Bad Portraits on a Ski Lift

Photos by Ely Roberts

The question was raised. Could I take my supplies on the ski lift and draw live portraits of guests on the mountain? I imagined myself clutching a purple suitcase to my chest as my feet dangled above the snowy landscape. Then I remembered it was summer, and the lift would have a whole seat next to me for my supplies. Either way the answer was yes. I packed my suitcase with paper, pens, and envelopes, and I drove to Mt. Hood Ski Bowl for Zac and Emily’s wedding.

The ski lift to the mountain was anything but harrowing. We sailed slowly over the lush alpine forest, as green as I had ever seen it. Every now and then, someone’s flowing dress would catch the breeze and sway like a bright flag from up high over the treetops. Below me, visitors flew down the Alpine Slide, which the wedding guests would take back to the reception, if they were up for it.

Exiting the ski lift two by two, folks finished the journey on foot through the trees to the ceremony site, which had the feeling of a scene from the Sound of Music. An epic mountain made a dramatic backdrop to the rows of chairs slowly filling up with guests who were fanning themselves and sipping cold champagne. Marigolds and other vibrant blooms lined the aisle. It was stunning. I began to draw a couple with a baby who was the only member of the wedding with an appropriate sun hat practically covering his whole face, given the heat of the day.

The ceremony was one for the criers. I saw tears in the first five minutes. This couple really loved each other. Their vows were like epic love poems. They were funny too. As soon as they kissed and made their exit, a jazz band started up with a rendition of “Just the Two of Us” and the bar opened up to a thirsty crowd seeking shade and some liquid to replace the water that escaped through their tear ducts.

I had my clipboard in hand, drawing portraits standing up due to the rare scenario with the ski lift, which limited what I could take to the mountain. Back at the reception site my table was all set up and ready for the usual seated portraits, but for the next hour I would try my hand at standing in the shade by the cheese and crackers. Surprisingly a sort of line formed anyway. Maybe it was the illustration of Zac and Emily on the cocktail napkins that got guests excited about the prospect of their own cartoon portrait, but in any case I stayed quite busy scribbling away, pens stashed in the pocket of my pants while I searched for a way to steady the clipboard while drawing and chatting all at the same time. Having drawn about eight people in this manner before heading down to the reception, I’d call cocktail hour a success.

At the reception I was stationed on the lawn. I poured myself a lemonade and scarfed down mashed potatoes and brisket while guests ate dinner in an extravagant tent complete with twinkle lights and more marigolds. I already had a list of about 30 people who wanted a portrait before speeches even started. I was not here to eat, but to draw as fast as my hands could manage. I got back to work. Guests sneaked up from the dinner tent to my table on the lawn and we talked quietly as their faces took shape in hot black ink from my pens. All the while, they wrote messages that I would collect for the making of a guestbook that would include all of the portraits.

I drew a couples who beamed at the chance to compliment each other, a theater teacher, and several dog lovers. I drew a couple who was still together because one of them refused to accept a break up when the other “wasn’t even trying.” The other admitted it was true, and they were happy they committed to trying. I drew a woman who said she was obsessed with the little dances her partner does, and her partner who was surprised that of all things she could mention, that’s what came to mind when I asked what she loved about him. As usual I drew couples with so much genuine love and respect for each other that I wondered how some people make love look so easy.

I drew a theater teacher, a woman who said she was obsessed with her wife the moment she saw her, and a couple with a baby who would not stop crying. I drew a pair of self-proclaimed dilettantes committed to ending single-use plastics, and a woman whom I dearly hope was joking when she said she hates clean energy. I drew two men who spoke of the importance of gentleness in their relationship and I smiled watching sentimental tears stream down blushing cheeks. I love when happy tears are shed at the portrait table.

My final portrait of the night was a group of eight people who crowded together, sitting on each other’s laps and sporting fake mustaches which they requested I include in their portraits. I obliged, reveling in the joy of drawing their portraits extra badly so they didn’t have to sit there for 30 minutes.

My wrist began to ache and so I packed up my supplies while a talented wedding guest named Jamie picked up where I left off, drawing portraits of the guests who were lingering eagerly by my table for their turn even as I put my pens away and apologized that I was done for the night. Shout out to Jamie for her impromptu artistry. Thank you to the sweet subjects who embraced the vulnerability of being interviewed and drawn at the same time. You all made my night incredibly entertaining and special. And of course, thank you to Emily and Zac who trusted me to be a part of this day.

CREDITS!

Photos by Ely Roberts who captured the energy of the evening beautifully.

To the planner Jamie Ta and her helpers Abby and Autumn, thanks for making sure I had what I needed! You pulled off an amazing night!

Flowers I wouldn’t shut up about by Wrong Number Floral with assistance by Fresita Floral.