---
title: "Handmade Graphite and Charcoal Portraits in Mumbai"
description: "Get realistic handmade graphite and charcoal portraits. Custom pencil sketches for individuals and families, created from your photos with expert attention to detail."
canonical: https://mytribe.in/artistmahi_64/custom-paintings/graphite-charcoal-portraits
last_updated: 2025-09-30
---

# Handmade Graphite and Charcoal Portrait Sketches

Tribe Verified · 16+ hours of labor per portrait.

By [Mahipal Puri](https://mytribe.in/artistmahi_64) · Ships across India · ₹1,800 per artwork (estimate)

Part of [Custom Paintings](https://mytribe.in/artistmahi_64/custom-paintings). [View full gallery](https://mytribe.in/artistmahi_64/custom-paintings/gallery)

I convert your favourite photographs into detailed, handmade pencil sketches. No digital filters, just traditional graphite and charcoal art.

## Photos and videos

- ![A commissioned couple portrait in A3 size, created with Faber Castell pencils over 16 hours. I focused on their happy expressions and the details in their traditional clothing to make it a special keepsake.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/35a65910-d029-474d-a796-995e5f39d328)
- ![An intimate moment between a couple, captured with graphite pencils. This A3 size drawing was a commission work where the goal was to show their affection and create a truly personal piece of art.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/c08ef462-6799-4be8-9142-f87feccf02a9)
- ![This large A2 size couple portrait was a detailed commission work. I used graphite pencils to meticulously draw the intricate patterns of their traditional wedding attire, a process that requires a lot of patience.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/9d7f17a9-a1e2-4410-a3b7-9ef21f45fb7e)
- ![A commissioned solo portrait of a woman, drawn on A4 paper using graphite pencils. My focus was on creating a soft and realistic likeness, paying attention to the gentle expression and the flow of the dupatta.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/02a867f7-e957-4c81-a604-70b06b17af4a)
- ![This A3 size portrait of a smiling woman in a saree was a commission work. I used graphite pencils to carefully render the fabric's texture and the joyful look on her face.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/b472d74e-6124-41f1-a354-5cf3c83d5e94)
- ![An A4 size order, I focused on the eyes and the hands framing the face to convey a sense of emotion.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/f8daec40-3b94-40b3-8738-909dcd2a8049)
- ![A modern self-portrait sketch drawn on A4 paper. This was a commission work where the client wanted a realistic drawing from their selfie, including details like the phone and striped shirt.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/099a86e1-c1f6-4310-b8b6-838dddd3c742)
- ![This is a graphite pencil portrait of a young man on A4 paper. I worked on capturing a realistic look, focusing on the hair texture and the shading on his face to give it depth.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/3fe6bf48-2d53-4f31-ab5d-18b747d04852)
- ![A commissioned portrait of a man in a traditional turban, drawn with pencil on A3 paper. The challenge here was to get the folds and look of the turban right, along with his warm expression.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/cb797a5b-08e2-48ce-a01a-f6406e136dfd)
- ![Here you can see the final sketch next to the reference photo for this child's portrait. It's an A4 sized pencil drawing where I aimed to capture the child's innocent expression.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/4953bf53-4a09-4c4d-b79a-86452f480440)
- ![A realistic drawing of a baby, done as a commission work with graphite pencils. I focused on the soft features and wide eyes to create a cherished memory for the family.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/6ab73f9a-7568-49e7-a2d3-ec7ee2157376)
- ![This A4 size baby portrait was created using graphite pencils. The image shows the finished sketch alongside the tools I use, giving a glimpse into my workspace.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/62bad52a-3507-4ec4-843e-5f431639a925)
- ![A special commission work capturing the bond between a son and his mother. This A3 pencil drawing took 16 hours, with special attention paid to their expressions and traditional clothing.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/6860f95f-6bdc-4674-bcd3-644c2419b135)
- ![This A3 size commission work shows the unbreakable love between a father and his daughter. I used graphite to capture the joy in their faces and create a heartwarming family portrait.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/b3acae61-c315-4abc-8abd-3ff1b9aa5a60)
- ![A family portrait sketched on A3 paper, a commission that took 16 hours. I used Faber Castell and charcoal pencils to draw the three family members together, creating a lasting memory.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/9c8ccb6c-ac07-4a3d-9616-2eda989f6867)
- ![This A3 size graphite drawing was a commission to capture a candid moment between two people. The challenge was to draw their relaxed postures and interaction realistically from a photo.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/38e51642-83b5-41da-9ae2-e1d3726a8a5b)
- ![Two separate A4 size pencil sketch orders placed side by side. This shows the consistency in quality and style for my individual portrait commissions.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/0b0bbe8d-5375-4c2c-8c84-c7cd2b996d43)
- ![A detailed A3 size couple portrait commission for a client in Ahmedabad. I focused on the traditional attire and jewelry, which required careful and precise pencil work.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/3ad71e77-de85-468f-8b7e-96b2c84de81c)
