Not what I had expected...
After over 1 year of this one being on the calendar, I finally made a "Drink and Draw" event. Tuesday, September 10, 2013 was the first one at ArtsQuest / SteelStacks in Bethlehem, PA.
Arriving around 6:30, I had a chance to check it out from the start. I planned on sticking around for about 1/2 hour. Just to get a quick article. Due to not being an artist, I only observed the event. Maybe next time I will take a drawing pad / pencil. I did figure there would be people drawing, background music and models. The event was self-explanatory. After being there for over an hour and asking Samantha a few questions, here is a little preview.
Setup:
ArtsQuest opens at 6:30 Monday through Wednesday. When you walk in, head to open space at the far end. Chairs are set up in a big circle with 3 podiums in the center.
The event:
After some socializing and a brief technical glitch, the first model went up to the platform. All socializing stopped and everyone sat down. Except for soft, live, acoustic music in the background; you could not hear a sound. I mean everyone was dead quiet. Everyone was focused on the model. About 14 people were using different medium (pencils / crayons / watercolors / etc.) to capture the model and pose. The first round of poses lasted 5 minutes each with models switching out. For over 1 hour, the models continued changing poses and switching out. The length of time a pose lasted increased to 10 and then 15 minutes.
So far, this may sound kind of boring to you. Or maybe I already caught your attention! I can honestly say, I was not bored. Not watching what people were drawing. Instead, I was focused on the overall atmosphere / feel / the mediums people were using. I did take notice everyone was friendly and new people are easily welcomed! Samantha happily greets everyone when they arrive.
What did I learn talking to Samantha? The main thing is "Drink and Draw" has been going on for 3 years. ArtsQuest / SteelStacks is the new location. September 10 was the first night here. The $6.00 cover is because models / musicians are paid.
The drinking part? The bar at ArtsQuest is open with beverages and popcorn. Prices vary depending on what you are in the mood for.
Would I suggest stopping by "Drink and Draw" / giving it a chance at least one time? Yes. It is something different for anyone. "Drink and Draw" is a great way to spend 3 hours on a Tuesday evening. Not an artist? Do not worry. I asked Samantha if critiques happen. She informed me no one will critique your work. From what I have observed and learned, tonight is just for fun. If you are interested in art with live models, this may be a great way to improve your skills. I had a good time just watching and staying focused on this article. Even though I can not draw realism to save my life; next month, there may be a follow up article with one of my attempts.
Live in the Lehigh Valley, Pa area? Visiting on a second Tuesday of any month? Stop by around 7 and check it out. Bring some form of media to draw / sketch on. Meet some new people. Relax and take a break from life with something different.
"Drink and Draw" happens the second Tuesday of every month at ArtsQuest / SteelStacks. There is a $6.00 cover.
Samantha informed me, if you have any questions to contact her via Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/thebeedleandthewrenn?fref=ts
Arriving around 6:30, I had a chance to check it out from the start. I planned on sticking around for about 1/2 hour. Just to get a quick article. Due to not being an artist, I only observed the event. Maybe next time I will take a drawing pad / pencil. I did figure there would be people drawing, background music and models. The event was self-explanatory. After being there for over an hour and asking Samantha a few questions, here is a little preview.
Setup:
ArtsQuest opens at 6:30 Monday through Wednesday. When you walk in, head to open space at the far end. Chairs are set up in a big circle with 3 podiums in the center.
The event:
After some socializing and a brief technical glitch, the first model went up to the platform. All socializing stopped and everyone sat down. Except for soft, live, acoustic music in the background; you could not hear a sound. I mean everyone was dead quiet. Everyone was focused on the model. About 14 people were using different medium (pencils / crayons / watercolors / etc.) to capture the model and pose. The first round of poses lasted 5 minutes each with models switching out. For over 1 hour, the models continued changing poses and switching out. The length of time a pose lasted increased to 10 and then 15 minutes.
So far, this may sound kind of boring to you. Or maybe I already caught your attention! I can honestly say, I was not bored. Not watching what people were drawing. Instead, I was focused on the overall atmosphere / feel / the mediums people were using. I did take notice everyone was friendly and new people are easily welcomed! Samantha happily greets everyone when they arrive.
What did I learn talking to Samantha? The main thing is "Drink and Draw" has been going on for 3 years. ArtsQuest / SteelStacks is the new location. September 10 was the first night here. The $6.00 cover is because models / musicians are paid.
The drinking part? The bar at ArtsQuest is open with beverages and popcorn. Prices vary depending on what you are in the mood for.
Would I suggest stopping by "Drink and Draw" / giving it a chance at least one time? Yes. It is something different for anyone. "Drink and Draw" is a great way to spend 3 hours on a Tuesday evening. Not an artist? Do not worry. I asked Samantha if critiques happen. She informed me no one will critique your work. From what I have observed and learned, tonight is just for fun. If you are interested in art with live models, this may be a great way to improve your skills. I had a good time just watching and staying focused on this article. Even though I can not draw realism to save my life; next month, there may be a follow up article with one of my attempts.
Live in the Lehigh Valley, Pa area? Visiting on a second Tuesday of any month? Stop by around 7 and check it out. Bring some form of media to draw / sketch on. Meet some new people. Relax and take a break from life with something different.
"Drink and Draw" happens the second Tuesday of every month at ArtsQuest / SteelStacks. There is a $6.00 cover.
Samantha informed me, if you have any questions to contact her via Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/thebeedleandthewrenn?fref=ts