I drew this portrait based on one photograph taken at a soccer stadium. The client is one of the boys and he commissioned this drawing as an 18th birthday gift for his brother. It was a sentimental photograph and I wanted to capture the connection the two brothers share in that moment in time.

two boys portrait drawing
Two brothers at a soccer stadium, 20 x 30 cm graphite pencil on paper

The drawing was drawn with graphite pencils on paper. I worked at 20 x 30 cm. I had one photograph to work from. It was a little dark so I brightened it up a little. There were some interesting highlight created from the top of the photo and I wanted to capture this.

pencil portrait drawing of two boys in detail
Detail of the drawing

The client was very happy with the finished drawing:

Hi Ivana, that looks absolutely amazing. I really wasn’t expecting anything half that good and it’s certainly been worth the wait.

Hugh, Ireland
portrait pencil sketch on paper
The finished drawing on paper

I always leave around 1cm border around the drawing so paper size is slightly bigger than the portrait itself. This is to allow for the drawing to be inserted into a mount and then framed. I provide the mount which is neutral in colour to compliment the colour of the paper. I wrap the mounted drawings in a plastic cover for protection and then post it with Anpost registered post.

mounted pencil portrait of two boys
Finished portrait drawing in a mount

I had one photograph to work from which is always a challenge. It is easier for me to capture the likeness of the people in a portrait with a few different photographs showing different expressions.

photo for a pencil portrait
Reference for the drawing

What did you like about the portrait?

Discover more from TRUE IMAGE FINE ART

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Continue reading