Hyperrealistic Portraits of Celebrities Done With Pencils

People’s ability to paint always baffled me. I can’t wrap my head around how painters can just use a few simple tools to recreate something in front of them. What I find even more mind-blowing is the ability to draw the human form and portraits in particular. But there are portraits and then there are hyperrealistic portraits which are just in a category of their own.

Alena, also known as @litvinalena on Instagram, is a Russian artist who does hyperrealistic portraits using just pencils. It seems like she really doesn’t have a preference in terms of who to draw. Kids, adults, older people, tall, short, etc – she can do a portrait of anyone and make it look like a perfect photograph. Her portraits are incredibly detailed and it usually takes her about 10 days to finish one, but with that level of precision and realism, we’re honestly surprised it can be done that quickly. I’d expect at least a month.

It’s also not necessary for her to draw from real life, because not only does she do portraits of people she knows or has met, but she’s also incredible and doing hyperrealistic portraits of celebrities. Alena’s already done portraits of many of our favourite stars including Scarlett Johansson, Will Smith, Keira Knightly, James McAvoy, Matt Damon and more. Take a look at some of her works below.

”It’s always interesting to watch an actor change from role to role to capture the character. I think the most important thing in a male portrait is energy and power.

From a technical point of view, this portrait was interesting for the actor’s expressive look. I think I managed to capture it, what do you think?”

“You all requested it and here’s the result. I’ve complicated the process for myself trying to capture each wrinkle, each little hair or drop of sweat. A lot of time and effort went into this but I think it’s worth it. Let’s hope The Rock notices this”