Sketching at the Concert

It's been a couple of years since we've attended a concert in person. Back in the days when we managed several a year one of my favorite things was to sketch. Most of the time that meant drawing with a ballpoint or technical pen on whatever paper came to hand--most commonly the program we were given. The musicians are generally immobile except when playing, offering fine opportunities for figure sketches and head and shoulders too.

The seats we typically occupy at symphony concerts are a little closer to the violins and violas so I've had more opportunities to sketch those musicians. Here's one of the back row violinists, heavyset and very energetic. As is the case with most classical music ensembles, the musicians wear formal clothing, black dresses and pant suits for ladies.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

The second violinist. sketched here, always wears her long hair pulled back on the sides, no doubt to keep it out of the way. She has a graceful way of tossing her head in time to the most emphatic pieces, her face nearly always a joyful mask as she attacks the piece being performed. She's probably my favorite player.

The cellist in this drawing occupies the first chair, close to the edge of the stage. 

Although sketching during concerts is great fun, you have to take care not to disturb your fellow audience members, and with the house light dimmed it's not always easy to capture what you want. But during warmups, between pieces, and at the close are great times to scribble down an idea or two. I highly recommend it.