Vibrant Color Pencil Portraits by Tarun
I use Doms and Maped color pencils to bring your favorite memories to life. Whether it is a family moment or a personal tribute, these vibrant pieces are all about capturing the real emotion and color of the moment.
A portrait of Devi Sita, created with Maped color pencils on an ivory sheet. I used warm yellows and soft skin tones to convey a sense of grace and divinity.
My take on Shri Ram, drawn with color pencils on cartridge paper. This was an early attempt for me with color, focusing on capturing a serene and powerful expression.
The final version of a commissioned color pencil portrait. Using Doms pencils, I built up layers of color to achieve realistic skin tones and the bold look of the red shirt and dark sunglasses.
A commissioned couple portrait set against a scenic mountain view. This piece was made with Maped color pencils, perfect for capturing both the people and the landscape they love.
About Vibrant Color Portraits
These color portraits aren't just about applying pigment to paper. It is a slow, layering process using wax-based pencils like Doms and Maped on smooth ivory sheets. This manual blending is what gives you those realistic skin tones and the depth you see in my work. It is labor-intensive, so I usually need about 8 to 12 days to get the saturation right. No rushing, just building the color up until it feels complete.
Why Color Over Black & White?
Sometimes, a memory needs more than just contrast. If your photograph is full of life like a bright sunny day, a vibrant cultural outfit, or just the warmth of a sunset, graphite can sometimes hold back that energy. That is when I switch to color pencils.
My Materials and Technique
I rely on high-quality wax-based pencils like Doms and Maped for their ability to blend smoothly without leaving harsh, waxy residue. I use smooth ivory sheets because they take these layers beautifully, allowing me to build up rich skin tones and textures. Whether it is capturing the red of a shirt or the complex hues of a landscape in a couple's portrait, the goal is to keep it vibrant but grounded in reality.
How We Start
If you want to commission a piece, send over a high-resolution photo. Clarity matters because the better the photo, the more detail I can pull out when I am layering those pigments. Once we decide on the composition, I get to work. I will share progress shots as I go, so you are never wondering what is happening with your piece.
A Note on Process
As I have said, I am not a machine. Some days I am on fire, other days I am just a lazy ass punk struggling with a blank page. But when I am working on your portrait, I take my time. This is not a rush job. It is a craft. If you are looking for something that feels raw, real, and has that personal touch, send me a message and let us talk about what we can create.
Tarun Kumar
I'm Tarun, a Delhi-based artist who believes art is the best way to make sense of the mess in my head. I am honest about my process—sometimes I am quick, sometimes I procrastinate, but I never compromise on the final piece. If you want a portrait that feels real, not just a carbon copy, let us work on it together.
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