- ![This image shows a side-by-side of the finished sketch and the original photo it was based on. It helps you see how I translate a photograph into a handmade piece of art.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/3e0ffae7-6af2-4fe1-b425-bdeb8d53fc2e)
- ![A framed A3 size couple portrait, shipped to a client. This full-body sketch was created using a mix of graphite and charcoal pencils over 16 hours.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/4124badb-e79e-4760-945e-74c072c014e7)
- ![This A3 sized couple portrait was a commission work. I used a combination of Faber Castell and charcoal pencils to achieve the depth and realism in their features.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/57ce8711-83cd-4eb0-883b-a3b07dce8ae8)
- ![A full-length couple portrait done on A3 paper. This 16-hour commission work involved careful attention to their poses and clothing to create a balanced and realistic drawing.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/5d58c4aa-b0dc-4703-83b5-eeba8cfb96ef)
- ![A comparison of the reference photo and my final sketch for an A4 commission. This shows how I interpret a photo to create a stylized yet realistic pencil portrait.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/61f2b854-51cd-47e1-a2d3-3fe2b4128eb3)
- ![Another example of a sketch and photo comparison. I enjoy showing how a part of the original photo can be transformed into a complete pencil sketch.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/6554cfa4-2dc7-4ded-a354-d30b9cd7b384)
- ![A portrait of Rajasthani singer Anita Jangid, done in graphite pencil. I wanted to capture her in her element, focusing on her expression while singing.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/692d6195-9894-4797-9b39-e571ddb75f39)
- ![This A4 size commission work is a portrait of a young man. I used graphite pencils to create a clean and sharp look, paying attention to the details of his cap and expression.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/7097f397-6572-4aa7-8b75-0e617d9fe2ce)
- ![A side-by-side comparison showing the original reference photo and my finished A4 sketch. This is a great way to see the transformation from photo to art.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/92458ba1-b25f-41c0-8cbf-4483c1b51b24)
- ![A 12x18 inch couples sketch commission. I focus on making these portraits a perfect gift for loved ones, capturing their connection in a timeless black and white style.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/94e7c5f5-b0ee-4e03-94b4-19e43bde8732)
- ![This A3 size commission work captures a casual couple pose. I paid special attention to the details like the henna on her hand and the texture of their clothes.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/9c56117a-94db-4371-92d2-e2323f1d6ec5)
- ![A charcoal paper drawing of a couple, size 14x16 inches. Using charcoal allows for deeper blacks and softer shading, which gives the portrait a distinct look.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/a0fede6a-b381-4338-9ff7-bea882d1fd35)
- ![An A4 size graphite pencil portrait done as a commission. The goal was to create a beautiful gift by focusing on the subject's pleasant expression and the details of her saree.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/b939316d-57d9-4ba5-93f1-bbd7e4315db0)
- [Video: This video shows a finished, framed portrait ready to be gifted. I believe in creating art that you can personally give to your favorite people.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/bb0f72f6-6258-4837-b029-34efe4b89a67)
- ![An A3 size couple portrait created with graphite pencils. This was a commission for Raksha Bandhan, designed to be a special gift celebrating a family bond.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/cc86f92e-7dc9-4c26-b562-e13103c5f757)
- ![A commissioned couple portrait on A3 paper. I work to ensure both individuals are captured with equal detail and care, creating a balanced and harmonious piece.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/cff814ad-84ca-41ec-a12a-67d3e21d7d1d)
- ![This A4 size pencil sketch was a commission work. I focused on creating a formal portrait, paying attention to the details of the jacket and the subject's professional demeanor.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/d11a4de7-516c-4943-ab38-2797ddb9ec5d)
- ![A dramatic portrait created with graphite on A4 paper. I used strong light and shadow to create a high-contrast, moody piece that has a different feel from my other portraits.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/d913aa12-82a9-4fba-8121-32fb7e7dc20f)
- ![An 11-hour commission work of a couple on A3 paper. I used a combination of graphite and charcoal to achieve the soft background and sharp details in the portrait.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/f9a80478-8b4a-4656-9320-3a0825bc2e47)
- ![An A3 size graphite pencil drawing capturing a tender moment between two women. This commission was about conveying emotion and connection through art.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/fc2608f9-c5ac-4200-9a75-c4db909fa05b)
- ![A charcoal sketch of cricketer Virat Kohli. This was a tribute piece for his birthday, where I focused on capturing his well-known smile.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/ffd16165-a874-4fd9-b747-5879e6fd8188)
- [Video: A quick look at some of my single portrait sketch orders. This reel shows the variety of faces and expressions I get to draw for my clients.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/4144fb89-3028-4887-871b-b803a5e64d4d)
- [Video: A compilation of some of my recent commission work. It shows a mix of color pencil and graphite portraits, giving a glimpse into the different orders I complete.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/61eb55e5-0113-4e62-91c7-610a0f48aaa2)

