Realistic Color Pencil Portraits Hand-Drawn for You
Unlike black and white sketches, these portraits bring out the warmth in your memories. I use artist-grade color pencils to capture skin tones, outfits, and the specific vibe from your favorite photos.
A commissioned A3 size portrait of a couple, created using color pencils. I use this medium to bring a warm, lifelike feel to the artwork, paying close attention to skin tones and the texture of the clothing.
A color pencil commission work. The challenge here was layering the colors to create the texture of the checkered vest and the warm lighting on the subject.
A beautiful A3 color portrait of a couple. Using color pencils allows me to capture the tones of their outfits and the warmth in their expressions, making it a vibrant piece.
An A3 commission work using color pencils. I focused on the subtle color variations in the skin tone and the pattern of the dupatta to create a soft, realistic portrait.
A modern couple portrait in A3 size, done with color pencils. This medium is great for capturing contemporary clothing and casual, happy moments with a splash of color.
An A4 commission of a man in a traditional Rajasthani turban. The bright red of the turban was the highlight, and I used color pencils to capture its unique pattern and texture.
A color art commission of two best friends. This A3 piece shows that portraits can capture the bond of friendship, and color pencils help bring out the energy of the moment.
About Portraits in Full Color
When I work on a color portrait, the real challenge is burnishing. I layer the pencils over and over to smooth out the paper grain until it looks like a painting. It takes longer than graphite, but that is how I get those realistic skin tones and fabric textures to pop without looking fake.
I do not use digital filters to create color; every piece is hand-drawn using artist-grade soft-core pencils. When you commission a color portrait, we start by discussing your reference photo. Often, photos are dull, so I work with you on color correction to brighten skin tones and make the clothing stand out.
My process follows a strict flow for every piece:
- Surface Preparation: I use heavyweight 200 GSM Brustro paper to handle the intense layering required for color work.
- Layering & Blending: This is where the time goes. I blend oil and wax-based pencils to eliminate paper grain, creating a smooth finish that feels closer to a painting than a standard sketch.
- Detail Work: Whether it is a traditional saree, a sherwani, or a checkered vest, I focus on the secondary elements that define the subject's personality.
- Protection: Every finished portrait is coated with a UV-resistant varnish spray. This prevents the colors from fading under indoor lighting, ensuring your art stays vibrant for years.
Because color work is more complex, these pieces require more time than my graphite sketches. If you have a specific wedding photo or a family memory you want to preserve with life-like colors, share the photo with me first so I can check if the lighting will work for a detailed rendering.
Mahipal Puri
I am Mahipal. I don't use digital software because I believe art should feel real to the touch. When you commission a color portrait, you get hours of dedicated work focused on bringing the specific colors of your special moments to life.
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