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Artist Uses Sketchbook Drawings to Transform Real Landmarks Into Playful Characters

When we first introduced you to the work of Italian artist Pietro Cataudella in 2018, he was creating 3D drawings of famous landscapes that seem to jump from his sketchbook. Today, he’s continuing to take urban sketching to the next level with his ongoing project, CityLiveSketch. His latest pieces feature cartoon characters that seem to blend into the landscapes as they merge with iconic buildings, bridges, and more.

The artist evokes a sense of play in his work in multiple ways. In one piece, Cataudella holds up his sketch of Toy Story’s Buzz Lightyear to the Leaning Tower of Pisa, making the architecture appear as though it’s part of his rocket pack. Another work features a double-spread of Keith Haring-esque characters held up to a side of the building as if it’s graffiti painted on the wall. No matter the location or subject, each piece allows Cataudella’s vivid imagination to shine through, as well as his impressive knack for perspective drawing.

Check out some of Cataudella’s latest work below and follow him on Instagram for more from his portfolio.

Italian artist Pietro Cataudella playfully merges real-life scenes with his cartoon sketches.

3D Drawings by Pietro Cataudella

3D Drawings by CityLiveSketch

3D Drawings by Pietro Cataudella

Each piece showcases the artist's vivid imagination, as well as his impressive knack for perspective drawing.

3D Drawings by CityLiveSketch

3D Drawings by Pietro Cataudella

3D Drawings by Pietro Cataudella

3D Drawings by Pietro Cataudella

3D Drawings by Pietro Cataudella

3D Drawings by Pietro Cataudella

3D Drawings by Pietro Cataudella

3D Drawings by CityLiveSketch

Pietro Cataudella: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by Pietro Cataudella.

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Artist Playfully Merges Cartoon Characters with the Real World

3D Sketchbook Drawings of Famous Landmarks Pop Off the Page

Traveling Illustrator Captures London’s Historic Pubs as Cut-Out Pen and Ink Drawings

Emma Taggart

Emma Taggart is a Staff Writer and Video Editor at My Modern Met. She earned a BA in Fashion and Textile Design at the University of Ulster in Belfast. Originally from Northern Ireland, she lived in Berlin for many years, where she fostered a career in the arts, dabbling in everything from illustration and animation to music and ceramics. She now calls Edinburgh home, where she continues to work as a writer, illustrator, and ceramicist. Her ceramics, often combined with hand-painted animation frames, capture playful scenes that celebrate freedom and movement, and blend her passion for art with storytelling. Her illustrations have been featured in The Berliner Magazine as well as other print magazines and a poetry book.
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