Community Center

December 22nd, 2008

I am so glad that I take photos of the people
who I draw, the people who pass through my
life. So I can remember them. It’s not only
the significant others in our lives who can
affect us intensely - It could be anyone.
Who knows if we say or do something
that’s taken to heart. If we say or
do something that a person acts
on, that affects the totality of
her life.

Might even….be….the Purpose of My life.

And even on a simpler scale,
it’s good to remember people
who were pleasant. Alive.
Just a peaceful, appreciated
part of my life. Here are some
pictures that I drew at a
Long Island Community Center.
They’ve hired me at least 2 years
in a row now. And I’d want to remember
them when/if they call me back again
next year. Since I draw at 3-5 parties
each week, the photos help me remember
the nice individuals who I appreciate -
who keep me able to earn my living pleasantly.
Which is, actually, quite monumental.
If I couldn’t earn a living, I could die.

To Hire this Artist:
(516) 579-4706
optidust@gmail.com

FAO Schwarz

December 21st, 2008

Here are a few simple pictures that I drew for FAO Schwarz. That’s an amazing Toy Store! I was set up right next to the Giant Piano.

To Hire this Artist:
(516) 579-4706
optidust@gmail.com

Relaxing

December 20th, 2008

Middle of the night. Relaxing for real.
And I can take time off now.

I felt like drawing simply. It’s hot in here.

Children

December 19th, 2008

You can’t help it. If you’re a child, you’re cute.
You can’t help it. If you’re a human, you’re interesting. Fascinating.
It’s just the way it is.

To Hire this Artist:
(516) 579-4706
optidust@gmail.com

Group at a Party

December 18th, 2008

Client: How many can you do per hour?

Alison: Each situation is different - It’s like asking how many words
are you going to speak per hour. But I tell people to estimate ten faces
per hour.

Client: I’m only having 8 girls.

Alison: It’s the same price whether you want one
or two hours. Would you like me to keep
drawing even after everybody is done?

Client: Maybe you can draw a group picture after drawing each girl individually.

I am so nice. She’s only paying the regular 11×17 price,
but I’m thinking I’d like to bring a larger paper (which also means
carrying a larger drawing board). I like to enjoy my work. Enjoy creating pictures.

AND I even decided to practice my lines before
going to the party. Hmm, 8 on a page, how can I practice that?

I just picked 8 photos at random and imitated Party conditions as much as possible. I’m even hungry and a litl uncomfortable and using a marker that I wouldn’t usually want. And it’s the middle of the night already. Of course, this sort of stuff doesn’t usually happen all at once, but a Party Artist has to be ready for it. To keep performing even if conditions aren’t perfect.

And I ended up enjoying the exercise so much that I’m thinking I might prefer to do the group
picture even before the regular individuals. I’m looking forward to this Party.

I did wish I didn’t put on any of the less important necks - until the end.
Because it caused a problem finding where to put the 8th face. Can you tell
which one was compromised because of that?

To Hire this Artist:
(516) 579-4706
optidust@gmail.com