How live portrait drawing works…

Different artists do event/wedding live drawing differently - I’ve noticed quite a few take photos and give the drawings or paintings at the end of the night. That’s a good method to avoid the guest waiting at all, but my method is a little different - and in my opinion, more fun- they sit for me!

I think this has a specific advantage to create a unique and memorable guest interaction- because I draw so quickly, I have the guest sit there for about 5-10 minutes (5 minutes for one person, 10 minutes for two people) while I draw them. I tell them feel free to have a conversation with each other and/or me (I love to talk); try not to move your head, but you don’t have to be a statue!

I focus on getting their unique features (while not exaggerating them like a caricature artist) and the emotions they’re showing- really capturing them and their expressions.

Having people sit for me also gives me a chance to have fun interactions with them and just adds to the memory. :) Sometimes getting a hint of their personality gives me a chance to incorporate that into the drawing itself.

I usually start with an erasable colored pencil for the sketch and then go over it in a black felt tip marker.

But sometimes at farmers markets (I do a lot of them here in the Portland, Oregon area) I’ve done them just in colored pencil and those turn out really nice as well!

I appreciate how live portrait drawing allows me to connect with people in my community and gives me opportunities to meet people I might not have met otherwise.

Next time you’re at a Farmers Market in the Portland area, look for me and get a sample of what I can do for your event or wedding!