A lot of artists hit conventions with a specific plan in mind for sketches, whether it's only drawing their signature character or sticking to a particular theme. Last weekend at Emerald City Comicon 2014, however, Gabriel Hardman took on a pretty fascinating project that I don't think I've seen anyone do before. In addition to his usual (and fantastic) convention sketches, Hardman launched the Convention Portrait Project, where he drew con-goers to get a little practice drawing from life.

As Hardman wrote on his blog, "I like to draw people from life and don't get as much opportunity to do so as I'd like. So here's the deal: If you're willing to sit for 20-30 minutes, I'll draw a naturalistic portrait of you in my convention sketchbook. I won't be selling these sketches (or giving them away for that matter), they're staying in my sketchbook." Which is exactly what he did, and the results, as you might expect if you're familiar with his work, are awesome. Check 'em out below!

 

Convention portrait by Gabriel Hardman
Gabriel Hardman
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Convention portrait by Gabriel Hardman
Gabriel Hardman
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Convention portrait by Gabriel Hardman
Gabriel Hardman
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Convention portrait by Gabriel Hardman
Gabriel Hardman
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Convention portrait by Gabriel Hardman
Gabriel Hardman
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Convention portrait by Gabriel Hardman
Gabriel Hardman
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Convention portrait by Gabriel Hardman
Gabriel Hardman
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Convention portrait by Gabriel Hardman
Gabriel Hardman
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Convention portrait by Gabriel Hardman
Gabriel Hardman
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Convention portrait by Gabriel Hardman
Gabriel Hardman
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Convention portrait by Gabriel Hardman
Gabriel Hardman
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I think my favorite touch is that he had to draw everyone's badge. For more of Hardman's convention sketches -- including the standard superheroes and villains -- check out GabrielHardman.com!

 

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