How I Create Hyperrealistic Drawings: Behind the Scenes of My Process

Have you ever looked at a drawing and thought it was a photograph? That’s the magic of hyperrealistic art—and exactly what I aim to capture in my work. I specialize in drawing nostalgic objects from the late '90s and early 2000s: lip gloss tubes, mini perfume bottles, vintage snacks, and other small but iconic items. In this post, I’m taking you behind the scenes of my hyperrealistic drawing process to show how I bring these everyday objects to life—step by step.

Step 1: Choosing the Right Object

Before I even pick up a pencil, I spend time selecting the perfect reference object. For me, it’s all about emotional connection. I’m drawn to nostalgic pieces that people recognize instantly—things like sparkly lip gloss from middle school, a fruity roll-on perfume, or the packaging of an old-school snack you haven’t thought about in years.

These objects may be tiny or ordinary, but they carry so much personality. Choosing the right one sets the tone for the whole piece and gives me the motivation to obsess over every detail later.

Pro tip for artists: Choose a subject that excites you visually and emotionally. It’ll show in your work.

Step 2: Sketching the Foundation

Once I’ve chosen the object, I begin by lightly sketching the basic shape and structure using a fine mechanical pencil. This is where realistic art techniques really matter—getting the proportions, angles, and symmetry just right is crucial for believability later on.

I keep this stage loose and light. It’s not about detail yet—it’s about setting up the framework so everything fits together naturally. I also mark out major areas of highlight and shadow at this point to guide me later when I start layering.

This step can be surprisingly technical, but I love how it lays the groundwork for the transformation to come.

Step 3: Layering with Precision

Layering is where the drawing starts to feel real. Whether I’m using colored pencils or graphite (depending on the mood of the piece), I build up the drawing slowly—adding color or tone one layer at a time. I usually work in small sections to maintain control and keep the edges clean.

Here’s where I focus on subtle shifts in value, blending colors smoothly, and building contrast. Shadows, light reflections, and tiny surface textures are everything in hyperrealistic drawing. I might spend hours just refining the way a gloss highlight curves around a bottle or how a crinkled foil wrapper reflects light.

It’s slow, detailed work, but honestly—it’s my favorite part.

Step 4: Refining the Details

The final details take the longest, but they’re also the most fun. This is where I go in with a fine eraser, white pencil, or gel pen to add highlights. I sharpen up the tiniest edges, draw in logos or tiny text, and exaggerate the light to give the object that crisp, hyperrealistic feel.

Sometimes it’s the smallest things—like the smudged edge of a label or the way plastic reflects light in a sharp streak—that make the entire piece pop.

This stage can make or break a hyperrealistic piece. It’s all about finesse.

Why I Love Drawing Hyperrealistically

There’s something magical about turning something small and forgettable into something worth staring at for hours. A lip gloss tube isn’t just a makeup item—it’s a time capsule. A candy wrapper isn’t just trash—it’s a memory. With hyperrealistic art, I get to elevate these everyday objects into something iconic.

People often say, “I thought that was a photo!”—but for me, the best compliment is when they smile and say, “I used to have that.”

Thanks for reading! If you’re curious about my materials, tools, or want to see this process in action, follow me on Instagram @toni_sasvary or check out my shop to see which pieces are available. 💫