---
title: "Step-by-Step Portrait Course: Learn Realistic Pencil Drawing"
description: "Master realistic pencil drawing with my step-by-step portrait course. From blank page to final sketch, get expert feedback and learn the art of portraiture."
canonical: https://mytribe.in/art.komalthoria/drawing-classes-for-beginners/step-by-step-portrait-course
last_updated: 2025-09-30
---

# Step-by-Step Portrait Course

Tribe Verified · Mentoring beginners in Kandivali, Mumbai

By [Komal Thoria](https://mytribe.in/art.komalthoria) · Available online and at studio in Kandivali East, Mumbai · ₹1,500 per workshop (estimate)

Part of [Drawing Classes for Beginners](https://mytribe.in/art.komalthoria/drawing-classes-for-beginners). [View full gallery](https://mytribe.in/art.komalthoria/drawing-classes-for-beginners/gallery)

I will guide you from a blank page to a finished, detailed portrait. Whether you are a total beginner or refining your basics, this course is designed to build your skills one stroke at a time.

## Photos and videos

- ![My own five-year transformation. This is proof that with dedication and proper guidance, anyone can learn to draw realistic portraits. Let me guide you on your own journey.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/62b21853-a852-46ff-b606-8a0e2711ff48)
- [Video: A time-lapse of a commissioned couple portrait. This piece was about capturing the connection and warmth between two people.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/d1328c24-3b64-4b14-90e3-20891f3edab3)
- [Video: A commissioned portrait of my relative. It brings me so much joy when my family trusts me to create a piece of art for them.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/d545fc3d-7817-465f-84dc-7a3376f215db)
- ![The process shots of a portrait, showing how the drawing is built up in layers from a simple sketch to a fully detailed and expressive face.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/54496a8a-422e-408e-bc3e-2b60006689a7)
- [Video: This was my first professional commissioned portrait after learning realism. It was a special moment that led to more commissions from the same happy client.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/04bc8956-5de6-4692-bdfb-2a4db38e9285)
- ![A portrait of a woman with a beautiful, warm smile. Capturing genuine emotion is one of the most rewarding aspects of portraiture.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/c61408cc-50d8-4bdd-9d5b-3be70c1e7da5)
- ![A commissioned couple portrait. My goal is always to create a timeless piece that my clients will cherish for years to come.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/74cac3e4-c368-410c-b3f7-5a3ba1175656)
- [Video: The process of drawing a portrait of a smiling woman, from the blank page to the finished, joyful expression.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/0db387c8-933b-46bb-b017-55207744313c)
- ![A throwback to my time as a student at the academy, happily working on a portrait. The learning process is a journey of joy.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/06155c52-94c7-42a4-b3e9-46dc375dac8e)
- ![A portrait where I experimented with a softer, more vintage feel by minimizing details and focusing on edge quality.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/16163c95-66db-4c00-8995-887367e77601)
- [Video: A commissioned portrait I created on toned paper. This video shows the process from the initial sketch to the final rendering with highlights.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/9560c176-0e29-4858-a09d-87f1906f77af)
- [Video: The finished portrait on toned paper, framed and ready for the client. Using toned paper allows for beautiful highlights that make the portrait pop.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/4afa70cb-6918-44d9-adb7-b8d5d596f8b6)
- [Video: A close-up video showing the detailed work involved in drawing a beard and turban for an A3 size commissioned portrait.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/1c95a21b-0c61-47d5-b7a5-d5d6f886f3fb)
- [Video: A short clip showing the process of rendering a portrait of my relative, capturing her gentle expression.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/81e69f4d-701c-4cb0-b46c-e88ef8d790ad)
- ![A work-in-progress shot of the portrait, focusing on the eyes and the initial layers of skin texture.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/842b77f7-9c05-4c74-8414-af4340f2a40f)
- ![My first attempt at a charcoal portrait. Charcoal allows for a more expressive and less detailed approach, focusing on mood and strong tonal values.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/c038c4e8-35c1-4ead-bc3c-20d23a08b8b5)
- ![A small commissioned portrait using both graphite and charcoal. This combination allows for both fine details and deep, rich blacks.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/dd40cf80-8df5-446f-856e-eb6fcee1d1b7)
- [Video: Work in progress on a portrait, showing the layering of tones to build up the form of the face.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/f486fd1d-f075-4410-8862-dcd0334b1c8c)
- [Video: A video showing the process of drawing my grandmother's portrait, a piece filled with love and happy memories.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/3b3f0e40-87fa-4a74-9367-1eabf7fe7d5e)
- [Video: A fan art portrait of Shah Rukh Khan, created on his birthday. This was a fun project to capture the charisma of a beloved icon.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/c8f20515-4c1a-4bb1-bb1a-06a3fc521955)
- ![A proud moment drawing this A4 commissioned portrait of CINCAN Ajai Singh. It was a challenge working on smooth paper for the first time.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/a402524d-31f5-4731-a227-cf2ae38d3589)
- [Video: The process video for the commissioned portrait of the Indian Army commander, showing the drawing from start to finish.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/4ae79f8f-9c41-4395-8972-02fefb9dbbde)
- ![A close-up detail of my grandmother's portrait, focusing on the texture of her skin and the intricate pattern on her saree.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/e5fe6d5e-fb3f-4101-a8ab-9429e418cf9f)
- ![Another detail shot, highlighting the gentle smile and the warmth in her eyes.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/fd69558d-1350-430a-858d-6e5547e95832)
- ![The complete process of my grandmother's portrait, from the first layers of shading to the final detailed piece.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/f3925b4f-95d9-40ed-86ac-5a5963def052)
- ![A close-up of the smile in my grandmother's portrait, showing the subtle wrinkles and folds that give a face its character.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/746e866e-aa87-4450-ba49-ff3573df93cc)
- ![A detail shot focusing on the fabric of the saree and the soft shadows on her neck.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/2b59289b-73d3-4286-b536-9c34eb4118b6)

## About Step-by-Step Portrait Course

This isn't just about watching me draw. In our 20-session course, I look at your work personally during our feedback sessions—line by line. We break down the complex features of a face—eyes, nose, hair textures—into simple steps so you don't feel overwhelmed, even if you’ve never picked up a professional pencil before.

