Ever since I started painting, I never imagined myself sitting under the sun for plein air painting. My ideal place was always a quiet studio with plenty of handy tools and materials—a comfortable indoor space with soothing music playing in the background. However, last year I went on an excursion for outdoor sketching and found it unexpectedly pleasant and enjoyable!
I also never imagined sitting at events, creating art for people I didn't know, yet there I was!
Life is full of surprises, and unexpected things do happen. When I was hired as a live sketching artist, I found that capturing real-time expressions and moments brought me a different type of satisfaction and fulfillment.
There are many positive aspects of live sketching in terms of personal development. While clients love my sketches, they also like to explore various styles to provide something different for their events. This inspired me to explore different materials and mediums that would match their expectations. Sometimes, I find different combinations of colors and mediums are surprisingly good, and that helps to keep my work fresh and varied. Additionally, due to time constraints, I often sketch quickly to cater to the needs of the crowd. Not only does this help hone my speed and accuracy, but I am always delighted to see people enjoy my sketches.
Contributing to the joy and entertainment of an event and creating something memorable for guests is always amazing!
I enjoy seeing the positive reactions from guests as they watch their drawings come to life. While they mingle, their curiosity brings them to my table, and I enjoy chit-chatting with them to answer various questions and requests. Unlike painting in the studio, the direct interaction helps me attend to their needs instantly, making them more excited to receive their drawings. In my latest event, I remember a couple of ladies who asked for a fun, naked figure drawing of themselves. Of course, it was done through my observation of their body shapes—they don’t have to strip naked for the sketch.
“Instead of giving away ordinary door gifts that people may find useless or choose not to consume due to dietary restrictions, I prefer to give my guests personalized and memorable gifts that they will find interesting and keep.”
Though live sketching is challenging in terms of capturing the essence of people's faces and body figures, my heart fills with joy knowing that guests were overjoyed and surprised about getting a sketch for themselves. I value the diverse and spontaneous artworks created at events and hope the guests do too.
After the events, I always feel a slight relief because continuous sketching for hours can be exhausting and stressful. I write down my thoughts about the event, especially regarding my sketching. I reflect on what made me happy, what needs improvement, and where more creativity is required.
What I Wish to Change
If I could change anything, I would wish for more time and space for creativity. My sketching time at events is highly constrained and calculated based on the number of guests attending. This often means I must work quickly and efficiently, which can sometimes limit the depth I can achieve in each sketch. With more time, I believe I could explore more intricate details and capture the unique essence of each individual.
Additionally, I wish the guests were more confident in posing for photos. When guests are relaxed and confident, it translates into their expressions and body language, allowing me to create more dynamic and expressive portraits. Confidence in posing not only enhances the final artwork but also makes the entire experience more enjoyable for both the guests and myself.
I've noticed that as the digital era progresses, people gradually lose interest in exploring art and beauty in life, partly because AI-generated art is more powerful than human handwork. However, I believe in the enduring value of hand-painted art because of its uniqueness and originality. While AI art has its place and can be innovative and intriguing, it is often based on existing patterns and data. In contrast, the true value of craftsmanship lies in years of practice, skill, and dedication.
After the party, I always wonder if this activity has brought people closer to appreciating simple sketches and art compared to the impact of music and movies on them.
“Will I spark their interest in exploring art?”
“Do they see it merely as a form of entertainment?”
"Perhaps they can leave the event with or without the sketches?”
I leave all these questions behind me, focusing instead on the present moment and the joy of live event sketching. My hope is that live event sketching will be celebrated as a form of art creation. It offers a personal and memorable touch that digital art often cannot replicate. By bringing art directly to people and engaging with them in the moment, live event sketching has the potential to reignite an appreciation for the beauty and spontaneity of hand-drawn creations. It’s more than just entertainment; it’s a way to connect with people, share joy, and leave a lasting impression that highlights the enduring value of traditional artistry.
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