Pencil Portraits from Photos of People and pets | Drawings From Photos by Mike

Professional Pencil Portraits By Artist in the UK. Shipping Worldwide

Looking for a meaningful way to celebrate your loved ones or remember someone special? I create pencil portraits from photos, lovingly hand-drawn with professional-grade ivory black pencils on high-quality drawing paper. Whether it’s a cherished family member, a beloved pet, or a treasured moment, I’ll turn your photo into a beautiful pencil portraits you’ll be proud to display.

Expressive pencil portrait of a girl with tousled hair and earphones, playfully sticking out her tongue in a lively, modern style.
This striking pencil portrait depicts a young girl with a playful, expressive pose, her tongue slightly sticking out as she gazes directly at the viewer. Her hair is tousled and falls naturally around her face, with delicate pencil strokes capturing both texture and movement. She wears earphones, the cords drawn with fine precision, suggesting a candid, modern snapshot of everyday life. Her clothing, faintly detailed with patterns and shading, adds character without detracting from her face, which remains the focal point of the drawing. The artist has combined realism with expressive charm, creating a portrait full of personality and youthful spontaneity.
Pencil portraits - Drawing of a fluffy Pomeranian wearing a patterned bandana, drawn with rich texture and full of charm and character.
Pencil drawing features a delightful Pomeranian, portrayed facing forward with a calm yet alert expression. The artist has captured the breed’s signature fluffy double coat with exceptional care, using layered pencil strokes to create depth and softness around the face, neck, and ears. The upright, fox-like ears frame the dog’s rounded head beautifully, while the bright, expressive eyes give the portrait a lively and affectionate feel. Around the dog’s neck is a patterned bandana, complete with a small decorative emblem, adding a touch of personality and charm without overpowering the portrait. Overall, this portrait perfectly reflects the Pomeranian’s playful, confident nature and irresistible character, making it a warm and engaging piece of artwork.
Pencil portrait of a smiling woman with hoop earrings, styled hair, and expressive eyes, drawn with soft, detailed shading.
This finely detailed pencil portrait captures a cheerful woman with a radiant smile and sparkling eyes. Her hair is styled in a classic updo, adding elegance to her look, while delicate hoop earrings bring a subtle touch of personality. The artist has masterfully depicted the texture of her hair, the smoothness of her skin, and the soft folds of her casual top. The shading is both refined and expressive, offering a true-to-life representation that reflects warmth and character. A delightful and engaging portrait that exudes positivity and charm.
Pencil portrait of an alert Border Collie with upright ears and expressive eyes, drawn with fine detail and soft realistic shading.
This pencil drawing depicts a Border Collie, captured with a gentle head tilt and an attentive, inquisitive expression. The dog faces forward, with large, expressive eyes that immediately draw the viewer in, conveying intelligence, sensitivity, and curiosity. One ear stands more upright while the other angles slightly outward, adding individuality and charm to the pose. The artist has skilfully rendered the Border Collie’s medium-length coat, using fine pencil strokes to show the contrast between the darker fur on the head and back and the lighter chest and muzzle. Subtle shading around the eyes and nose enhances the realism, while the softly fading edges allow the dog to emerge naturally from the white background. The portrait beautifully reflects the breed’s well-known traits of alertness, loyalty, and emotional connection with its owner.
Pencil portrait of a grandfather, father, and baby girl, beautifully capturing three generations with lifelike detail and warmth.
A finely detailed pencil portrait depicting three generations of the same family in a warm, balanced composition. At the top is an older man wearing glasses and a suit, his expression calm and reflective. Below him stands a younger man with a neatly trimmed beard, smiling confidently and dressed smartly with a tie and jacket. In the foreground is a baby girl in a dungaree-style outfit, her wide eyes and gentle smile bringing a sense of joy and innocence to the drawing. The soft shading, realistic textures, and careful attention to expression highlight the strong family bond and individuality of each subject, set against a clean white background.
Pencil portrait of two German Shepherds with upright ears and expressive faces, one alert and one calm, shown side by side.
Pencil drawing features two German Shepherds, each portrayed with a strong sense of character and individuality. The dogs are shown in close proximity, their heads angled slightly differently, creating a dynamic and balanced composition. One dog gazes upward with an alert, inquisitive expression, while the other looks calmly ahead, conveying confidence and composure. The artist has captured the breed’s defining features with great skill, including the upright, pointed ears, long muzzles, and intelligent eyes. The textured shading brings out the thick, dense coats, with subtle tonal variations that highlight the contours of the face and neck. Small details, such as the collars and tags, add a personal and lifelike touch. Together, the portrait reflects the German Shepherd’s loyalty, strength, and keen awareness, making it a powerful and emotive piece of artwork.

Why Choose Pencil Portraits from Photos?

