Graphite Pencil Portraits and Original Art by Nicole Hamilton
Ranked #4,928 in Arts , #118,744 overall
Creating Realistic Graphite Pencil Portraits from Photos
I create detailed graphite pencil portraits from photos and original graphite pencil and pastel chalk art. You can find out more about me and see examples of my work on my website www.pencilsandpixelsart.com.
I began drawing as a teenager, and have had a pencil in my hand consistently ever since. My goal with a portrait from a photo to capture the essence of a person in that moment. Eyes are my favorite feature to draw, since they say so much about the emotions of a person. Often comments about my pencil portraits include the terms "lots of emotion", "sensitive", and "so realistic". I so enjoy hearing kind comments like that, because it means I have been successful! I hope you will consider contacting me to create a beautiful portrait from your favorite photo.
Special requests are welcome, and can include adding text like a name or date, combining people from more than one photo, or adjusting elements from the photo. I also offer unique pencil portrait options like personalized text insignias and hand drawn creative backgrounds
Are you an artist? Visit my favorite online art supply store. They literally have everything! Dick Blick Art Materials
Visit the Isle of Squid, and be sure and submit a review!
My Pencil Art Links
- Pencils and Pixels Art.com - Pencil Portraits and More!
- My sites' home page with recent and general information.
- About Pencil Portraits
- Find out about the high qulaity materials I use to create pencil portraits, how to choose the best photo for your pencil portrait, and how to make your pencil portrait last for generations to come.
- Pencil Portraits Galleries and more
- Visit all my galleries to see my colllection of work on pencil portraits, celebrity pencil art, and more!
- Choosing a Photo For Your Pencil Portrait
- Read some suggestions on how to pick the best photo for a hand drawn pencil portrait.
- Pencil Portraits with Creative Backgrounds
- I like to offer my customers unique options. Visit this link to see a vairety of creative backgrounds that can be hand drawn with your pencil portrait. For example, have your portrait drawn inside the Ace of Spades!
- Link Exchange
- Click here if you have an art related site and would like to exchange links with www.pencilsandpixelsart.com.
- About the Artist
- Read more about how I started to draw.
- Comments on My Work
- Read comments on my art from customers and visitors to my website.
- My Art Blog
- Read about my recent news, and pick up some tips for graphite drawing.
- Sign Up for My Artist Newsletter
- Join my mailing list and get a once montly newsletter featuring updates about new original artwork and photography, exclusive looks at works in progress (including the celebrity portraits picked in the celebrity vote), and access to coupon codes for savings on pencil portrait commissions and digital photo editing services.
Graphite Pencil Portraits From Photos
I draw very realistic pencil portraits from photos. The subjects I have drawn include people, pets, buildings, and vehicles. I can draw using one photo, or compose subjects from several photographs into one pencil portrait. I also offer unique background choices and the option of adding text to your portrait.Please visit PencilsandPixelsArt.com if you would like to commission a portrait, and see more examples of my work.
Sea a larger view of this portrait of two friends here.
Celebrity Pencil Portraits
I enjoy doing celebrity portraits for fun, and to experiment with different graphite pencil techniques. Here is a look at one of my celebrity pencil portraits.Visit my Celebrity Pencil Portraits gallery to see more.
See a larger view of Elizabeth Taylor's portrait.
Vote for the Celebrity I Draw Next!
Vote in the current list now!
- Celebrity Pencil Portraits Vote
- Visit this link to cast a vote! Thanks for participating!
- News and Updates for PencilsandPixelsArt.com - Pencil Portraits and more!
- Check out current news on my site.
Recently Completed Celebrity Pencil Art
Sean Connery
The last celebrity vote chose Sean Connery. Also check out the larger view of his completed portrait.I was privledged to have his portrait featured 5 times in different groups on Red Bubble.
Halle Berry is next . . . Stay Tuned!
My Original Art
Buy Prints of My Original Works
I am currently working on building my portfolio of original art work. I create my pieces with graphite, charcoal, carbon, and pastel chalk. You can view small versions of all my work in my original art gallery on my website.High resolution views are available in Nicole Hamilton's Fine Art America Gallery. On Fine Art America you can also purchase giclee prints of my work in with hundreds of different printing options to choose from.
You can also view larger images of my works and purchase card, laminated, matted, or other print syles from my Red Bubble Gallery.
These galleries contain my orignal pencil art works, and pieces from one of my other artistic interests - photography. I add new original art and photography on a regular basis. So please check back often!

