Tag Archives: traditional portraiture for alternative lifestyles

First time drawing outside since February 28, 2020!

Outside Cafe Einstein West Berlin July 17 2021 2 by Suzanne ForbesI didn’t go very far to make these drawings!

A wonderful event from Stella Ahangi, called The Walk of Glam, always starts right near our place. The Walkers meet at Cafe Einstein on Weitzstrasse. I arrived early, not knowing that the 2pm time was the meetup time, not the start time. So I had some time to warm up and see what it was like to draw people in actual space, rather than on a screen!

Although of course I’ve produced hundreds of drawings in the last sixteen months of self-isolation, it was very different being outside, with unmasked people everywhere around me.

I was rattled, and my hand control was very limited. As you can see by the loose, wobbly lines. Which I don’t hate, honestly – my drawings can be dry, because I am so highly trained, and I like it when I can be less technical.

Outside Cafe Einstein West Berlin July 17 2021 unfinished by Suzanne ForbesThis is the drawing as it was when I got home.

I brought my signature neon green eyeball pencil case- easy to spot in dark clubs!- which was a gift from Beloved Friend-Muse-Patron Clear Menser on my 50th. First outing for the pencil case in 16 months too!

I don’t know what was going on with these three people, other than that they spent some time mocking me for my mask and face shield. The woman definitely seemed pissed. Adding whites and solid blacks at home afterwards helped capture the weird mood of the group and the way the hot, humid day kept flashing from sunny to the threat of downpour.

Outside Cafe Einstein West Berlin July 17 2021 seated men by Suzanne ForbesBy the second one I was getting the hang of three dimensional space again.

It felt so good to draw SPACE and AIR! Drawing chairs around a cafe table, drawing the space between people as they move, was like running on a track for a racehorse who’s been cooped up! Just after I finished this one, the Walk of Glam folks began to arrive.

Those drawings coming soon!

I am so grateful to my Patreon Patrons, whose monthly financial support makes it possible for me to continue making art as a Covid-vulnerable disabled person. With your support, I can work from home or safely outside and keep telling the stories of Berlin.

GodXXX Noirphiles performs at Maxim Gorki Theater

GodXXX Noirphiles performs at Maxim Gorki Theater on June 18 2021 by Suzanne ForbesLast night GodXXX Noirphiles performed live at Maxim Gorki Theater!

Their performance was part of Hyenaz Hyenaz “Hyena Secretions” series. and the show was livestreamed on youtube. Hyena Secretions is part of “Pugs In Love – Queer Week” at the theater. I haven’t been to Maxim Gorki, but it looks cool as hell.

drawing GodXXX Noirphiles on June 18 2021 by Suzanne ForbesI so much admire GodXXX, and I am always so thrilled to see him perform.

I feel loose and wild when I draw her, and I take chances.

detail mixed media drawing of GodXXX Noirphiles June 18 2021 by Suzanne ForbesAs you can see, I used actual wire to represent their silver neck ornament!

I didn’t have/couldn’t find silver wire the right gauge, so I used my chrome marker on a piece of electrical wire! I punched holes in the drawing to attach it! It looks cool 🙂

GodXXX Noirphiles has a Patreon and you can support their art!!

He/she/they are posting incredible new work, like this video on Precolonial Black Queer and Trans History and their groundbreaking Queer Birthing Series. You can help support this new parent, House of Living Colors mama, and powerful creative! Linktree here, Insta here!

I am incredibly grateful to my Patreon Patrons, whose monthly financial support makes it possible for me work safely at home, documenting Berlin performers.