Tributes and Personal Art Projects by a Delhi Artist
These are the drawings I make when nobody is watching. From tributes to the people who inspire me, like Zakir Khan and Sadhguru, to raw sketches of my own reflection, this is where my art gets personal.
My tribute to comedian Zakir Khan. This hyperrealistic drawing took 10 months of on and off work, but finishing it was a huge personal achievement.
A quick sketch of the legendary Charlie Chaplin. I used a hatching technique with pencil to quickly capture his iconic look and expressive eyes.
A work in progress shot of my portrait of Rabindranath Tagore. Even unfinished, I wanted to capture the depth and wisdom in his gaze.
A color pencil portrait of Devi Sita. This was a personal project to practice my color work while creating art that feels serene and spiritual.
A color pencil drawing of Shri Ram. Creating religious art is a meditative process for me, and this was a study in capturing a divine and calm presence.
A tribute to Sadhguru for the Save Soil movement. This piece was done with a ballpoint pen and white charcoal on toned paper to create high contrast.
A quick ink self portrait in my sketchbook. Sometimes the best way to practice is to just draw what you see, even if it's your own reflection in a phone.
A self portrait focusing on the blocking and hatching technique. This is a more stylized approach to drawing, using lines to build form and shadow.
A portrait study using a hatching technique. I love how the visible lines create a sense of movement and energy, especially in the hair.
A photo of me with my sketchbook. This drawing was inspired by the idea of an old soul, and taking my art outside is a great way to find new inspiration.
About Tributes & Personal Projects
People often ask why I sometimes spend months on a single drawing like my Zakir Khan tribute. The truth is, my personal projects are not about deadlines, they are about capturing a mood. When I work on these, I focus on the little details, like the wisdom in a gaze or the energy of a hatch mark, rather than rushing to finish.
Why I Draw For Myself
My professional work is about capturing you, your family, your pets, and your memories. But this gallery is where I go when I need to clear my head. Creating art is how I handle my anxiety and the quiet moments in between commissions.
The Technique Behind the Emotion
Whether I am using a simple ballpoint pen for a Sadhguru study or layering colored pencils for a Devi Sita portrait, every piece here is an experiment. I use these projects to test techniques like cross-hatching or color blending before bringing them to your portraits.
- Graphite & Charcoal: My go-to for high-contrast realism.
- Color Pencils: These are my playground for vibrant, emotional pieces.
- Ballpoint Pen: Perfect for the raw, high-contrast look I love for quick studies.
My Process
I am not going to sugarcoat it, sometimes I am a lazy ass punk. My tribute to Zakir Khan famously took me ten months because I had to get it right. I do not believe in rushing a piece that has meaning. When you commission a portrait from me, I bring this same level of patience to your work. I treat your memories with the same focus I apply to these tributes, ensuring every line and shade is exactly where it needs to be. If you like this style, let's talk about turning your own story into a piece of art.
Tarun Kumar
I am Tarun, an artist based in Delhi. I believe art is a conversation, not just a service, and I pour that same honesty into every portrait I draw for you.
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