I shared a few thoughts about the artist as voyeur a couple of blogs back and looking through my sketchbooks, I realise that I spend a lot of time spying on people and drawing them. One of my favourite places is a first floor cafe in Waterstone;s bookshop which has a large window overlooking the street and a seating area opposite. I try and find time to get there, not as often as I’d like, to sit, spy and sketch. What is it about we artists? Are we professional curtain twitchers? 🙂
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I still remember sketching a trio of guys taking a siesta in Oaxaca Mexico. They caught me watching them, came over and got a kick out of my sketches. Language barriers were bridged thru art. I wish more artists would feel comfortable working in a public venue. Keep on watching and sketching! 🙂
Great story 🙂 I think artists should be more public – people really seem to appreciate seeing sketchbooks. So far I’ve always had a friendly and interested response from people.
My argument, if you can call it that, is that I don’t want to make my subjects uncomfortable by letting them know that someone is staring at them intently and putting their image down on paper.
that’s very true. When people spot me, they pull in their stomachs, stick out their chins etc. Never had anyone object though.
I think I would do the same if I was an artist. I like to observe people too!
Sometimes I feel a bit guilty, but it’s too good an opportunity to miss.