Nine artists participated in the Sketch Jam and transformed the gallery wall at Dead End Press into a menagerie of circus performers.
The following artwork was created during our Circus Performers Sketch Jam on May 20, 2012. Click here to see photos from that nights Circus Party & Art Show. (All photography by JessyLou D’Aprile.)
Each artist was given the following assignment:
A ragtag circus of outcasts and misfits roams the Midwest at the start of the Great Depression. What its performers lack in funds, they compensate for in talent and style. They are street-smart, cunning, resourceful and loyal. Shunned by the larger circuses, they are all the family each other has. Design one or two characters from this cast of circus performers. The audience will be looking for a strong sense of character and clear communication of personality and style.
We had a great time creating all of these characters together. I hope you enjoy this virtual art show:
-
- Artful Dodger Tattoo artist Tammie won first prize with her anatomically disturbing watercolor rendering of the Flying Spider.
-
- Robert took second place with this elegant and playful ink drawing of a robot clown balancing its head on an umbrella.
-
- Artful Dodger Tatttoo artist Alivia took third place with her colorful, engaging painting of a fortune teller.
-
- Jesi blasted this gorgeous painting out in four hours and had time to spare. Seriously? Way to make it look easy, jeez.
-
- Steampunk 1st Prize Winner Erick makes his second Sketch Jam appearance with this watercolor painting of a strongman and two acrobats.
-
- Jason provided an absurd take on the theme with his trademark grinning cat (and tiny “lion” tamer) executed in bright, colorful pastels.
-
- Artful Dodger Tattoo owner and event co-promoter Lucky did a great circus barker and monkey painting.
-
- Dead End Press co-founder Jordan tried using an oval canvas and the medium of ripped paper collage (both for the first time). Lessons were learned.
-
- Dead End Press co-founder Nate drew this uh, guy with pogo stick legs… and, the boys from Dead End Press strike out completely at this Sketch Jam.
Nice idea, Jordan! Good luck… I hope you get an exciting crowd.
Thanks Haig! Let me know if you ever visit Seattle and we’ll do a Jaws themed event
I would LOVE IT. I totally want to visit Dead End Press.
I love this event! If I lived anywhere closer than 3000 miles away I’d be there. I’ll be looking forward to the event pictures and online gallery.
Thanks Ed! We will definitely have a photographer documenting all of the artwork and contestants for posterity
will there be models to work from?
There will not be models at the event. However, you are allowed to bring any reference material you might need for your drawing. I also have a bunch of books in the studio of anatomy and posed models if that would be helpful for you.