Fun with senior citizens

Jeff Fuchs · 09-15-2006, 07:15 PM

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.

Mike McCarty · 09-15-2006, 07:51 PM

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

Jeff Fuchs · 09-15-2006, 07:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike McCarty

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.

Julie Deane · 09-15-2006, 08:01 PM

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

Alexandra Tyng · 09-15-2006, 08:44 PM

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.

Jean Kelly · 09-16-2006, 12:47 AM

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

Jeff Fuchs · 09-16-2006, 08:27 AM

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.

Julie Deane · 09-16-2006, 02:14 PM

Nice, Jeff !

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

When do you go back?

Jeff Fuchs · 09-16-2006, 07:15 PM

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.

Julie Deane · 09-16-2006, 08:47 PM

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