In June this year I was contacted by Melissa about commissioning a pencil drawing of her friends’ engagement. They were getting married in a couple of weeks and she needed my to create something quite fast. I usually have a few commissions on the go and cannot work on such tight deadline. My client wanted a small portrait so I was able to finish it in time. She collected the drawing on her way to the wedding.
The photo was taken in the Kerry mountains during the engagement and it was important to capture the beautiful backdrop and atmosphere. The sunset is creating some mist descending on the mountains. I had the one photo to work from. The drawing is 15 x 20 cm in size, the smallest size I work at.
Melissa was delighted with the drawing:
Hi Ivana! That looks amazing! Thank you so much…
Melissa, on seeing her commissioned piece of her friends’ engagement in county Kerry, July 2025
I cropped the image a little in the width to fit my client’s desired size of 15 x 20 cm. Because of the small size of the drawing, it was quite fast the sketch out, taking only a day to create. My work usually takes much longer to complete, but this piece was all about capturing the moment and atmosphere. The photo didn’t offer a lot of detail which made it more interesting I feel and I had to really pick out elements that made it interesting.
I used graphite pencils on Fabriano 5 paper. I left the white of the paper to come through as highlights and really worked on the darks to create some drama. This drawing wasn’t about capturing a likeness but rather the moment. I really enjoyed it.
Christmas orders are now in full swing and I am working away. I have only a few spots left, so if you have an idea for a gift, contact me at info@trueimage.ie