Drawing isn't just about talent; it is a learned skill that comes from patience and observation. My 20-session mentorship program is built on that belief.

### The Curriculum
We move through a structured path to ensure you develop the right habits:

**Phase 1: The Foundation**
We start with understanding light, shadow, and structure using simple objects. You need to see how light hits a surface before you can capture the depth of a human face.

**Phase 2: Facial Features**
Here we dive deep into the details that make a portrait feel alive. We practice rendering realistic eyes, nose, lips, and hair textures. You will learn to use charcoal and pencil to create smooth gradients.

**Phase 3: Your Personal Portrait**
You choose the subject. We work together on a final A4 hyper-realistic portrait. This is where you apply everything you’ve learned, with my direct guidance on every layer.

### Why This Format Works
I keep batches small to ensure I can provide real-time critique. If you are in Mumbai, you can join me at my Kandivali studio for physical correction on grip and pressure. If you are learning online, we use high-quality video sessions to mimic that same level of attention. You will get dedicated feedback on weekdays to ensure you don't get stuck.

Success in art comes from persistence, not chasing perfection. If you are ready to put in the time, I am ready to guide you.

## About Komal Thoria

Drawing has always been my anchor. Whether you're in my Mumbai studio or joining from home, I want to help you find that same connection to art. I’m here to guide you, critique your lines, and share the patience I've learned on my own journey.

[See all of Komal Thoria's services](https://mytribe.in/art.komalthoria)

## More from Drawing Classes for Beginners by Komal Thoria

- [Featured](https://mytribe.in/art.komalthoria/drawing-classes-for-beginners/featured)
- [The Fundamentals: From 3D Shapes to Realism](https://mytribe.in/art.komalthoria/drawing-classes-for-beginners/the-fundamentals-from-3d-shapes-to-realism)
- [Mastering Still Life: Texture, Light & Shadow](https://mytribe.in/art.komalthoria/drawing-classes-for-beginners/mastering-still-life-texture-light-shadow)
- [Drawing from Nature: Landscapes, Florals & Animals](https://mytribe.in/art.komalthoria/drawing-classes-for-beginners/drawing-from-nature-landscapes-florals-animals)
- [My Classroom: Online & Offline Learning](https://mytribe.in/art.komalthoria/drawing-classes-for-beginners/my-classroom-online-offline-learning)
- [Commissioned Work & Achievements](https://mytribe.in/art.komalthoria/drawing-classes-for-beginners/commissioned-work-achievements)
- [The Artist's Toolkit & Process](https://mytribe.in/art.komalthoria/drawing-classes-for-beginners/the-artist-s-toolkit-process)

## More services by Komal Thoria

- [Custom Pencil Portraits](https://mytribe.in/art.komalthoria/custom-pencil-portraits)
- [Live Wedding Painting](https://mytribe.in/art.komalthoria/live-wedding-painting)

## Similar work from other experts

- [Portrait Sketching and Pencil Shading Classes](https://mytribe.in/renukasartzone/drawing-sketching-courses/the-art-of-the-portrait) by Renuka's Art Zone · Drawing & Sketching Courses · Available online; Studio in Vashi & travels across Mumbai
- [The Art of Hyper-Realistic Portrait Drawing](https://mytribe.in/bikxu_artist/online-drawing-workshops/the-art-of-hyperrealism-from-outline-to-masterpiece) by Vikash Tanti · Online Drawing Workshops · Online classes via Zoom
- [Learn Realistic Pencil Portrait Drawing (Step-by-Step)](https://mytribe.in/sketches_vintage/realistic-portrait-drawing-classes-workshops/the-artistic-process-from-start-to-finish) by Sagar Viradiya · Realistic Portrait Drawing Classes & Workshops · Online & Classes at Studio in Mota Varachha, Surat
- [Hyperrealistic Pencil and Charcoal Portraits](https://mytribe.in/perfect__arts/online-drawing-classes/hyperrealistic-pencil-charcoal-portraits) by Vishal · Online Drawing Classes · Online classes
- [Pencil and Charcoal Portrait Workshops](https://mytribe.in/jeevasri12/portrait-art-workshops/pencil-charcoal-portraits) by Jeeva Kumari · Portrait Art Workshops · Available Online; Studio in Indiranagar, Bengaluru
- [Portrait & Sketching Courses](https://mytribe.in/shefalisartclasses/art-classes-and-courses/portrait-sketching-courses) by Shefali Raj · Art Classes and Courses · Available online and at studio in Vile Parle West

## Book

To book Komal Thoria, message mytribe on WhatsApp: [Chat on WhatsApp](https://wa.me/916360004054?text=Hi%20Komal%2C%20I%20saw%20your%20Step-by-Step%20Portrait%20Course%20on%20mytribe%20and%20would%20love%20to%20know%20more%20about%20the%20upcoming%20batch%20dates%20and%20fees.)