That's a question that I'm frequently asked. How many faces can I draw per hour.
Fair question - Although an Artist is At The Party for Entertainment more than for Production, a client might want to know what to expect. I naturally draw about ten faces per hour in a Party setting. That's without controlling it - without trying to make a certain number per hour. So that's my answer - I draw approximately ten faces per hour.
But so often a client will want me to go as fast as possible - "Approximately ten per hour? That means you would draw more than ten per hour if you hurried, right?" Or, at the event itself, if the guests think that they're just there to get lots of Things - Even though they're watching Artwork being created, even though I might have initiated pleasant banter, even though people are involved and laughing......
I try to accommodate the clients and guests. If they want production, I focus on That. The speed-pictures are good enough. But if they want the Real Thing, there's so much more I can draw. Here's a picture that I drew quickly at a Corporate Picnic. because I sensed that my Audience was most intent on waiting their turn to Get a paper put into their hands. A nice happy picture - but I wished I had time to experience that unique Face. So I drew it again here in the Studio. Just for myself.
They're both basically the same thing - Quick Cacs, I call it. The better one could have come out at a Party if I hadn't been feeling pressured to produce, produce, produce at that particular moment. It's just a matter of allowing a little extra time to look at the face and feel what it's doing. And a little extra time to look at my finished picture and see what else it needs. I do take the moment to do my best picture more often than not. But it's more important to do my best Job when I'm hired for a Party. To do what's needed in the moment.
You can click on some pictures in this blog to see them larger.
To Hire Artist Alison Gelbman:
(516) 579-4706
optidust@gmail.com