stations. But it’s not about the time involved really. Most of us would be happy to draw something half decent even if it did take a bit longer.

If you want to discover how to draw a caricature well, the first step is to become a keen observer. It is important to train your vision to focus on the most interesting, or unusual features of the subjects. Eyes, ears and teeth are common points of difference, but almost anything on the face can be a good place to begin. While many caricatures are face and shoulder portraits only, some artists will extend the drawing to a full-body sketch. Total body options are often seen to be more difficult in a technical sense, but they do allow you to use more material to make the subject more recognizable. A musician or singer may have a microphone or instrument in their hand. A sports star may have their bat all ball of choice. Or you may decide to show them in a certain pose or setting, all options will help your picture look more interesting. So do think about whether or not you want props to be included. It is often a good idea to practice with people from still photographs.

You’ll find countless pictures on the internet or in magazines of subjects to draw – it’s probably best to begin with people who aren’t going to get too offended if you get any details wrong! So those are the basics about learning how to draw a caricature. As you become more observant and more competent your pictures will improve and you’ll be whipping up pictures with the best of them!

So, what does a caricature artist do at a party? And why might you consider having one show up at your event?

If you have ever stopped to watch a street artist draw then you understand the appeal of caricature entertainment. Likewise, when a caricature artist shows up at your party, your guests will come by and watch as the volunteer in the hot seat gets his turn.

When you provide caricature entertainment, one or more caricature artists come to your event and create quick sketch drawings of your guests on the spot. Some clients use the caricature drawings as a party favor. Many guests will frame the drawings and keep them for years.

Business clients who are offering caricature entertainment as part of promotional events such as trade shows and open houses use the drawings to aid their marketing efforts. They may choose to have their logos, contact information and marketing message imprinted onto the drawing paper for this purpose. Typically, caricature artists are seated in one place. They set up an easel and drawing table and guests come to them to watch or be drawn.

Who hires caricature artists to come out to their event? Families, businesses of all sizes, schools and colleges, and community organizations have all been clients. People hire them to draw at birthday parties, anniversary parties, holiday parties, pool parties, retirement parties, family reunions, company picnics, company open houses and client appreciation events. Literally you can find an artist at just about any kind of event you can think of.

Occupants of the ‘hot seat’ come from every walk of life and have ranged from babes in arms to people in their nineties, and even pets(!)

Caricature entertainment is extremely versatile and works for guests of every age group. But the best part is that both clients and guests find caricature entertainment to be fun. And the caricature artist is often the most popular person at the party.