Such life-like portraits of celebrities have been created by an artist using only a pencil that you might mistake them for photographs.
Kelvin Okafor’s art features notable figures like Amy Winehouse, Tinie Tempah, and Mother Teresa, among others.
Hailing from north London, the 27-year-old dedicates approximately 80 to 100 hours to complete each portrait.
With meticulous attention to detail, Kelvin captures the nuances of his subject’s face using only a pencil, paper, and a touch of charcoal, working for four uninterrupted hours to become fully immersed.
Kelvin shared: ‘Before I embark on drawing, I often take a few hours — or even several days — to analyze the face from multiple perspectives. Typically, I begin with the eyes, then outline the entire shape of the face before focusing on the intricate details.’
Upon examining his pieces, one would find it nearly impossible to detect any pencil marks, reflecting his incredible precision.
His artwork has gained immense popularity, leading to his own exhibition at London’s Science Museum, where some pieces fetch prices up to $20,000.
Recently, he received a commission to create a portrait of King Hussein of Jordan for Queen Noor, the late monarch’s widow.
However, Kelvin’s journey wasn’t always so promising; the Middlesex University graduate faced challenges while growing up in one of the nation’s economically disadvantaged areas.
At the age of 11, his family’s home was repossessed, leading them to spend the subsequent three years bouncing between various relatives’ households.
During his teenage years in Tottenham, he often found himself too financially constrained to go out, spending time drawing while others his age engaged in nightlife.
He mentioned: ‘When I’m drawing, I engage in something I’m passionate about. I become absorbed in my art. The passage of time is irrelevant.’
A significant moment for him was witnessing his father’s emotional reaction during a recent local TV news interview about his work.
“I don’t think I’ve ever seen my dad shed a tear. But he cried when he saw me and my artwork on television. My mum was emotional too. I was in tears as well.
“It brings me joy to know that I’m making my family proud. That sentiment means everything to me and drives me to strive harder and achieve more.”
by Debbie Dot
