Hand-Drawn Digital Portrait Studies
My portrait process starts with simple lines and loose sketches. Whether it is a quick study or a detailed digital drawing, I focus on capturing the character and emotion of each person.
A profile portrait sketch of a Sikh man, focusing on the structure of the face and the details of the beard and turban. This timelapse shows how I build form using cross-hatching and line work.
This digital sketch timelapse captures a strong and contemplative expression. I use energetic lines to create a sense of character and depth in my portrait studies.
A fun collaboration where a child's colorful drawing is layered over my initial portrait sketch. It shows how art can be playful and a source of shared joy.
A timelapse video of a digital portrait of a smiling woman. My goal here was to capture her joyful expression through detailed shading and line work in this hand-drawn piece.
This is a quick portrait sketch, demonstrating how I capture a likeness with loose and expressive lines. These studies are an important part of my daily practice.
A portrait study focusing on a man with a distinct beard and turban style. The sketching process reveals how I use texture and shading to define features.
This video shows the step-by-step process of sketching a Sikh man's portrait. I start with foundational guides to ensure proportion before adding detailed features.
A digital sketch portrait with a focus on capturing a strong, intense gaze. The timelapse shows the build-up of shading to create a dramatic and powerful image.
A warm-up sketch done to get the creative process flowing. These quick, expressive drawings help me explore different faces and features before starting on a detailed commission.
A full-body sketch inspired by street style. This drawing focuses on capturing movement and fashion, exploring how personality is expressed through clothing and posture.
About The Art of the Sketch: Portrait Studies
I draw everything on my iPad using Procreate, focusing on raw, expressive lines rather than polished perfection. My process involves a series of sketches to find the right composition, so the final piece feels natural and full of character. Since these are hand-drawn digital illustrations, they offer a personal touch that captures the individual's personality, which is quite different from standard digital filters or photo manipulations.
Portraiture for me is less about capturing a perfect likeness and more about the energy behind the face. My process in these studies usually begins with foundational guides and loose, energetic lines to define the structure of the face, beard, or turban. I often use cross-hatching to add depth, which gives the digital art a tactile, sketch-like quality that feels traditional despite the modern medium.
Many of these pieces, including the work featured in my '10 Days of Portraits' series, are experiments in capturing a specific gaze or expression. When you look at my timelapses, you will see that I build form through layers of shading. This is intentional. I prefer the sketch phase because it holds the raw honesty of the subject.
If you are looking for a portrait, we can start from this place of simplicity. Whether you want a single-subject sketch that focuses on a contemplative expression or a more detailed piece that incorporates your cultural markers and story, I bring the same technical approach to every commission. I work closely with you to understand the subject's personality, ensuring that the lines I draw reflect who you are or who you are celebrating. Based in Delhi, I am available to discuss commissions online, bringing this blend of digital technology and traditional sketching to your personal projects.
Similar work from other experts
Browse through Curated picks from other experts on mytribe
Handmade Pencil and Charcoal Portrait Sketches
6
Handmade Portrait Sketches and Techniques
Hand-Drawn Portraits and Custom Art Commissions
Custom Digital Portraits and Stylized Illustrations
Behind the Art: My Sketching & Creative Process
22
Custom Portraits That Capture Your Unique Personality
Looking for a different style of illustration?
You can search for specific types of artwork or illustration services below.
More from Custom Digital Illustrations by Dashmeet Singh Bhatia
More services by Dashmeet Singh Bhatia