Meet Nikolay Yarakhtin, a street artist from Saint Petersburg who turns everyday faces into detailed pencil portraits right on the spot. Originally from Cheboksary, he started drawing as a child and hasn’t stopped since. For 28 years, Nikolay has been sketching people on the busy streets, creating portraits that look more real than photos. He loves drawing live because he can see every little detail and shape of a person’s face.
Despite the ups and downs, like during the Covid-19 pandemic when he took his art online, Nikolay continues to enjoy making people smile with his drawings. His talent and hard work have made him a favorite among locals and tourists alike.
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