Wehrle Portraits--Skilled Pencil Portrait From Your Photo

Pencil Portraits With Texture

Imagine a Pencil Portrait Like This of Someone You Love

Here's a pencil portrait of a little girl drawn on special textured art paper called coquille board. The artist used a dark black Prismacolor pencil. Isn't she darling?

There's a story about this pencil portrait.

We don't remember the little girl's name. It was her grandfather who commissioned the portrait. He pumped gas at a gas station we liked and he got a kick out of knowing Joe, because he'd never known an actual artist before.

Elmer was a warm, friendly man in his late fifties who often asked about whatever art Joe was making. One day he asked what kind of photo Joe would need and how much he would charge to draw a pencil portrait of his granddaughter as a gift for his wife. Joe told him. He nodded and said he'd get back to Joe on it.

One day after he refilled our tank, he asked if we had a minute. He went into the station and came out again with a photo of his granddaughter. "Is this good enough?" he asked, handing it to Joe.

We couldn't help smiling at her photo, then noticed it was a nice crisp, clear image. All the details of her features, hair and dress were easy to see. "It's a great photo, Elmer. How big do you want the pencil portrait and when do you need it?"

"Gosh, I don't know, but I need it before our wedding anniversary next month. Is that okay?"

"Not a problem." Joe suggested making the portrait 8 by 10 inches so it would be easy to find a frame that fit. Elmer agreed.

In a few weeks the pencil portrait was finished.

Joe took his time with it, making sure the shadings were just right. We thought it turned out great and hoped Elmer would like it as much as we did. We had no idea of the reaction we were in for.

Joe handed the finished pencil portrait to Elmer and asked if he saw anything he didn't like. Elmer looked at it for the longest time without a word, then it seemed as if his hands began shaking. Worse yet, our smiling, friendly man burst into tears!

When he finally spoke, he managed to say, "Man oh man, it's just beautiful." As he swiped at his eyes his smile was back and kind of wobbly. "Thank you so much. It looks exactly like her. I love it."

After their anniversary date, we asked Elmer if his wife liked the pencil portrait of their granddaughter. His face lit up in eager remembrance. "Oh my yes, the whole family does! They can't get over it."

Joe has done many pencil portraits, but that's the first and only time the recipient cried tears of joy. It was unsettling.

You Can Order A Custom Portrait and Brace Yourself for Gratitude and Admiration!

You came here looking for a pencil portrait. You're searching for an artist who could draw someone you know exactly right. Do you like what you see here? Do you want to commission Joe to do a pencil portrait of someone you love? You don't have to cry, promise.

It's easy to order. Just pick up the phone and call Joe at 814 938-8044.

Want to see more examples? Click on any of the links below.