A pencil portrait is a unique and personal way to capture a memory. Unlike digital images, hand-drawn pencil portraits have character, charm, and emotion. I use high-quality artist pencils on professional-grade paper to ensure every detail stands out.

Each drawing highlights the subject’s personality, making it a one-of-a-kind piece of art. My portraits make perfect gifts for birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, graduations, or just a treat for yourself.

  • 100% Hand-Drawn Artwork: No filters, no AI, no digital shortcuts
  • Lifelike Detail & Realism: Carefully shaded for depth and expression
  • Personalised Service: I work directly with you at every stage
  • Worldwide Delivery: Secure shipping to the UK and internationally
  • Perfect for Any Occasion: Birthdays, Christmas, weddings, memorials, and more

Gallery of Drawing Ideas

Pencil portrait of a smiling baby with soft wispy hair and expressive eyes, drawn in gentle shading against a clean white background.
Soft Pencil Portrait of a Smiling Baby with Gentle Shading and Expressive Eyes.
Pencil drawing of two smiling young siblings shown side by side, with soft shading and bright eyes against a clean white background.
Detailed Pencil Portrait of Two Young Siblings Smiling in a Soft, High-Key Composition.
Pencil portrait of a young boy with neatly styled hair and a gentle smile, drawn with soft shading on a clean white background.
Realistic Pencil Portrait of a Young Boy with Soft Expression and Fine Hair Detail.
Pencil portrait of a smiling couple in formal evening wear, drawn with soft shading and fine detail against a clean white background.
Elegant Pencil Portrait of a Smiling Couple in Formal Evening Attire.
Pencil portrait of a distinguished older gentleman in suit and patterned tie, looking upward with calm, confident expression.
Formal Pencil Portrait of a Distinguished Gentleman in Suit and Tie.
Pencil wedding portrait of bride and groom facing each other, sharing a soft smile, drawn with delicate shading on white.
Romantic Pencil Wedding Portrait of a Bride and Groom Sharing a Gentle Gaze.
Realistic pencil portrait of a tabby cat with bright expressive eyes and detailed fur, drawn in soft shading on a white background.
Detailed Pencil Portrait of a Tabby Cat with Expressive Eyes and Fine Fur Texture.
Pencil portrait of a horse with a white blaze, facing forward with calm expression, detailed shading and fine hair texture.
Striking Pencil Portrait of a Horse with a White Facial Marking and Calm Expression.
Drawing of an Angler Holding a Large Carp
Detailed Pencil Drawing of an Angler Holding a Large Carp Against a Minimal White Background.
High-contrast pencil portrait of a 1960s musician with textured hair and thoughtful expression, drawn in fine detail on white.
High-Contrast Pencil Portrait of an Iconic 1960s Musician with Thoughtful Expression.
Detailed pencil drawing of a traditional country house with dormer windows, ivy and wild grasses, rendered in soft shading.
This image shows a finely detailed pencil drawing of a traditional countryside house.
Pencil drawing of two lions in a layered composition, with detailed manes and strong expressions, rendered in soft tonal shading.
Powerful Pencil Portrait of Two Lions in a Dramatic, Layered Composition.

Lifelike Pencil Portraits of People and Pets

I specialise in drawing realistic pencil portraits from photos. My goal is to bring out the emotion, expression, and character of each person or pet I draw. My pet portraits, especially dogs and cats, have become very popular, capturing their adorable features and unique personalities. Pencil portraits are created just for you. Whether you want a solo portrait or one with multiple people or pets, I tailor each drawing to your preferences.

You’ll receive a one-of-a-kind piece that holds deep personal meaning. All my pencil portraits are drawn on a white background. This keeps the focus on the subject and helps their features stand out beautifully. You can see examples of my work on the Drawings Page or explore my Dog Portraits page for more.

Commission Pencil Portraits from Photos

Thinking of ordering a custom pencil portrait? I’ve had the pleasure of creating pencil portraits for happy clients across the UK and around the world. With many 5-star reviews, I take pride in offering excellent customer service and lifelike, detailed drawings that exceed expectations.

  1. Send Your Photo – Choose a clear, high-quality image of your subject
  2. Select Your Size & Style – I’ll help you choose the best format
  3. Portrait in Progress – Your hand-drawn pencil portrait is carefully created
  4. Final Approval & Delivery – Shipped safely to your door

I keep you updated throughout the process so you can feel confident in every stage of your custom pencil portrait commission.

The Photo Matters

To get the best results, a high-quality photo is key. Clear images that show the subject’s expression and detail help me draw more accurate and realistic pencil portraits. I start by sketching the outline, then slowly build up layers of shading to bring the drawing to life.

Follow My Work

Want to see more? Visit my Pinterest page to view a growing gallery of pencil portraits and get inspired for your own custom drawing.