In the realm of art, true reality is said to be revealed by the gifted hands of artists. They possess a unique ability to perceive the natural world from a distinct perspective, offering us a fresh lens through which to view our surroundings. Daisy Van der Zijden, a self-taught pencil artist from Dordrecht, the Netherlands, exemplifies this notion. At just 25, her remarkable talent has captivated audiences worldwide, leaving them spellbound by the incredible creations she brings to life with her pencil.

She enjoyed drawing from a young age; when she turned seventeen, she began taking her art seriously and accepting commissions. Since then, her passion has only grown, and she sets aside time every day to sit at her painting desk and immerse herself in her craft. A single drawing can require approximately 70 hours of painstaking labor, but for Daisy, the process is a labor of love.

Among the various mediums she employs, pencils hold a special place in Daisy’s heart. She expertly utilizes colored pencils, pastels, and graphite to bring her creations to life. Her niche is drawing photorealistic subjects, with a particular emphasis on realistic portraits of people and animals. Daisy finds joy in creating “recognizable” portraits that resonate with viewers, often choosing well-known figures such as the iconic Jack Sparrow as her subjects. Daisy Van der Zijden’s pencil art, including her new portrayal of Harry Potter characters, invites us to explore the realms of imagination and beauty through the skilled strokes of her gifted hands.

The realism and attention to detail in Daisy’s artwork are truly astounding. Her pencil marks have given birth to some renowned masterpieces. In her painting “African Love,” she flawlessly captures an elephant herd with a level of realism that rivals a high-resolution photograph. It is challenging to distinguish whether her rendition of a tiger’s face is a photograph or a painting, and only upon closer inspection does one fully appreciate the precision with which she captures even the tiniest elements. When depicting human faces, Daisy’s accuracy is equally astonishing; paying meticulous attention to every facial expression to preserve the authenticity of her subjects.

Daisy, an exceptionally talented artist, has received numerous awards and recognition in the art world. One of her most notable achievements is being included in “ATIM’s Top 60 Masters 2022,” often referred to as the “Art Oscar,” for her artwork featuring a unicorn. This prestigious nomination at the age of 24 is a remarkable accomplishment that many artists aspire to achieve throughout their careers.

Continuing her path to success, Daisy recently received the “International Prize Donatello” in Florence, Italy. The award ceremony took place at the grand Palazzo Borghese Palace, solidifying her position as an influential figure in the art industry. Not only is Daisy climbing the ladder of success, but she also serves as an inspiration and mentor to aspiring pencil artists, guiding them on their own artistic journeys.

Daisy Van der Zijden is a trailblazer in the realm of pencil art, exploring the limitless possibilities of this medium. Her talent and dedication have not only earned her prestigious accolades but have also touched the hearts of countless individuals around the world. Through her pencil, she unveils a world that blurs the line between reality and artistry, leaving us in awe of her exceptional abilities. As Daisy evolves as an artist, we eagerly anticipate her future creations, awaiting the next chapter in her artistic odyssey.