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Another way to get some practice
Julie:
That's a nice thing to do. I, too, have found a way to get portrait drawing practice. I live in a really small town (Skiatook, OK). It has only one grocery store. They let me come down two or three afternoons a week and do quick (10-15 minute) pencil sketches, which I do for free.
Lots of people ask about the free part, thinking there must be a catch. I explain that I'm a portrait painter, that I need constant practice drawing, and that if they don't sit for me for free, I'll have to pay someone several dollars per hour to do it. I do this with a smile in my voice, and their eyes usually light up and they say something like, "Ah haaaaa."
I do a lot of children, which I didn't like, at first. Kids are fairly "round," and without the kind of definition you get from a seasoned rancher, or whatever. However, children present other problems that must eventually be faced, too. And, I get my share of adults. Of course, I hand out my card and, sometimes, a brochure that, in effect, says I'm available for more complete portrait work.
I'm retired and don't care whether I get "cash customers" or not. My goal is to continue my art education, and doing a few free sketches beats spending my retirement income on models.
Many times, I've been offered money for the sketch, but, since my little sign says "free," I kindly refuse. But, summer is coming, and so are the local pow-wows, and rodeos.
Dick Budig
Skiatook
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