The Artistic Process: How I Create Realistic Portraits
Behind every portrait is 40+ hours of patience. See how I turn a blank page into a hyper-realistic sketch using graphite, charcoal, and grid detailing.
An educational look at my drawing of Premanand Govind Maharaj. I have marked the different grades of graphite pencils used (from 2B to 10B) to achieve specific textures and shades on the face and beard.
A time-lapse showing the initial stages of drawing Premanand Govind Maharaj's face. I start with the eyes and nose, carefully shading to create a three-dimensional effect right from the beginning.
This video demonstrates my technique for drawing realistic hair. Using the portrait of Rashmika Mandanna, I show how I use an eraser and pencils to create highlights and shadows for a lifelike hair texture.
The creation of the Rama and Hanuman silhouette drawing from start to finish. You can see how I first outline the figures and then fill them in with dark charcoal, blending the background to create a stormy sky.
A process video of the Priyanka Mohan portrait. This clip focuses on the detailed work of shading her back, the delicate blouse strap, and the intricate patterns on her earring.
The very first stage of a new portrait, which I revealed to be "CHHAVA". The video shows the hyper-realistic drawing of just a single eye, demonstrating my focus on detail from the first stroke.
The initial grid and outline sketch for the portrait of Kalyani Priyadarshan. This grid method helps me maintain accurate proportions as I begin the drawing.
About this collection
I start every piece with a grid-method outline to ensure the face matches your reference photo perfectly. This is not just a sketch; it is a 40-hour process of layering graphite and charcoal, building depth one pencil stroke at a time until the portrait feels alive.
When you commission a piece, you are not just getting a drawing. You are getting the result of days spent focusing on the tiny details that define a person—the texture of hair, the reflection in the eyes, and the unique curve of a smile.
My Technical Process
- The Grid Method: I begin by mapping out the facial structure using a precise grid. This ensures 95% accuracy compared to your photo. It is the boring, technical part, but it is the most important step for getting the proportions right.
- Graphite & Charcoal Layers: I use a variety of pencils, ranging from 2B for initial light sketching to 10B for those deep, dark shadows that give the portrait a three-dimensional look.
- Texture & Highlights: Once the shading is done, I use erasers and brushes to pull out highlights. This makes the skin look soft and the eyes look bright.
- Preservation: Every drawing is finished with a matte fixative spray. This stops the charcoal dust from smudging and keeps your artwork safe for years to come.
Whether it is a hyper-realistic graphite portrait or a vibrant watercolor piece, my goal is to capture more than just a face. I want to capture the person. If you are looking for a custom sketch of a loved one, a celebrity, or even a deity, know that I treat every paper with the same level of focus and patience.
Vikash Tanti
Hi, I'm Vikash. For me, art is not just lines on paper, it is a feeling. I spend days chasing the tiny details that make a portrait look like it might just start talking to you. If you want something real and personal, I am here to draw it.
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