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No one’s out of the womb knowing how to draw. It takes a lot of time before childish scribbles take shape and become simplistic drawings that resemble something recognizable. The same goes with realistic drawings, which take exponentially more time to learn than just simple stick figures. It takes thousands of hours of hard work and patience.

The Realistic Drawings of Rafael Konishi

Rafael Konishi from São Paulo, Brazil, is one of those few people who has dedicated his time to learning realistic art and perfecting it. And the result is so realistic it even puts photos to shame since taking photos doesn't require much work. But the fruits of this bitter labor are undeniable, as they’re appreciated and enjoyed by thousands of people and recognized as real art (pun intended!).

To understand whether Rafael started with easy realistic drawings or how his journey progressed in this field. We directly asked the artist. 

Here’s what he had to say about his journey in the arts: “I have been drawing since I was a child, but I drew a lot of manga. I met realistic drawing in 2013, but I really improved myself in 2017. Since then, I have been trying to improve myself in this art that I love so much.” In return for his love for realistic art, his works are loved just as much, and his 5.9k followers on Instagram are proof of it.

More info: Instagram

#1

Realistic drawing of a woman with braided hair bending over water, created by artist Rafael Konishi.

rafael_konishibai Report

Billy The Kid
Community Member
4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Too realistic to be a drawing

AriMalari87
Community Member
4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

i mean, some people are really talented and can do stuff like this

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Glynna Bowood
Community Member
4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Her hair is just completely real- I can detect everything else as drawn but that hair...

Misty Dake
Community Member
4 years ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's quite beautiful. What a talent!

vyoti tuheli
Community Member
4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

All the different textures... bravo.

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Advice for Artists Aspiring to Create Realistic Sketch

Rafael even gave some advice to the readers of Bored Panda. “My advice for those who want to do realistic drawing is to be very patient.” He explained that the reason why he ventured into realistic drawing was because he loves making shapes using pencils.

RELATED:
    #2

    Realistic drawing by Rafael Konishi showing a detailed portrait with intricate shading and texture.

    rafael_konishibai Report

    Billy The Kid
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is truly amazing!!!!! To look at it i would say that it is a black and white photo!

    hEhE
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Black Widow is the best!!!!

    Maya
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I try so hard and fail so hard. I try to make realistic faces and it looks like a baby drew it ;-;

    Moon
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Why does this look like Black Widow?

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    #3

    Realistic drawing by Rafael Konishi depicting a woman's face with intricate shadow patterns on her skin.

    rafael_konishibai Report

    Maya
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Ho- how in the FRICK does someone do this with a PENCIL.

    SongoftheStars
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I couldn’t take a photo that looks half as good as this!

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    How do You Choose a Subject for Your Realistic Pencil Sketch?

    In terms of the subject, he’s not too picky. “I don't have a favorite theme to draw. I like to do everything that challenges me when I look at an image, and it catches my eye.” He’s certain that in the future, he’ll do what he loves doing most: “I intend to continue looking for images that challenge me and try to be better and better.”

    #4

    Realistic drawing by artist Rafael Konishi featuring a woman's face with striped light and shadow effects.

    rafael_konishibai Report

    Bisexuali-tea
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    is it possible to think a drawing is hot?

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    #5

    Realistic drawing by artist Rafael Konishi, featuring a highly detailed portrait of a man with glasses and a beard.

    rafael_konishibai Report

    Hugo A-niro
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yes I know who this is .not handsome either

    Peggy Butler
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is simply incredible! What a genius he is.

    J9
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is my favourite in this list

    #6

    Realistic drawing of a dog's face by artist Rafael Konishi.

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    hi myself
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I wish that this was a real doggo, so I could play with it. ❤

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    #7

    Realistic drawing of a smiling child by artist Rafael Konishi, showcasing detailed pencil artwork.

    rafael_konishibai Report

    #8

    Realistic drawing by Rafael Konishi of a woman lying down, wearing a necklace, with detailed facial features.

    rafael_konishibai Report

    AzKhaleesi
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is ridiculously amazing! the lighting, the hands, I'm blown away.

