Caricatures by Bernie

At all events I arrive early to allow time to find my contact and get set up. I search out a prime location, preferably in the middle of the action, or set up where the client has designated. I begin drawing immediately when the time begins; people usually start lining up quickly and I draw fast and furiously for my contracted time!

My goals are speed and likeness. I try to produce drawings the subjects would wish to frame and hang. An important part of my performance is in the process, the show, and so I work large, 18X24, with a vertical easel set up for easy viewing by onlookers and those in line. My location usually becomes a gathering spot for socializing. People will crowd around to see the show, line up, and joke and laugh with their friends. It's an opportunity for guests to converse and enjoy a shared activity, a focal point that prompts them to move around and mingle.

My style may be described as 'portrait with a bit of caricature'. I treat each person with respect, often engaging in conversation to elicit natural expressions and keep people at ease.

I use Caran d'Ache Neocolor painting crayons, which produce charcoal-like drawings in B/W, but are not dusty and are permanent when applied (no smearing occurs and no fixative spray is required). This medium lends itself to live caricature since large detailed drawings can be produced quickly (4-5 minutes per person in B/W). I use broad strokes to define the shapes and individual marks for details.

I always keep track of my line as the end of my contracted time nears, and cut off the line if there are enough people to keep me busy for the remaining time, so that no one stands in line needlessly. And if the client asks me to stay longer, and I am able to do so, I'm happy to do that.

I have been drawing and painting for as long as I can remember, though there has been an ebb and flow to my development over time. Family, social, and other interests, not to mention the early necessities of earning a living, have often competed for my attention.

But I have always worked at my art, after taking a degree in an unrelated field. Decades ago I began entering art fairs to display my work and draw portraits of the patrons, and eventually became a fulltime artist. I branched out quickly into drawing portraits and caricatures at other types of festivals as well, and started booking private events of all kinds, including many weddings and corporate parties. Now those event bookings are the greatest share of my output. I use B/W and color painting crayon for that work, a medium that allows for fast execution. Speed is important, but accuracy and likeness are still paramount.

At events I require 3 chairs, access to electricity (for my lights), and enough space for me, persons sitting for me, and a small crowd to group around. I bring all my own equipment: easel, lights, materials.