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Early Sketchbook Explorations: Pencil and Ink Portraiture

byMridulProjects in Bengaluru; Ships across IndiaStarts from₹250 per sq ftView full gallery

A look back at my sketchbooks from 2010. These drawings represent the start of my journey, where I first learned to capture the raw character and stories behind expressions.

A vintage piece from my early days, created with ink pen. This shows my early interest in portraiture and detailed line work.

An early pencil sketch where I was practicing how to capture a thoughtful, faraway look. Every drawing is a step in the journey.

From my 2010 sketchbook, this pencil portrait was about capturing a sense of wonder and innocence in her expression.

An older sketch showing a woman with attitude. Even in my early work, I was drawn to capturing strong personalities.

An early experiment with color pencil. This piece shows my initial explorations into combining line work with color to create a full-figure illustration.

About From the Sketchbook: Early Explorations

These early sketches remind me why I started drawing. While my tools have evolved from simple ink pens to professional grade charcoal and oils, my focus remains the same: capturing the soul of a subject. If you are looking for a personalized portrait, these foundational techniques are exactly what I bring to every commission today.

Professional artist active since 2010 — Approved by the tribe
M

Mridul

Projects in Bengaluru; Ships across IndiaStarts from ₹250 per sq ft

I am Mona, and art has been my constant companion since 2010. I love capturing the real, raw emotions that people carry, turning them into something tangible that you can keep. Every piece I draw is about finding that specific connection between the subject and the sketch.

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Aao tumhe main khud se milwata hoon. A self-portrait exploring dramatic light and shadow, trying to capture the artist behind the art.10
Ye tawfa humne khud ko diya hai. Another self-portrait, this time in progress. Sketching is my way of understanding myself and the world around me.
An early stage of a self-portrait. You can see the grid lines and the initial shading of the eye and hair, the first steps in a long process.
2018 ki baat hai, iss tasveer pe dil aa gaya tha. This is one of my older sketches. It's important to look back and see how far you've come.

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Me, in my element. The sketching must go on, no matter where I am. My sketchbook is my constant companion.13
Back to basics. I often practice anatomy and figure drawing to keep my skills sharp. Understanding the human form is key to creating good portraits and caricatures.
A page full of hand studies. Hands are one of the most expressive parts of the body, and I love practicing drawing them in different cartoon and realistic styles.
The eyes and nose tell so much of the story. Here's a page from my sketchbook where I practiced drawing different expressions and face shapes.

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'Galloping Spirit' is a charcoal drawing where I tried to capture pure motion. Using broad, sweeping strokes and smudging, I depicted the energy and power of a horse and rider in full gallop.10
A charcoal portrait on paper. I enjoy the challenge of creating depth and realism with just black and white, focusing on the light in the subject's eyes and the texture of his beard.
This charcoal portrait captures a moment of quiet contemplation. The strong contrast between the dark, shaded background and the brightly lit side of his face creates a dramatic, focused effect.
Another charcoal portrait study. I focused on capturing the volume and flow of the hair, using soft shading and sharp lines to create a realistic and engaging portrait.

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A collage showcasing a year of my artistic growth. It features a wide variety of commissioned portraits, from babies and couples to individual sketches.6
Another collection of my pencil portraits, featuring a mix of celebrity-inspired drawings and client commissions, demonstrating my range.
A showcase of diverse artworks, including portraits of women, children, and even a depiction of a goddess, reflecting my versatility as an artist.
A framed A5 pencil sketch being held up for display. This shows how a smaller, affordable sketch can become a meaningful and high-quality gift.

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Handmade Pencil and Charcoal Portrait Sketches

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This custom charcoal sketch captures the pure, unspoken love between a girl and her best friend. I focus on bringing out the emotion in these moments, creating a timeless A4 portrait to honor your furry family members.8
A realistic portrait brought to life with vibrant Prismacolor pencils on a high quality A3 sheet. I carefully layer colors to capture the warmth of a smile and the intricate details of traditional wear, creating a truly lifelike piece of art.
A special charcoal sketch for an expecting couple, celebrating their journey to parenthood. This A3 portrait was created to be as smooth and gentle as the moment itself, a beautiful keepsake of this precious time.
Don't have the perfect group photo? I can help. For this A3 charcoal portrait, I combined five separate photographs of a couple and their beloved huskies into one cohesive family sketch, creating a memory that never existed in a single frame.

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