Jeff Barlow: Band sketcher

I've always loved bringing my sketchbook to band gigs. The environment is perfect for creating art. There is electricity in the air, the surroundings are a fun challenge, and the drawings have a certain raw quality. 

Not long ago I was watching a band play and I'd just finished a drawing that I was reasonably happy with. There wasn't enough time left in the show to do another drawing, but I didn't feel like I was finished. That spurred a crazy idea -- could I draw the band in the length of one song? The band struck up, the pencil started flying, when they finished, I finished. The result was not a Rembrandt, but it had a certain something. I tried it again -- another drawing I liked. Now I go out almost every weekend looking for gigs where I can do more one-song drawings. 

Here are the rules I follow:
- No pressure. It's perfectly ok if the drawing is terrible.
- Pencil doesn't hit paper until the song starts. 
- When the song ends, the drawing ends.
- I allow myself to add watercolor and hand lettering later if I'm so inspired, but no altering the original pencil lines.

So if you see me in the audience, try not to step into my light. And if I've drawn your band, reach out. I'm happy to make my artwork available.