Behind the Scenes: How Your Custom Portrait is Made
Ever wonder what goes into a hand-drawn portrait? From the first sketch to the final layer, here is a look behind the scenes of how I bring your memories to life in my studio.
Sometimes after hours of work, you need a moment to rest before looking at the artwork with fresh eyes. This is a real part of my process.
Part 1 of a couple's colour sketch for a client in TamilNadu. Here I am starting with the face, carefully laying down the base skin tones with Brustro colour pencils.
The beginning of my Ram Mandir drawing. Starting a big piece like this on a fresh sheet of A2 paper is always exciting.
This was a challenging commission to join 8 people into one family portrait. Here you can see me starting the colour work after laying out the initial sketch.
A time-lapse of a black and white couple portrait. You can see how I build up the shading layer by layer to create depth and realism.
Part 1 of a father and son custom colour sketch. I'm using a special skin tone set of Brustro pencils to get the colours just right.
Part 2 of drawing Shree Ram Lalla. I am trying to make it as detailed as possible, and here you can see me working on the intricate ornaments.
About this collection
Each portrait takes hours of patience, often 15 to 50 plus hours depending on the size and detail. I do not just sketch. I build the image layer by layer, starting with the faces to capture expressions early. Every piece gets a protective fixative spray before it ever leaves my studio, ensuring your artwork stays safe and smudge-free for years to come.
Creating art is more than just drawing, bhai. It is a process that requires focus and the right materials. Here is how I work on your commission.
The Start: Digital Preview
Before I touch the paper, we discuss your needs. If you want a family portrait but only have separate photos, I create a digital composition first. This helps us see how everyone fits together before I start the drawing. Once we are happy with the layout, I begin.
Layering and Detailing
Whether it is a graphite sketch or a hyper-realistic colour pencil piece, I use high-quality Brustro paper and pencils like Kohinoor or Brustro skin-tone sets. For colour portraits, I focus heavily on blending pigments to hide the paper grain. I build the skin tones, jewelry, and clothing details gradually. If it is a graphite portrait, I work on deep shadows and contrasts to give it that timeless look.
Quality Check and Protection
I never rush a piece. Once the detailing is done, I apply a protective fixative spray. This is crucial because it stops the graphite or colour pencil from smudging. Finally, I wrap the artwork in butter paper and secure it in a hard PVC tube or cylinder, ensuring it reaches your home in perfect condition. Whether you are in Kerala, Tamil Nadu, or anywhere in India, I make sure the art is safe until it is in your hands.
Sidd
Hi, I am Artist Sidd. My studio is small, but my passion for drawing is huge. I put my heart into every sketch, focusing on the details that make your memories last.
Find the perfect portrait style
Explore other custom art services by me.
More from Custom Portrait Drawings by Sidd
More services by Sidd