Pencil Portrait Artist Anna Shipstone
Pencil Portrait Artist Anna Shipstone has all the skills necessary to meet your pencil portrait requirements, and uses the finest materials to create artwork full of colour and life.
With a father painting Portraits and a brother who is a Portrait Photographer Anna was interested in art from an early age. She began specialising in pencil portraiture in 2006, initially deciding to draw babies, and, later, pet portraits and adults. As well as Portrait Commissions you can find pencil, coloured pencil and acrylic art in the Galleries in styles from photorealism to abstract. Check out the new addition to the website too: Pencil Portrait Sketches - simple and affordable!
The artist is 44 and lives in Cromer with her family and pet Dog. Interests include psychology, the unexplained and Writing for Children.

Pencil Portrait Artist Anna Shipstone
Portrait Commissions:
Portrait Tutorials:
Frequently Asked Questions
ANSWERED BY THE ARTIST
1. What's your turnover time?
Ans: Estimated completion date for newly ordered pencil portraits is October 2010 (Updated 05 March '10)
N.B. I have recently begun offering pencil portrait sketches, which can sometimes be fitted in. Please do enquire if interested in a pencil portrait sketch.
2. How much does a pencil portrait cost to commission?
Ans: Price tables are on the main pages listing sizes of portrait, and the two media of pencil and coloured pencil.
3. Which photos do I send and how?
Ans: Details about sending photos are on all the main pages.
4. How can I be sure my portrait won't get damaged?
Ans: All pencil portraits are packed very securely and insured.
5. What about payment?
Ans: Payment is not required until you have approved your pencil portrait via email. Please see the main pages for ways to pay.
6. How do you draw your pencil portrait drawings?
Ans: The pencil portrait drawing tutorials feature information about techiques and materials.
7. Can I choose the kind of paper you draw my pencil portrait on?
Ans: Because of techniques used, I always use the smooth paper for pencil and a textured paper for coloured pencil.
8. Will my pencil portrait be shown on your website?
Ans: You will receive an email with an NB stating that artwork images may be used unless I hear to the contrary. I don't display portraits of people who have passed away.
9. I ordered a portrait, but I need to cancel. Is this okay?
Ans: Orders for pencil portraits may be cancelled at any time.
10. What if I don't like my pencil portrait?
Ans: Any dissatisfied client will be refunded on receipt of artwork returned within 14 days, including the postage for returning it. Returns Policy.
11. Will you frame my pencil portrait for me?
Ans: Although I don't offer a framing service, I have compiled advice on framing pencil and coloured portraits here.
The Artist's Favourites
Here are my five favourite artworks from those on this website.
Realism's real tools consist of careful observation and attention to detail. Its aim is unchanging; its result fixed.
As a explorative artist, I find departing from the rigidity of realism most rewarding.
1. Abstracted Nude Portrait
Feedback
A selection from pencil portrait clients.
“This has been very therapeutic for me … thank you for the sensitive way in which you have dealt with my request” (Gloria - Commemorative Baby Portrait, Pencil and Coloured Pencil Mix, ’08)
“… it was the best anniversary present ever!” (Taru – Coloured Pencil Wedding Portrait,’07)
“Dear Anna, Your picture has evoked so many emotions in me … You have given me the photo I never got the chance to take. You have also made Luke look so serene. I can see in your portrait how Luke would look today, if he had not been so ill and I could not ask for more …” (Jacqui - Commemorative Baby Portrait in Pencil, ’08)
"It looks so much better than the actual photo ... you've also been an absolute pleasure to deal with! Thank you for saving us from boring-present hell!" (Jo - Pencil Drawing, Church Door, '09)
“I have just received the portrait & I couldn't be more pleased with it. I am having a coffee morning for Swiss Mums next Thursday and I shall proudly be displaying the portrait …” (Lizzie – Children’s Pencil Portrait,’08)
“Anna - Many thanks for this. I have to say it took many hours of searching on the net to find someone who I thought could do this. In fact I think you have exceeded the high expectations I had based on the examples on your website …” (Graham – Commemorative Portrait, Coloured Pencil, ’08)
"I must thank you for the 2 pet portraits my husband commissioned for me last xmas. It was the best surprise he ever gave me. You can imagine how important it is now that we have lost Jane ..." (Su - 2 Coloured Pencil Pet Portraits, '07)
"Hello Anna, I love it! The eyes are very expressive and the smile's lovely. I love the background too - perfectly blending with the curves of the hair ... Thanks for doing such a lovely drawing of her :) " (Stanley - Coloured Pencil Portrait, '09)
“My work colleagues were amazed at the likeness and the quality …” (Caroline – Baby Pencil Portrait, ’08)
“hi, Anna - just to let you know I received the drawing today and I’m over the moon with it, I’m going to give it to my sister and her husband today, I can’t wait to see their faces. I’ve had a little plaque engraved with the baby’s name and it looks lovely …” (Rachael – Commemorative Baby Portrait, Coloured Pencil, ’08)
" ... I also wanted to thankyou for the constant contact throughout my portrait as its nice too be kept informed of any progress." (Leona, Pencil Pet Portrait, '08)
“Wow...Anna, This is really great!! You really are a terrific artist. She may look better here than she does in person ha ha! Thank you for sharing your amazing talent with me…” (Paulina – Coloured Pencil Pet Portrait, ’08)
“Dear Anna - That is fantastic - it still totally looks like Nathan but just slightly enhanced - perfect!!! You have an extraordinary talent!!” (Lizzie – Children’s Pencil Portrait, ’08)
"Anna it’s lovely! ... It’s almost as if you can reach into the portrait and feel the texture of his skin ... The only problem is waiting to give them the portraits. I feel like a kid waiting to open presents at Christmas!" (Terry - 2 Children's Pencil Portraits,’10)
" This drawing is more than I could ever ask for. Rodrigo was the most beautiful dog we've ever known and now I can see him forever in this drawing." (Amy - Commemorative Pet Portrait, Coloured Pencil '07)
“Dear Anna, the portrait's just arrived - many thanks, it's stunning! I'm sure I will back!” (Nadine - Family Pencil Portrait,’08)
Pencil Portrait by Alex Spall
My father sketched this beautiful pencil portrait of my mother when they had recently met. He studied art at Reading, and then taught art and English in schools. A very private person, he has never been interested in promoting himself as artist. I think this pencil portrait clearly demonstrates his mastery.