Creating soulful connections through graphite
Artist, Amedeo Modigliani, said, “When I know your soul, I will paint your eyes.”
Darin says, “When I draw your eyes, I will know your soul.”
Photograph to Drawing Transformation
Step 1: Color photo converted to black & white
Step 2. Contour drawing and shading
Step 3: Finished portrait
Whole Again, 9 × 12 in., Graphite on Museum Board
About the Process
Having drawn more than 125 people, Darin considers each portrait an honor. His intention is to capture the unique qualities and gifts he sees in each person so they can be felt by everyone who views the portrait.
Each portrait is created in graphite on acid‑free, archival museum board and set with archival spray fixative.
People can be combined from different photos; however, Darin does not create custom‑staged arrangements that were never originally photographed (for example, taking a parent from one photo and a baby from another and arranging them as if the parent were holding the baby).
For multiple children or people (other than a couple), the most natural approach is to have each person drawn individually. If you’d like a group portrait, the individual drawings can be combined into one composition for prints—ensuring each person receives their own portrait and avoiding future disputes about who inherits the original.
Darin draws solely from photographs. The more in‑focus and detailed the image, the more refined the portrait can be.
Portraits are often given for holidays, birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, and other meaningful occasions. Please plan up to one month per person.
2026 Sizes & Investment
Each size below offers guidance on the most natural composition and number of people for a graphite portrait.
9 × 12 in. (1 person) A near‑life‑size head portrait. $2,600
11 × 14 in. (1-2 people) A strong choice for one person or a couple, drawn at a smaller, intimate scale. $3,700
12 × 18 in. (1-2 people) Twice the area of a 9×12—ideal for a ¾‑bust portrait or a couple. $5,175
14 × 22 in. (1-2 people) A larger ¾‑bust for one person, or equivalent in area to two 11×14s for a couple. $7,400
18 × 24 in. (1-2 people) A substantial head‑and‑torso portrait for one person, or ¾‑busts for a wedding couple. $10,375
Next Steps
To discuss your portrait idea—including a review of your photo(s)—please contact Darin, and he will be in touch.
When you’re ready to begin, Darin will guide you through selecting the best reference photo, confirming the composition, and preparing the final details before the drawing starts.
For more finished examples, visit the Portrait Gallery.
To read what others have shared about their portraits, visit the Reviews page.