Portrait Sketches at the Saturday Farmers Market

 I set up my umbrella at last Saturday's Farmers Market on Main Street. Summer is finally upon us - it was wicked hot. Maybe not by East Coast standards, but we were baking for the first couple hours before the sun shifted enough to allow the trees to shade us - a little respite.

Some quick portrait sketches - all children - thanks to my handy IPad I took a snapshot and worked out the sketch from that - it was too hot for the kiddies to sit, even for 20 minute increments. Funny how I had just started the drawing of the (first) two little girls, but two other families with (two) little girls requested drawings. Single portraits were 20 minutes, double portraits took a little under 40min. All on 8 1/2"x 11" Canson Mi-Teintes paper, in Steel Grey.

Grandchildren

I had the opportunity to sketch four grandchildren of a friend. She had seen me drawing during the Moscow ArtWalk, about two weeks ago. She later ran into my husband and asked him where I was, and he told her I was the one drawing portraits. She had gone to the ArtWalk to specifically see the person doing the portraits, not realizing the connection. Thankfully, she liked what she saw. 

We met in a local park, though neither of us realized that there was also a magician/juggler, as well as live music that evening. It was a good thing, the kids were excited about the prospect of ice-cream as a reward for sitting still for the portraits. 

All done from life, 20 minute sittings.  Approx 12"x9" charcoal, chalk and sanguine on strathmore paper

Moscow ArtWalk 2012 - Drawing Demos

The ArtWalk was amazing! We lucked out, it was a gorgeous, warm sunny day. The sun did not set til after 9pm. The live music was lively and loud.  I did not get a chance to walk around, or take any pictures. I was photographed a couple times, so I might see pictures of me in action soon... I drew 9 portraits. 20 minute increments. 3 year olds, 4 year olds, teen girls, adults and one dog. It was a great experience, and quite a whirlwind. I can only hope I did my subjects justice - and I really learned a lot in the process. I hope to do this again during the regular Saturday Farmers Markets, until October.

All drawings were 9x12 on Strathmore Felt Grey Charcoal paper.