    J Rob
    Community Member
    4 years ago

    This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

    Where is the rest of it?

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    #9

    A realistic drawing of a steam locomotive on tracks with dramatic smoke details by artist Rafael Konishi.

    rafael_konishibai Report

    #10

    Realistic drawing by artist Rafael Konishi showcasing a face partially obscured by a hand.

    rafael_konishibai Report

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    #11

    Realistic drawing by Rafael Konishi depicting a woman with hair covering her eyes and a shirt pulled up.

    rafael_konishibai Report

    Eggplanto
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    is that blood on the shirt???

    James
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Mathiieu... what’s the meaning then. Is this a reference to something specific?

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    #12

    Realistic drawing by Rafael Konishi of a detailed face with roses.

    rafael_konishibai Report

    Lorelai Purvis
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    this looks like something billie eilish would do for an album cover, like, get this shot as a photo of her and use it for an album

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    #15

    Realistic drawing by Rafael Konishi depicting a detailed portrait of a young person with thoughtful expression.

    rafael_konishibai Report

    AriMalari87
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    is this nancy from stranger things?? i am confusion

    McSydney
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Looks a wee bit like a young Jonny Depp

    Donald Derp
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This looks like Ellie from the last of us

    #16

    Realistic drawing by artist Rafael Konishi depicting a dramatic scene with an intense stare and hand gesture.

    rafael_konishibai Report

    Jolee zzstu Abramson
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    my weird brain thought this was bill nye for half a second lol rofl

    Demongrrrrl
    Community Member
    Premium
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    There's never a Doctor around when you need him.

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    #17

    Realistic drawing by artist Rafael Konishi depicting a woman's face with water flowing over it.

    rafael_konishibai Report

    Maya
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    How does one draw water?

    John Knight
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Time, by nature, is transient. It is the artist job to capture a moment, that can even allude the lense of a camera; thus allowing his/her audience to "see" a unique moment in time, conveying something special of the subject-matter.

    lisa lahey
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Absolutely mind blowing - why is this artist not famous??

    lisa lahey
    Community Member
    4 years ago

    This comment has been deleted.

    Computernaut
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It's really good, but the water looks too surreal and ends up appearing fake and weird.

    #18

    Realistic drawing by Rafael Konishi showcasing a detailed portrait of a woman with long hair and textured clothing.

    rafael_konishibai Report

    GaeFrog
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Hey she kinda looks like my teacher

    #19

    Realistic drawing of a motorcycle's chrome headlight and details by Rafael Konishi.

    rafael_konishibai Report

    Darlene Garry
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Whooaaa! This artist does the most awesome work! I have ever seen so great it seems impossible! I sure do love his work!!!

    Slune
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The shining, unbelievable!

    Gabby M
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I certainly hope he does this as a "job" for a living.....Simply astonishing, so much talent.

    #22

    Realistic drawing of a man in glasses and plaid shirt, created by artist Rafael Konishi.

    rafael_konishibai Report

    Vanessa Flores
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Even the slight fuzz of hair on the hands omg so goodd!!!

    Eclipse
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I half expected his hand to move

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    #25

    Realistic drawing of a child's face by artist Rafael Konishi, showcasing detailed expression and texture.

    rafael_konishibai Report

    Eaglez404
    Community Member
    4 years ago

    This comment has been deleted.

    Katie Bauer
    Community Member
    4 years ago

    This comment has been deleted.

    -OldCarnival-
    Community Member
    4 years ago

    This comment has been deleted.

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    #26

    Realistic drawing by Rafael Konishi featuring two children with raised fists, showcasing detailed artistry.

    rafael_konishibai Report

    hi myself
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'm more amazed at what the picture is about! Kids are strong too and deserve to have their voices heard!

