Ballpoint pens are as underestimated as they are a powerful medium. It’s not about what you use, it’s about how you use it.

Based on an already striking portrait of model Love Ansimov by Russian photographer Kristina Tararina, art hobbyist Samuel Silva has reproduced the photograph in astonishing hyperrealistic/photorealistic fashion using only six (not including the standard black) Bic ballpoint pens. Redhead Girl took approximately 30 hours to finish; pen strokes were cross-hatched with different colors in layers to create the illusion of blending and the appearance of colors that were not available. The stunning piece is 8″ by 9″ (22.5 cm x 20 cm).

Silva is a 29-year old attorney and a self-taught artist based in Portugal.

Meticulous and astounding work, I say.

Check out his other pieces below and at his site.

-@teemunny

via Colossal