PENCIL PORTRAIT ARTIST
Welcome to the pencil portraits page!
Working directly from customer photos I am able to take commissions from anywhere in the UK or overseas. On this page you’ll find information about the process of commissioning a hand drawn portrait drawing, or you can follow the link below to go straight to the gallery
For a typical head-and-shoulders portrait I like to concentrate the most detail around the face, hair and neck, before becoming more ‘sketchy’ around the upper arms and chest. This helps to keep the focus of the portrait on the facial features and in particular the eyes, which generally reveal the most about the personality of the subject.
When you commission a portrait I like to learn from you something about the character of the subject so I can try to convey this in the drawing.
HAND DRAWN PENCIL SKETCH PORTRAITS
For portraits in pencil I draw onto a lovely smooth, heavyweight fine art paper made by a US paper mill called Legion. It is made from cotton fibres instead of wood pulp and is therefore of the highest archival grade and will never turn yellow. I work with my favourite Faber-Castell pencils in several different grades, ranging from HB down to a very soft 8B pencil.
When the portrait is finished I spray it with a specialist fixative spray to stop any of the graphite from rubbing off before placing it in an acid-free cellophane sleeve so that you can safely handle it until you’re ready to have it put in a frame. Pencil portraits are sent out sandwiched between custom-cut MDF sheets so that they can’t be bent or creased in transit.
The ericoart Commission Process
Share Your Vision
Tell us what you’d love to see brought to life, whether it’s a beloved pet, a football legend, or a wildlife portrait. Provide photos, details, and any special requests to guide the artwork.
Confirm Your Commission
We’ll discuss the concept, agree on size, style, and pricing, then finalize your commission. This ensures clarity and sets expectations before the pencil touches paper.
Creation in Progress
Obinna (ericoart) begins the hand‑drawn portrait, focusing on hyper‑realistic detail and soulful expression. Updates can be shared during the process so you feel connected to the journey.
Delivery & Lasting Memories
Once complete, your portrait is carefully packaged and shipped worldwide or delivered digitally if preferred. You’ll receive a timeless piece of art that captures essence, emotion, and beauty.
Love what you see?
Commission your own portrait today and let ericoart bring your vision to life.