6 minute drawing, from life

[Lon Haverly]

This little child was very shy, and was held in her mother's arms as I drew her in pencil on 8.5" x 11" typewriter paper for a free demonstration.

This is one shot drawing. No erasing, each line is final, and finished.

[Jeff Fuchs]

WOW! Lon, that's incredible!

You really amaze me. Any estimate on how many portraits you've drawn to date?

[Lon Haverly]

Maybe 40,000 to 50,000. Some days I draw forty or so of these things. Some days I draw four.

This is not the tidiest sketch, but I only got a few good looks from her. The rest of the time she was buried in her mothers arms. The shy child is the biggest challenge. This type of drawing can only be done with a chiseled point, so you can cover the area quickly and with expression. Each line has to have expression, especially in the elements (eyes, nose and mouth.) It is easier to draw a child in charcoal or pastel with the smudge factor. Pencil is static, and cannot be changed so easily.

[Jean Kelly]

I've missed your presence. I would imagine that the mother loves this. Her eyes are full of life. Working this quickly surely keeps you from overworking a drawing. What happens when you have more time to spend on a drawing?

Jean

[Lon Haverly]

I ruin it!

[Nathan Cremer]

Are you serious?! Even on the days that you do 4, how do find all these subjects?

This drawing, by the way, is great. I know you've been a portrait artist for around 30 years, and it seems to me that you would lose some of the passion after doing so many. Though your portaits are still very spontaneous and lively.

Would you mind, briefly, laying out for me a typical day for you. I realize I'm off the subject of this thread, but I'm curious, as a wannabe portrait artist, what the lives of Professionsl Portrait Artists are like. (No sugar coating, please, I want the Rock Star version!)

This question could apply to any of the Professionals on this site. And, if there's a better place for this question, please let me know. I just dropped it here, because I was dumbfounded at the number of portraits Lon has done.

[Cynthia Daniel]

Lon,

How about if you answer his question here and then if others want to contribute to a "typical day" in the life of a portrait artist, we should start a new thread...maybe in the Cafe?

[Lon Haverly]

Today I drew a family portrait in pencil for (which I will try to post) and worked a little on my new kioske which I just build and moved to a new and better location on the mall. I took pictures of it (which I will also try to post). I worked on a charcoal illustration for a book I am illustrating which took about an hour. I drew a pastel of a child from a photo. I drew a charcoal charicature (a new product for me which I am having fun with. I made calls regarding the publishing of my new book to First Books Library.

Since I work at a mall in public, I have a big audience. When I draw, it attractrs attention. My drawings are mostly from life, so they are quick sketches, under 20 minutes in pastel, ten minutes in pencil and charcoal. You cannot be as artistic and creative in your compositions in my work but it is very satisfying nonetheless.

Here are the posts.

[Lon Haverly]

This customer started out as a passing inquiry, and then maybe just the baby, then they decided on a family portrait. It took about 45 minutes. 24" x 18", 4B, chiseled point, one shot drawing, line first method.

[Lon Haverly]

This is my new kioske made of four 4' x 8' x 1/4" black PVC bent in half for the corner stands. I then used cheap clamp-on light fixtures, threw away the hoods and clamps, and inserted 2" spot lights. I mounted them on the PVC and it created a very nice display. The mall is very fussy about display.

They charge me $500 a month against a 15% overage. A bargain for the prime space I use, worth more than double that amount. (Close-up next page.)