Hand-Painted Custom Oil Portraits of Personalities
I transform iconic faces and pop culture characters into detailed, hand-painted oil portraits. Every piece is a slow, meditative process, using the grid method to capture the exact likeness and expression that makes a portrait feel alive.
A finished oil portrait of the actress Madhuri Dixit on a canvas sheet, set against an abstract, textured background. I focused on capturing her iconic smile and expressive eyes.
This video documents the entire process of painting the Madhuri Dixit portrait. It starts with the initial sketch and layering of skin tones, and moves through to the fine details of her eyes, hair, and the colorful background.
A short video showcasing the completed Madhuri Dixit portrait resting on my wooden easel.
A close up look at the details in the Madhuri Dixit painting, focusing on the eyes and smile to show the fine brushwork.
This clip shows the process of painting the hair, demonstrating how I layer different shades to create depth and movement.
A finished oil portrait of the legendary singer Lata Mangeshkar. I wanted to capture her graceful presence, painting her in her signature white saree with a microphone, against a soft, colorful background.
This video shows me at my easel, painting the portrait of Lata Mangeshkar. It gives a glimpse into my workspace, my palette full of colors, and the careful process of bringing the portrait to life.
A process video of the Walter White painting, showing how I built up the texture on his shirt and jacket. I used a palette knife and brush to create the folds and details in the fabric.
Here you can see me painting the Walter White portrait in my studio. This shows my typical setup with the canvas on an easel and a tablet for reference.
A time lapse of my oil painting of actor Cillian Murphy as Thomas Shelby from Peaky Blinders. The video shows the portrait coming together, from the initial sketch to the final details of his iconic look.
About Portraits of Personalities
Because oil paint has a slow drying time, I never rush these portraits. I use a grid methodology to map out facial proportions before even touching a brush. This ensures that iconic smile or intense gaze you see in the photos is exactly right, which is why I need about 2 to 3 weeks for an A4 portrait to fully cure and set.
While these portraits showcase public figures, the approach remains the same for every commission I take. When you order a portrait, we aren't just putting paint on a canvas, we are building a piece of art layer by layer.
The Grid Method
Accuracy is the foundation of my work. I use a grid method to sketch the subject on the canvas before applying any paint. This is vital for portraits because even a millimeter of difference in the eye placement or the curve of a lip can change the entire character of the painting. It ensures that the resemblance is striking and authentic.
Why Oil?
I exclusively use Artist Grade oil colours on canvas. Oil allows for a depth and luminosity that other mediums struggle to match. It is a slow medium, which suits my process perfectly. Each layer needs time to dry and set, allowing me to blend skin tones and create realistic textures, from the subtle folds of fabric to the glint in an eye.
Commissioning Your Piece
Whether you want a portrait of a celebrity icon or a custom piece of a loved one, the process is straightforward. We start with a high-quality reference photo. Since I work from my studio in Mumbai, I ship across India with secure packaging to ensure the painting arrives in perfect condition.
Remember, this is a slow art form. If you are looking for a gift, please plan ahead, as the layering and curing process requires patience. Sabr rakh, as I like to say—it results in a much better, more vibrant piece of art.
Deepanjali
Hi, I’m Deepanjali. To be honest, I started painting just to clear my head, but now I am obsessed with oil on canvas. Whether it is a legendary singer or a character from your favourite show, I pour hours into layering colours until the face truly comes alive. It is slow work, but it is my happy place.
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