About Pencil Portraits
Below
you will find helpful information about how I create
pencil portraits with quality in mind, 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 used to create a single pencil portrait. You
may choose to have a white background, a hand drawn
background (from the photo, or another source), or
have the background shaded to your specifications.
I can also add text such as a name, date, or team
number. You can have additional personalization by
adding a hand
drawn text insignia or creative
background.
Many
paper sizes are available for you to choose from:
6x8, 9x12, 11x14, 14x17, 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.
I
like to create a wide range of tones in my drawings.
I feel capturing the true tonal value of a subject,
the blackest blacks, the whitest whites, and all the
shades in between enhances the realism of my portraits.
To achieve good contrast of tones I use many grades
of artist quality graphite pencils including: 2H (lightest),
HB, 2B, 4B, 6B, 8B (darkest). I also use a dark powdered
graphite for some drawings to get deep shadows.
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.
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
can 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 may stick to the graphite.
- Make
sure anything touching the paper in the frame,
such as the mat or cardboard backing, is made
from archival safe material.
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
requests 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.
