I am trying to draw more people. I can tell you that it is very difficult. It is difficult enough to master the contour, but for me, I think it is more difficult to draw people without them noticing. I already have a few pages of aborted sketches. Mostly because the person keeps moving, which makes him/her very tough to draw. When they stay put long enough, I can tell that they can feel my eyes on them. A few stared back at me, which made me very uncomfortable. Usually when they catch me staring, I just don’t look up from my sketch book anymore or look else where and try to draw from my memory. So that’s why there are a couple of people sketches, which were drawn when I sat behind them.
Yesterday, it happened again. My model, a guy, who sat facing me but a few rows further, noticed that I was sketching him. He stared back at me and scrutinized me in return. I stopped right away, and found another model or part of her. There was a toddler sitting on her mom’s lap one row ahead but across the aisle. I believe she was sleeping. Her feet wearing cute little white shoes were sticking out over the arm of the seat and in clear view. So it was easy to draw. So I just drew her little feet.
People are always catching me drawing them. Sometimes if I immediately start staring at an imaginary object about a foot to one side of them, I can fool them, but not often.
Thanks for the tip Wally!
I will certainly apply that. Although I think it will be quite difficult at first, not to really look directly at my models.
I don’t know if it was Danny G or somebody else that said after 3 times making eye contact, you need to switch subjects! Or, if you are very bold, let them know what a wonderful model you think they are and ASK them if they mind if you draw them. I don’t mind people looking at me if I know WHY. I just want to avoid stalkers!
Usually when I’m sketching on the subway I try to find models who are reading or sleeping, or facing away from me or who are otherwise oblivious. Judging from your sketches though the NYC subways are laid out a lot differently than the trains you are taking.
Looking at your sketches makes me miss my subway even more! Only one more month until I get my models back.
It is so cute. The bow is such a nice touch.