    Sneeze
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    OMG THE FORESHORTINING IS SO GOOOD CAN YOU PLEASE TEACH ME

    #27

    Realistic drawing by artist Rafael Konishi of a veiled bust with a floral crown on a pedestal.

    rafael_konishibai Report

    Arturo Mazzuera
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The best so far... once you learn to do realistic art, you should draw things that a camera can not do... using your imagination and talent to create something new and perhaps leave some parts undone to show it is a drawing and not a photoshop filter

    Misty Dake
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It looks as though he free hands all of his art without using additional drawing tools. Absolutely brilliant!

    Gabby M
    Community Member
    4 years ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Veiled Virgin. Stunning!!

    #28

    Realistic drawing of a wooden bench by artist Rafael Konishi, showcasing intricate wood textures and details.

    rafael_konishibai Report

    #29

    Realistic drawing by Rafael Konishi depicting a surreal blend of a face and lips in black and white.

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    #30

    Realistic drawing of an elderly man with detailed facial features by artist Rafael Konishi.

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    Phoenix
    Community Member
    4 years ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The hair is Gandalf, but the face looks like Dumbledore. Or is it the other way around...

    Billy The Kid
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    file://tr-bm-fs01/users$/rtownsend/Downloads/funny-dog-lookalike-LotR.jpg.crdownload

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    #33

    Realistic drawing by artist Rafael Konishi depicting a face with water droplets and wet hair in grayscale.

    rafael_konishibai Report

    -OldCarnival-
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Is it just me or do the eyelashes not look right?

    Dhruv Sudhakar
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    No, I agree. It makes sense. The eyelashes don't look lie hair.

    #34

    Realistic drawing by Rafael Konishi showing a close-up of a face with water droplets.

    rafael_konishibai Report

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    #35

    Realistic drawing by Rafael Konishi depicting an eye with a detailed teardrop.

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    #36

    Realistic drawing by Rafael Konishi, depicting a detailed portrait of a person in medieval-style armor.

    rafael_konishibai Report

    #37

    Realistic drawing of a smiling child by artist Rafael Konishi, showcasing detailed and lifelike artistry.

    rafael_konishibai Report

    Celery Cringe
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I read your name as Peggy Bundy on accident... lmao dyslexia is fun sometimes

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    #38

    Realistic drawing by Rafael Konishi depicting a man in detailed grayscale, holding an object, with expressive eyes.

    rafael_konishibai Report

    #39

    Realistic drawing by Rafael Konishi depicting two smiling people, showcasing intricate detail and lifelike expressions.

    rafael_konishibai Report

    TESSA DAVENPORT
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Is it just me or as we scroll down these get more and more Unrealistic (they are still amazing tho!)

    Capelli rosa e patate
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I reckon it ends up that way because their most realistic/best get more upvotes; so we see em pretty much in order from most detailed to not. All amazing though indeed! 😁

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    #40

    Realistic drawing by Rafael Konishi featuring a smiling woman with long hair and a flower, showcasing detailed artistry.

    rafael_konishibai Report

    #41

    Realistic drawing of a man's intense eyes by Rafael Konishi.

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    Lorraine R
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This one has a depth and texture that is much more moving than a lot of the more static hyper-realistic ones.

    The Adventure of Realistic Art

    Indulging in realistic art is an adventure. And if this is something you yearn for and are hesitating to start, just do it. Carpe diem, right? You can always start with easy, realistic pencil drawings and then see where the road takes you. Who knows, with patience and practice, you might just keep getting better at it!

    FAQs About Realistic Drawings

    What is the Most Realistic Form of Drawing?

    Photorealism, hyperrealism, portraiture, and still life are a few of the most realistic forms of drawing. 

    How do I Make My Drawings Realistic?

    There are many techniques you can use to make your drawings realistic. Some of them are focusing on the details, practicing regularly, mastering the art of shading, or staying patient through the learning process. 

    What Makes a Drawing Look Realistic?

    A drawing can look realistic due to many factors like shading, proportions, texture, colors, subject choice, accuracy, etc.