Learn how to make a pencil sketch, the easy way! No art skills are required for this simple little art project, and it makes such a wonderful gift.

Create a meaningful piece of art for your home by turning a photo into a pencil sketch
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A couple weeks ago, Chris and I went to see Counting Crows and Rob Thomas. Over the years, we have been to see Counting Crows more times than I can count, but there was something different about this concert.

I remember seeing them on my 21st birthday, opting for an intimate concert at a tiny venue over a traditional celebration. The first time I met Chris he was walking across a parking lot on campus and started talking to a mutual friend of ours.

We offered him a ride to his car. As he was got into the back seat, he started flipping through my CD’s, which included a collection of Counting Crows albums. He said that’s the moment he knew.

Art with Meaning

Fast forward 15 years – we were sitting just a few rows back toward the side of the stage at an angle and Rob Thomas was singing his heart out. Sitting on the floor to the side of the stage, so was Adam Duritz.

He watched the entire show from the sidelines, humbly supporting a friend. That’s the kind of friend, wife and sister that I want to be and it’s a side of Adam Duritz, one of my favorite artists, that I have never seen.

Our love for music has continued to grow over the years and in 2007, we married at the 1904 World’s Fair Pavilion, where we sang and danced our hearts out.

As I decorate our home, I’ve been trying to incorporate pieces of art with meaning, rather than just selecting something to fill the space. I decided to take a photo that I once took of the World’s Fair Pavilion and turn it into a piece of art to hang above Chris’ chest of drawers.

How to Make a Pencil Sketch

  1. I’m not an artist, but I’m more than happy to fake it. To create a pencil sketch, I uploaded my image to a free website, which converts any photograph to a sketch. This photo is nothing fancy, it was taken with my phone.
    How to make any photograph into a piece of art
    Create a meaningful piece of art for your home by turning a photo into a pencil sketch
  2. Print your new sketch onto high quality paper with a little texture. Learn how to turn a photo into a pencil sketch piece of art
  3. Now it’s your turn to be the artist. Select the details you want to outline and shade. I chose to outline the lamp posts and the building and shaded the windows. Highlighting some features makes the picture less flat and more like a true pencil sketch. Don’t feel obligated to sketch it all. Learn how to turn a photo into a pencil sketch piece of art
  4. Frame your art – proper framing is the best way to ensure your diy pencil sketch feels like a true piece of art. Create a meaningful piece of art for your home by turning a photo into a pencil sketch
Create a meaningful piece of art for your home by turning a photo into a pencil sketch
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Easy and beautiful art for your home you can make in minutes

Easy, right? I’d love to see what you create, just tag me on Instagram!

Create a meaningful piece of art for your home by turning a photo into a pencil sketch
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How to Make a Pencil Sketch

Turn your favorite picture into a pencil sketch with these tricks.
Cook: 20 minutes
Total: 20 minutes
Servings: 1
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Instructions 

  • Upload image to Snapstouch.com, which concerts any photograph to a sketch
  • Print your new sketch onto high quality paper with a little texture
  • Select the details you want to outline and shade.
  • Frame your art

Tips

  • Don’t feel obligated to sketch it all.
  • Proper framing is the best way to ensure your diy pencil sketch feels like a true piece of art.

Equipment

Snapstouch.com- free photo to sketch converter
Pencil
High Quality Paper

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6 Comments

  1. Hello Julie- I have been following your for over a year now. And you blog has been amazingly helpful.
    I saw your post on pencil sketches, but I love the bronze lamp on the chest. Could you possibly share where I might find it? I need two and it would be perfect for my space.
    Thank you for considering my request and for your amazing blog. I have encouraged my daughter to follow you as well.
    With regards

    1. I’m sorry, I did a search and I can’t find it. I purchased mine from Pottery Barn and know that Lamps Plus carried it for a while, but I was unsuccessful finding it at either. Thanks for reading!

  2. Hi Julie,

    I love your pencil sketch, but have been longing for the “bessie” cow picture for a while now. Can you tell me what size yours is?

    1. Gosh, I’m not sure and am out of town. I’ll measure when I get home and get back to you, but I think nearly 4′