Fun with senior citizens
 

I posted recently that I had made arrangements to draw from life at a senior living center. The manager had only found two people interested in having their portrait done, but heck, two live models is okay by me.

Well, by the time I drew the first two, everyone else in the building wanted a portrait. I think this will be a regular part of my drawing regimen as long as I have willing models.

To be honest, I was having performance anxiety -- worried I would draw miserably. The first portrait was a bit too stiff, but the second was much looser. I drew three in all, and have a list of future sitters.

TIP: When driving 35 miles to draw people, don't forget to bring paper. I left mine on the kitchen counter and had to run out to an art supply place AFTER arriving at the senior center. That was embarrasing.

P.S. A resident snapped this picture and emailed it to me.

Good for you Jeff. This is good on so many levels.

Thanks Mike.

Every resident I met was a Katrina refugee. Most told me they wanted a portrait because they had lost every picture they had. Some want me to draw them multiple times.

That's great news, Jeff! Can you take pictures of your work before you give it away and share them with us?

Jeff, I am SO glad you are doing this--for you, for them--it's a win-win situation. That glimpse we have of your drawing looks wonderful. That is hysterical how you started with two models and ended up with everyone wanting to be drawn! What a good story.

Great story Jeff, seniors are just about the best to draw. So much life in their faces! Your drawing looks very nice also. I too hope you can post your results.

Jean

Thanks for the comments. Here's the image. The other two weren't photographed. They may email them to me later, though. I'll bring my camera (and paper) in the future.

I realized I'd mis-aligned the eyes only after receiving the jpg in my inbox.

Nice, Jeff !

(I originally asked about model releases here, but I think you already mentioned that)

When do you go back?

Julie,

I didn't go back. This was sent to me at the same time as the first one. I posted it at your request.

I wasn't going to post it, as my skills are not up to SOG standards, but since you asked...

I'm hoping that regular life work will help sharpen my skills.

No question about it - your drawing is good, and I can't wait to see your future posts.