Currently On My Drawing Desk - Celebrity Art Work - James Garner as Maverick

Deaven - What was recently on my drawing desk.
Finished Graphite Pencil Portrait
Deaven
I recently finished Deaven's pencil portrait, much to his grandmother's delight! He was dressed in his grandpa's over sized football jersey.See a larger view of the finished portrait on my site. I also have a high resolution image of the portrait posted in my gallery on Fine Art America.
Commission a Graphite Portrait for a special gift!
It's All About Contrast
Pencil drawing is the basis for all art. Graphite, charcoal, and carbon allow artists to explore a subject in black, white, and shades of grey. I like to have true contrast in my pencil art - whites are whites, and blacks are black. I create this contrast by using true white paper and dark grades of graphite, charcoal, or carbon.
This adds realism and increases the sense of depth in my pencil portraits.
For Star Wars Fans

I am a big Star Wars fan, so be sure and take a look at my Star Wars Celebrity Art. This gallery is filled with some graphite and colored pencil pieces I have done over the years featuring the characters of Star Wars.
Be sure and visit the Star Wars Shop for some cool posters and prints, and other collectibles.
Pencil Art Books on Amazon I Recommend
Drawing Realistic Textures in Pencil
A must have for any pencil artist wanting to improve in rendering subjects realisitcially. J.D. Hillberry is an accomplished pencil artist, and this book takes you step by step through his creative process.You are sure to find many valuable tips. He shows how to accuratley render glass, metal, leather, and more! Read my full review of his book.
Drawing People: How to Portray the Clothed Figure
Wonderful book for anyone wanting to render the human figure more accurately. Filled with wonderfull illustrations. Good basic tips on proportions of the human body, plus some great advice on rendering clothing. Read my full review of his book.
Materials I Use to Create Pencil Portraits
I strive to use high quality materials to create my pencil portraits. Here is a list of the supplies I keep on hand, and I would recommend to other artists.Paper: Strathmore 2 ply Bristol 300 Series
An excellent true white paper, that is thick. The thickness resists creasing, and allows for indenting to create unique effects.
Artist Quality Graphite Pencils: Sanford 2H, HB, 2B, 6B, General's 8B woodless.
Charcoal Pencils: General's 4B Soft, 2B Medium, and Hard
General's Artist Quality Powdered Graphite
Erasers: Kneaded Rubber Eraser, Papermate Tuff Stuff Eraser Stick, Pentel Clic Eraser
Fixative: Krylon Workable Fixatif
Pastel Chalk: General's Pastel Chalk Pencils, and Lowe Cornell Pastel Chalk Sticks
I get all these at Dick Blick Art Materials
Learn more about drawing supplies by visiting my lens: Supplies for Artistic Drawing
Add Your Feedback
If you like my lens, or have some suggestions, I hope you'll let me know! Thanks!
NIH wrote...
in reply to melmail44 Thank you very much! I appreciate you taking the time to look.
melmail44 wrote...
Very nice. I enjoyed looking at your artwork. You do really good work. God Bless!
melmail44 wrote...
Very nice. I enjoyed looking at your artwork. You do really good work. God Bless!
annanelson wrote...
I would like to invite you to join my new group, "Fine Art Critique." Set aside five or ten minutes to read the group page carefully. Let me know if anything sounds too convoluted or confusing. http://www.squidoo.com/groups/artcritique All visual arts are welcome.
Thank you,
Anna
P.S. We look forward to having you.
annanelson wrote...
I love your portraits. 5 stars. I am a portrait artist, too. I don't currently have any of my portraits posted online, but I will eventually. View my lens if you have time, and you can see some of my mixed media prints.
Recent news on my Blog
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I guess you could say I wear many hats . . .
First, I am a self taught pencil artist I enjoy working exclusively with graphite, creating reali...
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