These Incredible Portraits Weren’t Captured With A Camera, But With A Pencil.

Monica Lee is not a photographer, which you will probably find hard to believe when you look at her work. Instead of a capturing her subjects in a series of snaps, she uses pencil and paper to etch out every detail.

The artist uploads these incredible sketches inspired by real life to her Facebook and Instagram. Her focus on the minute aspects of our world, things our eyes even blur out when they’re right in front of us, is breathtaking. Looking into the eyes of these graphite illustrations almost feels too intimate, but you also can’t look away.


“Alisa”


Monica captures her progress as well, showing how every detail comes together.


“Sebastian”


Every little hair, pore and freckle is almost brought to life.


Here Monica used photographer Marteline Nystad’s original work for reference.

She was able to bring out even more detail than the camera captured.


“Macallan”


The still life seems less still with each stroke of her pencil.


She also branches out into bird-life.


“Macaw”


“Rooster”


(H/T: Colossal.)

You can find more of her impressive artwork on her Facebook and Instagram. Be sure to follow along for a glimpse into her ultra-precise process.

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