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Can you imagine a situation when a work of art is so realistic that someone would accuse the artist of fraud? Moreover, the whole situation would be investigated by Trading Standards?

Well, this actually happened to 36-year-old professional artist John Fisher who was one day visited at his home by two inspectors who had questions about the authenticity of his highly detailed pencil drawings. At that moment, Fisher was really surprised because he knew he did not violate any laws. Inspectors explained that they needed to investigate an anonymous report claiming that the artist was 'scamming' people by using an app to produce his intricate drawings.

Fisher showed examples of his photorealistic drawings and even rubbed some bits out to prove that he used real pencils to create them. It didn't take long for the officers to believe the artist as the proof was there. He admitted that this malicious report could have harmed his business and it's really upsetting that people would go that far without even double-checking their information.

Fisher started his career a few years ago when his father persuaded him to radically change his life: quit his job as a chef to open his own business and become a full-time artist. Though he had a rough start, now he has more than 4,400 followers on his Instagram selling his black and white drawings across the UK. His unique art is often mistaken for photographs because it is so realistic!

More info: johnfisherart.net | Instagram | Facebook

#1

Self-Portrait

Self-Portrait

"Every portrait artist should put themselves under the microscope at some point and it was time for me to do just that. No frills, no filters, this pencil drawing is my first attempt at a self-portrait and first, of a series of water-themed drawings I'll be doing over the course of the year. I could almost call this a miniature as it only measures 8x8 inch but I class my miniatures as anything below 6 inches. Either way, it's a small drawing when compared to my usual 16x12 pieces."

John Fisher Report

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

Holy c**p you are amazing! I can understand why someone might think that there is no possible way that these portraits were done with only pencils. That is the best compliment that an artist can get! You have major talent and thanks for sharing it with all of us!

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    #2

    Ruby And Lily

    Ruby And Lily

    "Ruby the Springer Spaniel and Lily the Pointer, drawn from 2 separate photos over 20 hours."

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    #4

    Sam

    Sam

    "Tribute drawing of Sam. My first horse portrait."

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    Elisabeth Bergbom
    Community Member
    5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    NO WAY, this is so detailed, all the hairs right etc. I'm beyond impressed

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    #5

    Stan Lee

    Stan Lee

    "Comic book writer, actor, and producer. The legendary Stan Lee."

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    The Chopstick
    Community Member
    5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Me: draws stan lee* This guy: exists* Me: *SWEATING NERVOUSLY WITH GUN TO HEAD WHILE DRAWING*

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    #7

    Snowy Fun

    Snowy Fun

    "A commissioned pencil portrait of a small dog playing outside."

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    #9

    Highland Cow

    Highland Cow

    "This is my pencil contribution to the Highland Cow trend. Because why not?"

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    #10

    Pennywise

    Pennywise

    "Actor Bill Skarsgard as he appeared in the movie, IT, where he played the iconic killer clown, Pennywise. The movie is a 2017 adaptation of Stephen King's classic novel."

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    #11

    Chester Tribute

    Chester Tribute

    "A tribute to the lead singer in Linkin Park who sadly, took his own life in 2017."

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    #12

    Ralph

    Ralph

    "It was a pleasure to draw this stunning horse and I was really pleased with the outcome."

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    #13

    Angela Lansbury

    Angela Lansbury

    "This pencil portrait took roughly 12 hours to complete and was drawn from a photo taken in 1950."

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    #14

    Beatrice

    Beatrice

    "Here's my pencil tribute portrait of Beatrice the cow who sadly passed away recently. This drawing was commissioned by her owners who loved her dearly and wanted a reminder of Beatrice in her prime."

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    #15

    Clint Eastwood

    Clint Eastwood

    "My pencil portrait of one of my own heroes, Clint Eastwood."

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    #16

    Archie

    Archie

    "This pencil portrait was commissioned by Hannah as a tribute to her boy Archie who passed away recently."

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    #17

    Two Labs

    Two Labs

    "A drawing of two labradors enjoying the sun."

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    #18

    Dunardry View

    Dunardry View

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    #19

    Baby Portrait

    Baby Portrait

    "A commission from Janet who gifted this to her daughter after the birth of her new baby boy."

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    #20

    Bill Paxton

    Bill Paxton

    "My pencil portrait of the late Bill Paxton. The only man to have taken on an Alien, a Predator, and a Terminator."

    John Fisher Report

    #21

    Celebration

    Celebration

    "A drawing that was commissioned as part of an anniversary celebration. It shows both wedding rings with each hand holding a glass of the good stuff. (not exactly a portrait, but close enough)."

    John Fisher Report

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    D r e a m l a n d s
    Community Member
    5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Perfectly captured the light hitting the glass. Something I could never quite wrap my head around... Great job!

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    #24

    Boxer

    Boxer

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    #25

    Horse Head

    Horse Head

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    Elisabeth Bergbom
    Community Member
    5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I've literally never seen any drawings as realistic as these in my entire life, this is truly amazing!

    #26

    Ashley Mova

    Ashley Mova

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    #27

    Heath Ledger

    Heath Ledger

    "This experimental piece of the late Heath Ledger took around 10 hours. I tried to give a double exposure effect and show Heath as himself and also his iconic Joker from The Dark Knight movie."

    John Fisher Report

    #28

    Alfie On The Pier

    Alfie On The Pier

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    #29

    James

    James

    "Portrait of baby James, commissioned by mum, Emma."

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    #30

    The Family Homes

    The Family Homes

    "Commissioned piece showing the clients previous family dwellings."

    John Fisher Report

    #32

    A Happy Couple

    A Happy Couple

    "An A4 sized pencil portrait of some newlyweds."

    John Fisher Report

    #34

    Holiday Snap

    Holiday Snap

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    #35

    Mia

    Mia

    "The daughter of a close friend posing for a snap at her parents' wedding."

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    #36

    Emma Fyffe

    Emma Fyffe

    "I recently had the pleasure of working with actress and producer Emma Fyffe. She allowed me to do this pencil portrait of her which took around 10 hours to complete. Based in Hollywood, Emma can be found all over YouTube but currently co-hosting and competing in the Movie Trivia Schmoedown on Collider Video."

    John Fisher Report

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    #38

    Alloway

    Alloway

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    #39

    Multi-Reference

    Multi-Reference

    "The client required a drawing of his grandchildren but had two separate photos as a reference. In this case, they were positioned in such a way that they looked natural enough when placed together in the drawing."

    John Fisher Report

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    Chris DiFonso
    Community Member
    5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Thank you for sharing these! They are amazing, I love the detail.

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    #40

    Arnold Schwarzenegger

    Arnold Schwarzenegger

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    Lauren Caswell
    Community Member
    5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I think it does look like a young arnie, perhaps based on a movie poster

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    #41

    Luke Skywalker

    Luke Skywalker

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    Elisabeth Bergbom
    Community Member
    5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Is it just me or do the first/ last posts get the most comments, at least in the articles where there's a lot of pictures so people pay less attention to the pictures in the middle of the article?

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    #42

    Alex Ferguson

    Alex Ferguson

    "My portrait of the legendary football manager."

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