Hyperrealistic pencil drawing by Ashraf Malique
Hyperrealistic pencil drawing by Ashraf Malique
22-year-old Singaporean artist Ashraf Malique (Mohd Ashraf Abdul Malik) has admirers from across the globe. In fact, he started sharing his art works on social websites while studying at the Lasalle College of Arts. According to Ashraf Malique, before starting his he carefully examines the subject of drawing – whether it is a building, or a structure. In particular, his first piece of highly-detailed drawing of the Eiffel Tower looks incredibly realistic, as well as other drawings – Pyramids of Giza, Dubai of Emirates. “Usually, when people look at a building, they look at the big picture. But I tend to look at it closer and how it was built,” said Mr Ashraf. “For instance, the Eiffel Tower was built from the base, ground up. I used the same approach for my drawing.”
A self-taught artist, Malique hopes to be an architect or interior designer. Noteworthy, he dedicates his art to his late grandfather, who was an avid sketch artist. And Malique is thankful to him, “for instilling in him such qualities as discipline and patience”. “I think drawing is really about patience. This is something my grandpa had taught me … According to the artist himself, he can draw one eye for six hours!
Detailing the long hours of planning needed for each artwork, Mr Ashraf said a typical project begins with almost two days of planning. And during this time he decides on the correct technique, such as dotting or cross-hatching. After that, the artist would spend close to six hours daily to complete his piece.