Fun with senior citizens

[Jeff Fuchs]

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]

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

[Jeff Fuchs]

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]

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

[Alexandra Tyng]

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]

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