Pencil Portraits, Gifts That Last a Lifetime

If you are looking for a unique gift to give to a loved one, then a pencil portrait makes a wonderful gift. Pencil portraits are different from photographs. They are unique and interpretive drawings. A good pencil portrait will capture each persons character.

The most popular subjects are people or pets. A pencil portrait can capture each line and expression of a subject. The portrait looks as if the person or pet is actually alive in the drawing. A good artist can take several pictures and draw one portrait from them. This makes selecting the perfect picture easy. We know how hard it is finding one picture with everyone in the photo and even harder finding one that captures the expressions you want to cherrish for a lifetime. A pencil portrait can do exactly that.

Pencil portraits are more than a sketch with a pencil and paper. They are usually done in graphite on heavy duty drawing paper, also known as Brystol. You can select any size portrait to be done, from a 6 X 8 up to an 18 X 24. Each portrait is sprayed with a fixative so it will not smudge, so you know your gift will be protected.

Pencil portraits make wonderful Christmas, wedding and birthday gifts. How unique would it be to give your parents a pencil portrait of all their children, in one photo. It would be a gift they would cherrish for a lifetime. Or how would special would it be to have a pencil portrait done of your sister's wedding? She would not receive a more valuable or unique gift, one that she would not want to return.

Pencil portraits can also capture lighting, shadows and features a normal snap shot will miss. A pencil portrait is also a very personal gift. The artist can capture the smallest features of a subject; the dimple on the cheek, the freckle under the eye, things that make each person unique and special, things that cannot be captured by taking a simple picture with a camera.

Giving a pencil portrait of a beloved pet is a special and unique gift as well. Pets are part of the family as much as anyone else. These drawings will last a lifetime, and make the perfect gift that can be passed down from generation to generation.

Pencil portraits can be done in color as well as black. Although black is the most dramatic, colors can be added to your picture.

Portraits can be done of anything you choose. If you have a photo of an old school your grandfather was enrolled in and want to capture this for a lifetime, a pencil portrait will do just that. What about an old church where your parents were married? Anything can be turned into a unique and wonderful portrait.

Once you bring your portrait home, or give it as a gift, be sure you know how to take care of your art so it will last for generations. Always handle them with care, touch only the edges of the paper, even though a fixative has been applied to the portrait, the oils from your skin can damage the paper.

Keep your portrait out of direct sunlight, humidity and water. Always keep your portrait in a climate controlled enviroment.

Keep your portrait flat, not rolled and always frame your art in glass, not plastic. It is best if you have your art professionally framed, they will know what precautions to take to protect your portrait.

Giving a pencil portrait as a gift is the most personal and unique gift to give. It will be a gift that will be remembered and cherrished for a lifetime.