Pencil Portraits from Photos | Custom Hand-Drawn by Pencil Portrait Artist UK

Pencil Portraits: A lively and characterful pencil portrait of a young girl, captured mid-expression as she playfully sticks out her tongue while looking directly at the viewer.

Turn Your Favourite Photograph into a Timeless Pencil Portrait

Some photographs are simply too precious to remain hidden on a phone or computer. They capture the people, pets and moments that mean the most to us, memories that deserve to be seen, celebrated and treasured every day.

I create hand-drawn pencil portraits from your favourite photographs, transforming them into original works of art that can be enjoyed for generations. Every portrait is carefully drawn by hand using professional ivory black drawing pencils, with a focus on achieving a true likeness, natural expression and exceptional realism.

Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or remembering someone you love, a custom pencil portrait is a lasting keepsake with genuine emotional value.

โœ“ Pencil portraits of people, couples, families, dogs, cats and horses
โœ“ Drawn entirely by hand from your photographs
โœ“ Professional black and white artwork
โœ“ UK and international commissions welcome

About Me | FAQ | Price | Frames

Pencil Portraits of People and Pets

Detailed graphite portrait uniting eleven family members, layered with lifelike expressions, soft shading and balanced composition.

A beautifully composed pencil portrait featuring ten family members from multiple generations.

Refined pencil portrait of a gentleman in suit and patterned tie, gazing upward with soft tonal depth and confident expression.

This professional pencil portrait features a middle-aged man with a clean-shaven head and a calm, confident expression.

Drawing of a smiling woman with hoop earrings, bright eyes and swept-back hair, captured with smooth tonal contrast and graceful realism.

This finely detailed pencil portrait captures a cheerful woman with a radiant smile and sparkling eyes.

Bride and groom share a tender embrace, lowered gazes, entwined hands and soft shading creating an intimate wedding portrait.

This pencil portrait depicts a bride and groom sharing a quiet, intimate moment.

Pencil portrait of a Border Collie with pricked ears, soulful eyes and white chest markings, portrayed with rich tonal depth and lifelike character.

This striking pencil drawing depicts a Border Collie, captured with a gentle head tilt and an attentive, inquisitive expression.

Tabby Domestic Shorthair with bright amber eyes, fine whiskers and soft striped coat, rendered with elegant tonal realism.

This beautifully detailed pencil drawing features a tabby cat with expressive, wide eyes and alert ears.

Pencil portrait of two German Shepherds with upright ears and expressive faces, one alert and one calm, shown side by side.

This finely crafted pencil drawing features two German Shepherds, each portrayed with a strong sense of character and individuality.

Pencil portrait of a man kissing his horseโ€™s face, hands gently holding the muzzle, showing trust, affection, and quiet connection.

This pencil drawing captures an intimate and emotional moment between a man and his horse.

Trusted by Clients Across the UK

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For over 15 years, I have helped families, pet owners and collectors preserve their most treasured memories through carefully created pencil portraits. Every commission receives the same attention, care and dedication from the very first pencil stroke until the finished artwork is safely delivered.

Choosing the Right Portrait Size

The ideal size depends on both the number of subjects and where the portrait will be displayed. Smaller sizes are perfect for individual pencil portraits and thoughtful gifts. Larger sizes provide more space for detail and are ideal for:

  • Family pencil portraits
  • Wedding pencil portraits
  • Multiple pets
  • Memorial commissions
  • Feature wall artwork

If you’re unsure which size would suit your photograph best, I’m always happy to advise.

Why Choose a Traditional Pencil Portrait?

Digital portraits have become increasingly popular, but there is something truly special about owning an original piece of artwork created entirely by hand. Every pencil mark is individually drawn, giving each portrait its own character, texture and authenticity.

No printing. No filters. No artificial effects. Just traditional craftsmanship, patience and attention to every detail.

A Portrait That Can Be Passed Down for Generations

Photographs often remain stored on phones, computers or hard drives where they may rarely be seen. A hand-drawn pencil portrait transforms those memories into something permanent. Created on archival-quality paper using professional materials, your artwork is designed to last for decades when properly cared for.

Many pencil portraits become treasured family heirlooms, passed from one generation to the next, while continuing to tell the stories of the people and pets they celebrate.

Few gifts carry such lasting emotional significance.


Let’s Create Something You’ll Treasure Forever

Whether you’re celebrating a joyful occasion, remembering someone special or surprising a loved one with a truly personal gift, I’d be honoured to create your pencil portrait. Simply choose your favourite photograph, and together we’ll transform a treasured memory into an original piece of artwork that can be admired for generations.

Google Reviews from Previous Clients:

Six realistic pencil portraits of school-age children, hand drawn from photos with lifelike detail and natural expressions.

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“Mike did a great job on the portrait we commissioned for a family birthday. There were 6 subjects, and the likeness was amazing. I was updated as the commission was created, and it was posted recorded delivery at the end.” – Scott Crooks – North Yorkshire – 9 February 2026

Hand-drawn pencil portrait of Lola, a small white dog with bright eyes, fluffy fur and a cheerful expression from a photo.

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“Very pleased with the outcome of the portrait of our late dog Lola. Excellent service from start to finish, highly recommend.” – Christopher Brain – Southville – 20 July 2024

Realistic pencil portrait of a Great Dane lying with crossed paws, expertly drawn from a photo with lifelike detail and poise.

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“An amazing service, great communication throughout, and couldnโ€™t have expected such a great drawing. Above and beyond my expectations.” – Garry Osborne – Buckinghamshire – 1 November 2023

Explore the website to:

  • View recent artwork on Instagram
  • See available portrait sizes and pricing
  • Submit your commission enquiry
  • Ask questions about your photographs
  • Find additional Information about commissions and delivery