Turn Your Cherished Photos Into Hand-Drawn Portraits
I take your favorite moments and recreate them with soul and detail. From single portraits to complex group compositions, let's turn your digital photos into timeless art.
A side by side comparison of the original photo and my charcoal sketch. You can see how I translate the color photo into a classic, emotional black and white artwork, focusing on texture and expression.
Here you can see the original photo next to my finished pencil color sketch. My goal is always to elevate the memory, adding artistic warmth and detail while staying true to the original moment.
Reference versus artwork. This comparison shows how I can take a simple photo and turn it into a vibrant, detailed color portrait with a unique artistic feel.
This shows the five reference photos I used to create one single family portrait. This is a great option if you don't have a perfect photo of everyone together.
For this portrait, the client provided two different photos of their grandmother. I combined elements from both to create the final sketch you see here.
Outline versus final sketch. This shows the transformation from a simple 20 minute outline to a fully rendered portrait that took 10 hours to complete.
A side by side comparison of the client's photo and my artistic interpretation. I use colored pencils to add depth, richness, and a unique painterly quality to the final portrait.
About From Photo to Masterpiece
I do not just copy a photo, I refine it. If you have a family memory where everyone is not in one shot, I can combine your favorite faces from different images into a single, cohesive masterpiece. It takes about 10 to 20 hours to get the skin tones and expressions right, so let me know if you have a specific date in mind, as I balance my time carefully between each commission.
My Approach to Your Portrait
When you send me your photographs, I look for the light in the eyes and the emotion in the expression. My process is slow and intentional, which is why I prefer using professional materials that last, such as Strathmore Bristol paper for colored pencils or Fabriano sheets for my charcoal work.
Choosing Your Style
- Charcoal & Graphite: These sketches offer a timeless, high-contrast look. It is perfect if you want a classic, dramatic piece that focuses on texture and raw emotion. I use professional-grade fixative sprays to ensure these pieces do not smudge over time.
- Prismacolor Realism: If you want to capture the vibrancy of a moment, I use wax-based Prismacolor pencils. This technique allows me to build rich skin tones and detailed fabric textures, making the portrait feel vivid and lifelike.
The Commission Process
Once we discuss your photo, I begin with a rough outline to ensure the composition feels right. For larger family portraits or complex group shots, I share work-in-progress updates so you can see the drawing take shape. Every piece is handled with care and shipped from my Delhi studio in rigid, protective packaging to ensure it reaches you in perfect condition.
Whether you need a pet portrait, a couple sketch, or a tribute to a loved one, my goal is to give you something that feels real and meaningful. Please note that since every piece is hand-drawn from scratch, I can only take a limited number of commissions at a time.
Karishma Nain
Hi, I am Karishma. For me, sketching is my daily prayer, and I pour my heart into every piece I create in my Delhi studio. My goal is to capture more than just a likeness, I want to find the spirit in your photos.
Looking for a different artistic style?
Explore other custom art options that I offer.
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