Live art at Liverpool Museum

Speed portraits
12/01/2023

Speed portraits are exactly what you think they are, pictures of faces drawn at speed.

I'm not a caricaturist, I don't draw people with massive ears and big noses, but what I do like is to give them a special moment. It's not just about the picture, it's also about making folks feel comfortable who want to sit for a portrait but don't like being stared at. Tricky thing, and that's where I use my comedy voice, chat and put folks at ease.

Speed portraits

The questions I get asked most often from events folks is "how many people can you draw?" or "Can you draw everyone at our event?"

Well, it depends on who is in the room. Five bald men take less time to draw than 5 people with beards, flowing locks and headwear, but I generally get through everyone who wants to be drawn. Some folks don't. There's a balance between creating a good quality portrait fast and rushing to get everyone done, and that's unique to each event.

These photos were taken at the Liverpool Museum, Art Battle Manchester and other events around the UK. I'll be doing speed portraits at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 2024

John Cooper
Comedian & Artist
2024
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