Drawn Moments... The Magic Of Live Event Sketching!

It’s not very often I’m asked to sketch at live events, so when the invitation came to document the month long Sekers Objects exhibition at Rosehill Theatre recently, I was very excited if a little daunted. It was an unusual commission, and one that challenged me in new and interesting ways. The brief was to capture the life of the exhibition and its events— the energy, people, textures, and moments—through drawing.

I chose to work in a large A3 sketchbook, beginning with very quick gestural sketches made on location during the events. These weren’t about polish or detail—they were about catching a moment in motion. People browsing fabrics, deep in conversation, sewing in groups… little glimpses of interaction and presence. It was fast-paced and unpredictable, and I had to let go of any pressure to make each page look ‘finished.’ I just had to draw.

One thing I always forget until Im doing it again is how often people pause to see what you are drawing. Sometimes they are curious, sometimes quiet, and quite often complimentary. There is something about the presence of a sketchbook that opens up small, kind conversations. It reminded me that whilst I often think of drawing as a solitary act, it can also be a shared one - just by being visible. 

It's funny to think now that this used to terrify me. The thought of someone watching me work, or commenting while I was in the middle of sketching was one of the reasons I avoided drawing or painting in public for years. I am so grateful to have completely overcome that fear. Now instead of freezing up, I enjoy those brief exchanges. They have become part of the process - another layer of connection between me, the moment, and the people around me. 

In between the sessions, I began developing some of the sketches further—working back into them with ink, colour, and other media. The aim was to preserve the rawness of the live sketches while allowing space to deepen and refine them in the studio.

Midway through the exhibition period, I fell ill and had to pause the process temporarily. That unexpected break could have been a source of stress, but I was incredibly grateful to have been given time and space to complete the sketchbook without pressure. Being able to return to the work gently, in my own time, made a big difference. It allowed the process to unfold more thoughtfully, and I think the work is stronger and more honest because of it.

The exhibition has now ended, and I’m close to finishing the book. I haven’t handed it over just yet, so I’ll save the details of what’s inside until after it’s had its first proper viewing. For now, I’m quietly proud of what’s come together—a body of work that began in the thick of activity and was shaped further in quiet reflection.

The sketchbook is titled 'Drawn Moments'. Each page captures a fleeting gesture, a moment of movement, a textured trace of time. It’s not a polished record, but a lived one—a visual memory made in fragments and layers.

For any artists thinking about sketching live events, I’d say: go for it. It’s not always easy. It can feel exposing, unpredictable, even overwhelming at times—but it’s also a brilliant exercise in observation, presence, and letting go of perfection.

Here are a few things I’ve learned along the way:
• Keep your materials simple and portable—you don’t need much, just what feels comfortable.
• Don’t try to capture everything. Look for gestures, energy, moments that draw you in.
• Let your lines be loose and imperfect. It’s okay if things are messy. That’s where the life is.
• Trust that even the roughest sketches can hold something valuable—and that you can always come back to them later with fresh eyes.

This project has reminded me how much I value drawing from life—not just as a way to document, but as a way to really be in the moment. Every sketch is a way of witnessing something quietly, attentively.

I’ll share more from Drawn Moments soon, once it’s been seen by those who commissioned it. For now, I’m letting the experience settle, and feeling grateful for the invitation, the time, and the journey it led me on.

If you've ever sketched or painted at an event - or even thought about trying - I'd love to hear how it went. What drew your attention, What did you learn? What surprised you?  Fell free to share your own drawn moments or tips in the comments below. I'm always curious how other artists experience the unpredictability and magic of live sketching. Let's swap stories... 

To learn more about Sekers Objects please click here