Realistic Pencil Sketch from a Photo

 

As a pencil sketch artist, one of the most rewarding projects is transforming a photo into a lifelike pencil sketch. Recently, I created a realistic portrait for a client, and I want to walk you through my process. This technique can turn a simple photo into a personal, handcrafted piece of art, perfect for gifting or preserving memories.

Begin by lightly outlining the key features of the portrait, focusing on proportions and facial symmetry. In the sketch I did for my client, I started by mapping out the facial structure, paying close attention to the contours of the face and the placement of features like the eyes, nose, and mouth.