In high school, we all had that one notebook where we loved to draw ballpoint pen doodles. Hearts, squares, flowers, and caricatures have adorned our pages. However, some artsy students have the ability to illustrate truly beautiful portraits of both humans and animals. One of them is a 27-year-old Oscar Ukonu, who draws ballpoint pen portraits that look like photographs passed through a blue filter.
The Laos, Nigeria-based self-taught hyperrealist has been working on his skills for over five years and explains that he “constantly explores black identity and pride in an increasingly globalized world, as well as ideas surrounding Afrorealism.”
Being so detailed, Ukonu needs around 200 to 400 hours to finish each piece. He has many fans, and his drawings can be found in homes in Nigeria and other countries around the world. Currently, he has more than 75,000 followers on his Instagram page and has exhibited his works in his hometown.
If you doubt his realistic-looking portraits, check out the how-it’s-done videos on his social media platforms. Aren’t they astonishing? You can become a proud owner of one of his masterpieces by purchasing his art on his website.
Check out some of our favorites below.
