As a somewhat new development in my art life, I've been drawing live portraits for people. It started in September 2009. I was attending a youth academy, we were all going on an outing to Yoyogi Park (Tokyo), and the group I was with came up with the idea of drawing free portraits. This sounded like great fun, except I had never drawn live portraits before. But with the help of a couple other artists, we got a (very basic) setup together and attracted several interested individuals. I enjoyed the experience, and thought about continuing it in the future.
One such event was on Halloween '09. As our participation was compensated, we drew the portraits free (normally we charge from 500 Yen). Consequently, we had to deal with a LINE of people the whole 6 hours we were there. Michael and I drew in shifts, but it was still exhausting! By the time I got to the last portrait, the sun had pretty much set and I was largely guessing at the features of the girl sitting across from me, as well as what I was drawing. Not ideal in the least, but she seemed happy enough with the results.
I got a heck of a lot of practice that day.
In Japan, sakura season involves braving the chilly spring weather and sitting on mats with family and friends under the cherry trees, eating, drinking and having a good time. I adapted my setup to make it more compact, and with a partner for Japanese translation, I drew quite a few sakura-celebrating people (and sometimes their dogs. Sure... why not).
Golly, this has got to be my longest post yet! :D
