Images in black-and-white have a special power.
But, as hard as it is to believe, this isn’t a photograph.
It’s a pencil sketch — graphite on cartridge paper — by Scottish artist Paul Cadden.
Cadden is a student of the hyperrealism movement. Where as photorealists strive to meticulously recreate an image, artists of the hyperrealist bent add their own emotions and narrative to take it to another level.
“Intensify the normal” is how Cadden describes his process.
“After” is just one example of his success.

This reality is truly un-real! Beautiful.
woooaah.. I’m still staring at it – and can’t believe it’s drawn! The hair looks more real the closer you look.
Stunning and phenomenal!
That’s insanely amazing!!!!! I can’t believe it’s not a photo!!