Realistic Charcoal Powder Portraits
I create detailed portraits using only crushed charcoal and white stone powder. No paints, just raw material and patience to bring your photos to life. 🖤🤍
This video shows the process of creating a charcoal powder portrait of Rakshit Shetty and Charlie from the movie '777 Charlie'. You can see how I build layers of powder to achieve a realistic and emotional final image.
This is a realistic portrait of cricketer Virat Kohli, created using my signature technique of crushed charcoal and white stone powder. This medium allows for incredible detail and shading, perfect for capturing likenesses of public figures.
A closer look at the charcoal portrait of Virat Kohli. Notice the fine details in the hair and beard, all achieved by manipulating fine charcoal powder with my hands and simple tools.
This portrait of King Kohli showcases the striking contrast that can be achieved with charcoal and white stone powder on a neutral background. It's a powerful medium for creating memorable portraits.
My artwork of Virat Kohli in his Royal Challengers Bangalore jersey. This type of charcoal portrait is popular for sports events and fan tributes, capturing the intensity of the player.
A tribute to the beloved Kannada actor Puneeth Rajkumar, honored as 'Karnataka Ratna'. This portrait, made with charcoal powder, is my way of paying respect and shows how I use art to connect with shared emotions and cultural pride.
A close up of my charcoal portrait of Puneeth Rajkumar, focusing on his warm and recognizable smile. My goal with portraiture is to capture the personality and spirit of the individual.
This full portrait of Puneeth Rajkumar includes the dove, a symbol of peace, and the 'Karnataka Ratna' title, making it a complete tribute piece. Each element is carefully rendered in charcoal.
This detailed crop of the Puneeth Rajkumar portrait highlights the smooth blending and sharp lines I can create with charcoal powder, resulting in a lifelike and expressive artwork.
Another view of the completed tribute portrait for Appu sir. This artwork has resonated with many and is an example of how art can serve as a memorial and a celebration of a legacy.
About Realistic Charcoal Powder Portraits
This work is not about drawing with a pencil. I use finely crushed charcoal for the deep, moody shadows and white stone powder for the highlights. I blend these powders directly with my hands, layering them until the likeness pops out from the neutral background. It is a tactile, raw process that gives every piece a unique depth you cannot replicate with standard paints.
When I created the portrait of Appu Sir (Puneeth Rajkumar), it was not just about getting the features right. It was about capturing that warm smile that meant so much to us in Karnataka. That is the core of what I do. Whether it is a tribute to legends like King Kohli, a scene from '777 Charlie', or a deeply personal photo of a loved one, I use this monochromatic medium to focus entirely on the subject's expression and soul.
Since I work with loose powder, the final result is a high-contrast piece that really grabs attention. If you are looking to commission a piece, please remember that this technique is different from sketching. It is a live-feeling medium. I usually need a high-resolution reference photo to get those tiny details, like the stubble in a beard or the light in the eyes, perfectly aligned. From corporate tributes to heartfelt gifts, these charcoal works are designed to stand out and endure.
Chandan Devadig
I am Chandan, an artist from Karwar who finds magic in monochromatic shades. Whether it is a tribute to legends like Puneeth Rajkumar or capturing the intense gaze of a cricket icon, I let the charcoal do the talking. My work is my way of connecting with you through our shared culture and stories.
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