Realism
And that's why I love it. It's like a Turing test, but rather than artificial intelligence and a human being, the artist attempts to make the drawing indistinguishable from a photograph.
Reference photo from German photographer Wolf Ademeit
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Most people react to this lynx portrait in the same way. The initial reaction is usually a mix of admiration and intrigue, which is great. But then that positive response is quickly followed by confusion. Confusion as to why I would put myself through drawing thousands of small lines over 50+ hours for a drawing that simply replicates an image already available online. Fair question.
The process of creating the piece needs to be just as rewarding as the final product. It's important to appreciate the small progress made each day and recognize the new life injected into the drawing after each session. The drawing process shouldn't simply be a means to an end. It should be an end in and of itself. The final product is simply a bonus.
Monochromatic realism is a complex puzzle that requires both skill and (a lot of) patience. The slightest mistake will draw the focus of the viewer and ruin the realistic effect.