself!

More info: alessandro-paglia.com | Instagram

#1

Italian Artist Makes Ultra Realistic Drawings With Pen And The Result Is Impressive

Alessandro Paglia Report

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Rosalie Dunn
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4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I've looked through every piece of fantastic work, and I can't put into words the talent you have. It's incredible how much you've achieved with the help of only few felt tips. Fascinating!

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The Milan-based artist told Bored Panda that he was always inspired by true-to-life works of art but disappointed by the limited variety of subjects and techniques used. “I always have been fascinated by the power and elegance of black and white, both in fine arts and in photography. I had an education and I worked as a product designer for ten years. Objects attract me, in particular, their aesthetics, textures, materials, volumes. I feel inspired by the stories they tell, their personalities, the ingenuity of their creators, their hidden world. At some point in my life, I simply felt that I had to combine these two passions into some exciting artworks,”– Alessandro admitted.

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Even though the artist relies on portraying familiar objects in his realistic art that people can relate to, he gives them a new context and meaning with small interventions which is more complex than just replicating what is seen in life. “I select and study my subject carefully. Taking it into the studio, I distort it, enhance it, submerge it, imbue a solid surface with a liquid finish, I break it or rebuild it by combining it with other objects,” – Alessandro said while explaining his method of work – “I then shoot dozens of photos attempting to find that perfect image in terms of composition and contrast of light and shadow. I then draw it with intense pigment colored pencils or black ink pens (…) by superimposing layers of chaotic lines on top of one another until I achieve the right nuances even in the smallest details.”

The beautiful drawings are achieved with felt-tipped pens with intense water-proof and fade-resistant black pigment with tips ranging from 0.1 to 0.8mm on extra white cold pressed 100% cotton paper at 640gsm. “The use of pen, unlike pencil, allows to get a rich, vivid texture with a vibrant touch,” – said the artist.

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#9

Italian Artist Makes Ultra Realistic Drawings With Pen And The Result Is Impressive

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Ana B.
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5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This one is the most interesting to me, because instead of drawing from life it's like a hallucination!

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#10

Italian Artist Makes Ultra Realistic Drawings With Pen And The Result Is Impressive

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NanZ
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5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I just don't have the words to compliment or describe how unbelievably talented you are!

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#13

Italian Artist Makes Ultra Realistic Drawings With Pen And The Result Is Impressive

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Ana B.
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5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Take out the pencils. and this literally just looks like a black and white photo!!

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Italian Artist Makes Ultra Realistic Drawings With Pen And The Result Is Impressive

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Italian Artist Makes Ultra Realistic Drawings With Pen And The Result Is Impressive

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Italian Artist Makes Ultra Realistic Drawings With Pen And The Result Is Impressive

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Italian Artist Makes Ultra Realistic Drawings With Pen And The Result Is Impressive

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Italian Artist Makes Ultra Realistic Drawings With Pen And The Result Is Impressive

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Italian Artist Makes Ultra Realistic Drawings With Pen And The Result Is Impressive

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Italian Artist Makes Ultra Realistic Drawings With Pen And The Result Is Impressive

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#40

Italian Artist Makes Ultra Realistic Drawings With Pen And The Result Is Impressive

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Jo Bebe
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5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

He should record himself drawing the entire thing and then make a speed video showing it unfold !! That would be so cool

#41

Italian Artist Makes Ultra Realistic Drawings With Pen And The Result Is Impressive

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Ahnnah Newell
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5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Did a relationship end badly? I like how you tell a story with this one.

#42

Italian Artist Makes Ultra Realistic Drawings With Pen And The Result Is Impressive

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Italian Artist Makes Ultra Realistic Drawings With Pen And The Result Is Impressive

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#44

Italian Artist Makes Ultra Realistic Drawings With Pen And The Result Is Impressive

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NanZ
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5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I can't believe you are doing these drawings. The details are mind blowing. Everything about it is amazing. If you put your drawing by a photo of the same shoe, I bet you couldn't tell which is which. Your drawing would probably be better than the photo!

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Italian Artist Makes Ultra Realistic Drawings With Pen And The Result Is Impressive

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Italian Artist Makes Ultra Realistic Drawings With Pen And The Result Is Impressive

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Italian Artist Makes Ultra Realistic Drawings With Pen And The Result Is Impressive

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Italian Artist Makes Ultra Realistic Drawings With Pen And The Result Is Impressive

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Italian Artist Makes Ultra Realistic Drawings With Pen And The Result Is Impressive

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Italian Artist Makes Ultra Realistic Drawings With Pen And The Result Is Impressive

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