Bobby's Portraits By Robert Shirt

Hand‑Drawn People Portraits in Graphite – Commission a Personal, Meaningful Artwork

Hello, I’m Robert Shirt, a portrait artist based in Yorkshire with over 20 years of professional experience. I specialise in creating hand‑drawn people portraits in graphite, crafted from your favourite photographs.

People Gallery

Take a look at my reviews

Don’t just take My word for it.

Image sent from roger slater

Roger Slater

“Ordered a pencil portrait from Bobby as a surprise for my wife’s 75th birthday. From the onset the whole process was very smooth , helpful and professional.–and he kept to the quote. The time schedule was kept and when a small alteration was requested on the initial portrait it was done without any hassle or extra cost. The final portrait was fantastic and the likeness remarkable. The framing was excellent–just as requested. My wife and I were absolutely delighted with the portrait–and would recommend Bobby without reservation.”

Roger Slater

Rebecca Woollacott

“Amazing portrait, so life like! Very special portrait. Perfectly done. Great communication and didn’t take very long. Would highly recommend.”

Rebecca Woollacott

My Commissions & Me.

My goal is to honour your loved ones—whether they’re with you or fondly remembered—by capturing their true character, warmth, and expression through detailed pencil work.

Graphite is especially suited for timeless family portraits, memorial portraits, and portraits of loved ones who have passed, offering subtle shading and emotional depth. If you’re unsure whether graphite, colour pencil or acrylic painting is right for your commission, you can click here to compare options. Every portrait can also be created as a pet portrait, offering the same level of detail and sentiment.

These bespoke people portraits make meaningful gifts (Gift Certificates) and cherished keepsakes for families, anniversaries, memorials, and special occasions.

Professional Expertise, Premium Materials & Over 20 Years of Experience

Every portrait is meticulously hand‑drawn on archival‑quality paper using professional graphite materials chosen for clarity, depth, and longevity. You receive the original artwork, not a digital reproduction or print.

With thousands of completed portraits over the past 25+ years and hundreds of client reviews, I’m committed to delivering a portrait that reflects the true spirit of your loved one. I invite you to explore my Reviews section to see what clients say about their commissioned people portraits, family portraits, and memorial artworks.

Worldwide Delivery With Full Insurance Coverage

Your hand‑drawn portrait is fully protected from the moment it leaves my Yorkshire studio until it reaches your home—anywhere in the world. Every order includes full transit insurance, giving you complete peace of mind.

In the rare event that your graphite portrait is lost or damaged during shipping, I will recreate the artwork at no extra cost. Your commission is always handled safely, securely, and with the utmost care.

Risk‑Free Guarantee & Unlimited Revisions

Commissioning a portrait of a loved one should feel personal, emotional, and completely worry‑free. That’s why I offer a 100% risk‑free guarantee:

Unlimited revisions until your portrait looks exactly how you imagined
Free recreation if transit issues occur
You don’t pay unless you’re happy with the final artwork

I work closely with you throughout the process, ensuring the likeness, expression, and personality of your loved one is captured beautifully and respectfully.

Clear Pricing, No Deposits for Smaller Portraits & No Hidden Fees

I believe in transparent pricing that’s easy to understand:

No deposit is required for graphite portraits featuring fewer than four subjects
Larger, multi‑figure commissions may require a 20–30% deposit
If framing is requested, the cost of the frame is collected upfront
No VAT added to your order

You’ll always know the full cost in advance—no hidden charges, no surprises.

Hand Drawn Portrait Timeline | Graphite Pencil Art Process

Watch the creative journey unfold in this hand drawn portrait timeline, showcasing the step-by-step process of creating a realistic graphite pencil portrait. From initial sketch to final details, this video highlights the artistry and precision behind traditional portrait drawing.

Let’s work together

Drop me a message, or fill out the contact form below, and let's create something special together.

hand drawn portraits of loved ones

I specialize in creating hand drawn portraits of loved ones. I offer hand-drawn people portraits and hand drawing family pencil portraits, all meticulously crafted to capture the essence of your cherished memories. My portraits are created from your photos, ensuring every detail is preserved. If you wish to commission hand drawn portraits paintings or hand drawn pet portraits, I am here to bring your vision to life with precision and care.