## About Graphite & Charcoal Portraits

When I work on your portrait, I rely on a high-quality reference photo to capture the real details—the fabric folds, skin texture, and expressions. I do not use digital shortcuts. Each line is drawn by hand on 200gsm acid-free paper, and I share work-in-progress sketches so you see the portrait coming to life before it is finished.

### The Process Behind the Pencil

Every portrait I create is a slow, manual process. Whether it is a single subject A4 sketch or a complex A3 couple portrait, the work begins with choosing the right grade of graphite to build depth. I use Faber Castell pencils and Brustro 200gsm paper because the texture matters when you want a lifelike finish.

### Why Graphite and Charcoal?

Graphite allows for subtle shading, perfect for capturing eyes and skin texture, while charcoal adds the deep blacks needed for contrast. For a couple portrait on A3 paper, I often spend 12 to 16 hours just on detailing jewelry, hair, and traditional clothing patterns. This is not just a drawing; it is a labor-intensive attempt to hold onto a memory.

### What You Need to Know

*   **References:** Send me a clear, high-resolution photo. The better the reference, the more accurate the sketch.
*   **Materials:** All portraits are created with professional-grade pencils and fixed with a matte spray to prevent smudging.
*   **Timeline:** Since I do not rush, I need a few days depending on the size and complexity of the piece.
*   **Delivery:** I ship your artwork safely rolled in a protective PVC tube to ensure it reaches you without creases.

Whether it is a surprise gift for a family member or a portrait of a loved one, my goal is to give you something real that you can hold in your hands, not just a digital file.

## About Mahipal Puri

I am Mahipal. For me, art is an escape from the daily grind and a way to turn a moment into something permanent. When I sit down with my pencils, I do not leave until the expression on the paper matches what I see in your photo.

[See all of Mahipal Puri's services](https://mytribe.in/artistmahi_64)

## More from Custom Paintings by Mahipal Puri

- [Featured](https://mytribe.in/artistmahi_64/custom-paintings/featured)
- [Vibrant Color Pencil Portraits](https://mytribe.in/artistmahi_64/custom-paintings/vibrant-color-pencil-portraits)
- [Spiritual & Devotional Art](https://mytribe.in/artistmahi_64/custom-paintings/spiritual-devotional-art)
- [Paintings & Illustrations](https://mytribe.in/artistmahi_64/custom-paintings/paintings-illustrations)
- [The Process: Behind the Art](https://mytribe.in/artistmahi_64/custom-paintings/the-process-behind-the-art)

## More services by Mahipal Puri

- [Custom Murals & Wall Art](https://mytribe.in/artistmahi_64/custom-murals-wall-art)
- [Custom Portraits & Sketches](https://mytribe.in/artistmahi_64/custom-portraits-sketches)

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## Book

To book Mahipal Puri, message mytribe on WhatsApp: [Chat on WhatsApp](https://wa.me/916360004054?text=Hi%20Mahipal%2C%20I%20saw%20your%20Graphite%20%26%20Charcoal%20Portraits%20page.%20I%20would%20like%20to%20get%20a%20custom%20portrait%20made.%20Can%20you%20help%3F)