Great work, David!
 

After seeing your site, I perhaps shall not be able to post here again! ;)

Look forward to seeing more!

Lon

Reply to Lon Haverly
 

Dear Lon,

Thank you very much. I enjoyed your informative website and learned some pertinent stuff. I have tried doing what you are doing and respect it, knowing how difficult it is. In fact I may be doing some of it again soon (live charcoal in public)if I am up to it. You didn't say much about arm-shoulder-back-butt conditioning? There probably is no better way to sharpen up. I respect anyone who can make a living from it (and has the guts).

I almost forget, when I was waiting for my first semester at Art Center to begin, I did a few months of pastel portraits at the Farmers Market in LA. Whew, what a high pressure learning crucible with the ever present crowd. $7.95 for a 3/4, $10.00 for a front, the artist getting 1/2. Exhausting but my first kid, baby, orientals, blacks, etc. I learned so much, when I got to Head Painting a few semesters later it was a piece of cake.

Yes, A.S.B.B conditioning! (I have a high back cushioned rocker!) My old metal folding chairs were murder. I am afraid pushing charcoal sticks all day is not very taxing on the body, and the brownie/coffee bar next door doesn't help matters! But you know the old saying, "starving artist." I stay fairly skinny! :)

Starving Artist
 

Hi Lon

I once thought "starving artist" was a myth, but since have learned to spell it a time or two. Your cushioned rocker really sounds like the way to go if you have a permanent set up.

I have a Claymore Anti-personnel Mine pellet in my shoulder which never bothers me except in two actions; the overhead press in the gym (can't do it), and extending my right arm for long periods (like when easel painting). Odd twist of fate and trivia.

Jarv