Realistic Charcoal and Dry Brush Portraits
Whether it’s the dramatic depth of charcoal or the hyper-realistic finish of dry brush oil, I capture the emotion in your photos. Let's turn your favorite memories into something real.
My daughter started this with her scribbles. I finished it by creating a reverse charcoal portrait of her. She taught me that art isn't about perfection, but about enjoying the process.
Trust the process. This time-lapse shows a charcoal sketch coming to life, from the first lines to the final shaded portrait of a smiling woman.
A charcoal sketch of a young man with his grandmother. This medium is perfect for capturing the emotion and timeless bond between family members.
A realistic portrait of a woman with glasses, created using the dry brush technique. This Indonesian art style uses a single paint color to create a stunning, sketch-like effect.
A dry brush portrait capturing a candid, happy moment between a couple. The technique allows for soft shading and realistic textures, even in monochrome.
A powerful dry brush couple portrait. The high contrast and detailed shading bring out the strength and character in their expressions.
A merged portrait combining a dry brush sketch with a colored pencil drawing. This unique piece was created to bring two separate individuals together in one frame.
A gallery of my portraits created using the dry brush technique with black oil paint. This method allows for incredible realism and texture, perfect for capturing every detail from hair to clothing.
A gallery of my portraits created using the dry brush technique with black oil paint. This method allows for incredible realism and texture, perfect for capturing every detail from hair to clothing.
A gallery of my portraits created using the dry brush technique with black oil paint. This method allows for incredible realism and texture, perfect for capturing every detail from hair to clothing.
About Realistic Charcoal & Dry Brush Sketches
I don't just sketch from a photo. If you have a blurry, old picture or need to combine family members from different images, that is actually my favorite challenge. I work with high-quality 200 GSM acid-free paper for charcoal or specialized textured canvas for dry brush, so your portrait stays crisp and clean for years.
Two Ways to Capture Your Story
I offer two distinct monochrome styles, and each serves a different purpose:
1. Charcoal & Graphite Sketches These are perfect if you want that raw, high-contrast, dramatic look. I use professional-grade compressed charcoal sticks and 2B-8B graphite pencils. The 200 GSM+ acid-free paper ensures the work doesn't yellow over time, and I apply a multi-layer matte fixative spray so the charcoal doesn't smudge. It arrives rolled in a heavy-duty tube, ready for you to frame.
2. Indonesian Dry Brush Technique This is my signature style for those who want a photographic finish. I use black oil paint on heavy-duty textured paper or canvas. Because the brush is kept 'dry' with minimal paint, I can capture minute details—like individual hair strands, skin pores, and fabric textures—that charcoal sometimes misses. It looks smoother than a sketch and rivals the realism of a photograph.
How We Work Together
- The Photo: Don't worry if the reference is low-resolution or has 'closed eyes.' I have years of experience restoring these details.
- The Process: We chat about your vision, I work on the piece, and I share progress shots. I only apply the final fixative once you approve the digital scan.
- The Timeline: Charcoal sketches are faster, while oil-based dry brush portraits require a bit more time for the paint to set. Bas bata dena (just let me know) if you have an urgent date, and I'll see what I can do.
Practical Details
- What's included: One portrait (head and shoulders), archival-grade materials, and a signed Certificate of Authenticity.
- What's not included: Frames. I ship the art rolled to ensure it reaches you without creases. Framing locally is usually cheaper and lets you pick the perfect style for your wall.
Parvesh Goswami
I’m Parvesh. For me, art isn't about being perfect—it's about being true. I’ve spent 15 years turning simple photos into pieces that make people feel something, whether that's through the drama of a charcoal sketch or the fine detail of a dry brush portrait.
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