Realistic Drawings - Is this real? Or is this fantasy?

When you come across illustrations that are so realistic and elaborated that for an instance you feel as if you're looking at photographs instead, don't you feel tempted to make sure that they really are illustrations?

Bright skin, fine strands of hair, a balanced use of light and shadow, and brush strokes that don't look anything like brush strokes... Realistic yet with a touch of fantasy--we find ourselves drawn to the dramatic and enchanting atmosphere of those kinds of illustrations.

This time we're featuring realistic illustrations. Enjoy!