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 photos into a beautiful pencil portraits you’ll be proud to display.

The Photo Matters for Pencil Portraits

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

Pencil Portraits - Expressive pencil portrait of a girl with tousled hair and earphones, playfully sticking out her tongue in a lively, modern style.
Capture a moment of pure personality with this stunning pencil portrait of a young girl. Her playful expression, tongue slightly out, and direct gaze bring the drawing to life, while tousled hair and delicate pencil strokes convey natural movement and charm. Earphones and subtly detailed clothing add a modern, candid touch, without ever distracting from her radiant face. Combining lifelike realism with expressive character, this portrait is full of youthful energy and spontaneity, an unforgettable, personalised piece perfect for gifting or treasuring forever.
Pencil portrait of a confident, clean-shaven man in a suit and tie, looking upward with a calm, composed, and professional presence.
This striking pencil portrait captures a middle-aged man with a calm, confident presence. His clean-shaven head, composed gaze, and slight upward glance exude poise and optimism. Dressed in a smart suit and patterned tie, every detail, from the fine lines of his face to the textures of his clothing, is meticulously rendered with precision and care. Subtle shading and crisp contrasts create realistic depth, highlighting both character and professionalism. Elegant, refined, and full of presence, this portrait makes a timeless, personalised piece that embodies experience, assurance, and sophistication.
Pencil portrait of a smiling woman with hoop earrings, styled hair, and expressive eyes, drawn with soft, detailed shading.
This exquisite pencil portrait captures a cheerful woman brimming with warmth and charm. Her radiant smile and sparkling eyes immediately draw you in, while a classic updo and delicate hoop earrings add elegance and personality. Every detail, from the texture of her hair to the smoothness of her skin and the gentle folds of her top, is rendered with meticulous precision. Subtle, expressive shading brings depth and lifelike realism, creating a portrait full of character and positivity, a truly engaging and personalised piece, perfect for celebrating someone special or capturing a joyful moment forever.
Pencil wedding portrait of bride and groom embracing, showing delicate dress detail, soft shading, and a romantic connection.
This beautifully detailed pencil portrait captures a bride and groom in a quiet, intimate moment, radiating love and connection. The groom stands gently behind the bride, holding her hands and leaning his forehead towards hers, while she appears serene in her strapless dress and veil. Every detail, from the soft folds of fabric to the smooth tones of skin and the subtle contrast between their attire, is meticulously rendered. Fine shading draws the eye to their faces and hands, highlighting the tenderness of their bond. With a clean, timeless background, this portrait celebrates romance, elegance, and the enduring intimacy of a cherished moment, making it a perfect, personalised keepsake of a wedding day.
Pencil portrait of an alert Border Collie with upright ears and expressive eyes, drawn with fine detail and soft realistic shading.
This beautifully detailed pencil portrait captures a Border Collie full of character and charm. With a gentle head tilt and inquisitive, expressive eyes, the dog’s intelligence, sensitivity, and curiosity shine through. One ear stands upright while the other angles slightly, adding individuality to the pose. Every detail, from the texture of the medium-length coat to the subtle contrast between dark and light fur, is rendered with skilful precision. Soft shading around the eyes and nose enhances realism, and the softly fading edges give the portrait a natural, lifelike presence. A perfect, personalised tribute to a loyal companion, this portrait celebrates the alertness, devotion, and personality of a beloved Border Collie.
Pencil portrait of a relaxed tabby cat resting its head and paw on a stack of books, showing detailed fur patterns, soft whiskers, and a calm expression.
This delightful pencil portrait captures a relaxed, expressive cat resting its head and paw on a stack of books, blending charm with a touch of whimsy. The cat’s soft, sleepy gaze radiates calm and contentment, while every detail, from the fine pencil strokes of the tabby fur to the subtle shadows around the paws and books, is rendered with meticulous care. Its classic tabby markings, including the “M” on the forehead, striped cheeks, and rings on the legs and tail, are beautifully portrayed. A timeless, personalised piece, this portrait celebrates the unique personality, elegance, and serene charm of a beloved feline companion.
Pencil portrait of two German Shepherds with upright ears and expressive faces, one alert and one calm, shown side by side.
This striking pencil portrait captures two German Shepherds, each full of character and individuality. Their heads are angled slightly differently, creating a dynamic, balanced composition: one gazes upwards with alert curiosity, while the other looks calmly ahead with confidence and composure. Every detail, from the upright, pointed ears and intelligent eyes to the textured, dense coats, is rendered with meticulous precision. Subtle tonal variations and fine shading emphasise the contours of their faces and necks, while collars and tags add a personal, lifelike touch. A powerful, emotive piece, this portrait celebrates the loyalty, strength, and sharp awareness of these remarkable dogs, making it a perfect personalised keepsake.
Pencil portrait of a man kissing his horse’s face, hands gently holding the muzzle, showing trust, affection, and quiet connection.
This beautifully detailed pencil portrait captures a tender and heartfelt moment between a man and his horse. The man leans in, gently kissing the horse’s face while cradling its muzzle, conveying deep trust, love, and connection. The horse’s elegant head dominates the composition, its soft expression and calm presence rendered with meticulous shading that captures the texture and flow of its coat. The man’s patterned shirt subtly contrasts with the horse’s smoothness, adding realism and depth. Full of warmth, intimacy, and emotional resonance, this portrait celebrates the unique bond between human and horse, making it a timeless, personalised keepsake.

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 pencil 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

Follow My Work

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