Pencil Portraits

Below you will find helpful information about how I create pencil portraits with quality in mind, how to choose the best photo for your portrait, and how to treat your pencil portrait so that it lasts a lifetime. Finally, see step by step how I create a portrait from your photo.

I hand draw your pencil portrait from your favorite photo or photos. I have been drawing graphite portraits for several years, and will create a beautiful gift your family will treasure. Your portrait can be created from one photo, or subjects from 2 or more photos can be added to a single pencil portrait. You may choose to have your a white background, using the background from the photo, or have a shaded background. I can personalize your portrait by adding text such as a name, date, or team number. Many paper sizes are available for you to choose from: 8x10, 9x12, 11x14, 16x20, and 18x24. All pencil portraits are drawn with artist's quality graphite pencils on high quality 2-ply Bristol paper. This paper is true white, and is quite thick so it resists creasing. Completed portraits are sprayed with a fixative to prevent smudging.

It takes several hours to complete these detailed drawings. Usually I work on a portrait over several days, a small section at a time. I find it helpful to step away from a portrait occasionally. When I return to it, I see the drawing fresh, and can make any needed adjustments. This process is time consuming, but well worth it. Making these many small changes over a few days allows me to create very realistic pencil portraits. So, please plan ahead and order early for your next special event.

How to choose the best picture for your pencil portrait:

1. Choose a photo where the face size is at least 2.25"x 2.25". The more detail in the photo, the more detail that can be incorporated into your graphite portrait.

2. Never choose a faded or blurry photo.

3. Choose a photo that is correctly exposed and has good contrast. Do not choose a photo where the subject is "whited out" by the flash. Pictures taken in natural light tend to work best.

Will my Pencil Portrait last?

Yes, if treated with care, pencil portraits will stand the test of time. Here are a few guidelines to follow:

Always handle them with care, touching only the edges of the paper. Although sealed with a fixative, fingerprints may show, and the oils in your skin could effect the paper.
Keep your portrait from direct sunlight, humidity and water. Always keep your portrait in a climate controlled environment. Humidity and moisture can severely damage the paper, causing wrinkling and discoloration. Direct sunlight can speed yellowing of the paper.
Store flat, not rolled.
Always frame with glass. Plastic can stick to the graphite and cause damage.

When visiting a friend, I noticed she had a pencil portrait of her son on the wall. He was only 2 years old when it was drawn, and was then in his mid 20's. She had treasured the portrait, and it had not faded or degraded in any way, despite the passage of all that time. So, you can rest assured your portrait will last for generations to come.

Special request are welcome! If you need a different paper size, want a special background, or anything else, please contact me. I will be happy to try and accommodate your request.

Not sure what color frame to choose for your pencil portrait? See some Framing Suggestions