Leonardo, Michaelangelo, Raphael, Donatello, these names are not just from the fictional turtle characters that you know. They are among the greatest artists to have ever existed during the Renaissance period. The definition of the word “artist” could’ve never been what it is now without these great people.

In the home of these great Renaissance artists, Italy, there’s one unique artist who’s using a very unusual canvass for his pieces of artwork. His hyperrealistic paintings will definitely “rock” your world!

Meet Italian painter, Roberto Rizzo.

According to his biography, Roberto Rizzo was born in Naples, Italy. He now lives and works in Southern Spain. He attended the European Institute of Design (IED) in Milan after classical studies. He then worked as an illustrator for various publishing houses.

He started painting on rocks back in 1996, since then, he’s been remarkably recognized as an artist. He turns rocks into pieces of wonderful art. He loves to draw and paint animals.

“My work has always been inspired by Nature and the animal kingdom. I work with different techniques on various supports. I’m drived by emotions and curiosity.”

We have picked 12 of the best of Rizzo’s creations. Scroll down and feed your eyes with his incredibly realistic paintings.

1. Turtle

https://www.instagram.com/p/BHHy85qjKDH/

A rock that fits right onto your palm is the best for a little turtle. Look at how real it looks like. His hands are truly gifted.

It’s pretty much related to Italian painters, remember the four main characters from the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles?

2. White Ermine

https://www.instagram.com/p/BjeGF2zj4Gc/

This white little mammal looks like gazing somewhere distant.

3. Puffin

https://www.instagram.com/p/BfeKq-GjoIJ/

Rizzo makes sure to deliver the best from each of his paintings. The details on this one are beyond my eyes could comprehend.

4. Elephant

https://www.instagram.com/p/BIeMRURjdiD/

As he described it, this one is “A Piece of Africa in Your Hands!” Rizzo can paint animals of all sizes and shapes. This gentle giant of the wild was able to fit on a hand-sized rock.

5. Fawn

https://www.instagram.com/p/BIyOB-ujf6l/

This sweet little deer who seems to be all curled up on a sea rock is mesmerizing. If you haven’t seen a fawn up-close, this piece of art can give you the same experience.

6. Butterfly

https://www.instagram.com/p/BQLgMPyDcSo/

This multi-colored butterfly painting is stunning. It really looks like a butterfly that descended on a rock.

7. Porcupine

https://www.instagram.com/p/BhuKIiEDE-S/

We’re all glad this is just another beautiful painting. You know, you wouldn’t want to hold a real porcupine, right?

8. Macaw

https://www.instagram.com/p/BLHVmcKjGtN/

Look at that! The rock is just perfect for this painting. We bet Rizzo already knew what to paint after seeing this unique-shaping rock. The details on this are simply amazing!

9. Frog

https://www.instagram.com/p/BIXGRkmDyQK/

A golden frog resting on top of a rock? No! That’s a painted rock. This one is not just hyperrealistic, it also has that 3D effect, wouldn’t you agree?

10. Fish

https://www.instagram.com/p/BJCssxpDr1e/

A perfectly-shaped sea rock for a sea creature. It doesn’t get any better than that.

11. Chameleon

https://www.instagram.com/p/BxLJKDdADCV/

Chameleons as we all know them, are unique creatures that blend with nature. They change their color to regulate body temperature. The color change also signals a chameleon’s physiological condition and intentions to other chameleons.

12. Cat

https://www.instagram.com/p/BCqKE_wq8-o/

A life-sized portrait painting of a cat? Why not? Rizzo’s talent can also be used to commemorate beloved home pets that have already passed away. Having a life-size and real-looking painting of them will make any pet owner feel like they’re never gone.

Piece of advice.

Rizzo gives aspiring artists something to ponder which is based on his personal experience.

“Always use your imagination and work hard every day, because art needs to be trained. A professional doesn’t have to wait for inspiration; these are legends that have nothing to do with the daily life of a creative. Take a cue from the artists you love, but don’t make the mistake of integrally copying works from others, especially without citing the source or using other people’s ideas as yours. It is an incredible lack of respect towards those who created something good. Often behind a painting, there are days and nights of studies and attempts. I know what I’m talking about because I’m one of the most copied on the web ever since I started painting rocks.”

Make sure to visit Roberto Rizzo’s social media accounts to know more about him and to see more of his hyperrealistic paintings.

You may also watch the timelapse video below to see how Rizzo paints his beautiful creation on a rock.

Please SHARE this with your friends and family.

Source: Instagram/robertorizzoart, robertorizzoart.net, YouTube/Roberto Rizzo