In addition to working for artist Stephen Hannock, David Lachman is an artist in his own right. During the COVID pandemic, David found ways to continue the usually in-person practice of drawing from a live model.

What materials do you use to make your work?

I’m currently focusing on figure drawing and painting.  I’ve been doing a lot of work that is in the space between drawing and painting.  So drawing with pen and ink, or liner pen, or pencil and combining that with painting in watercolor.  I’ve been working mostly on paper.  I went to the final Crane paper giveaway last year before they moved their warehouse.  It was a real zoo that day, hundreds of people getting free paper.  It is very liberating to draw on free paper–I don’t have to feel it is precious at all.

How has your practice been changed by the pandemic?

Covid-19 has really reshaped my practice as an artist.  Before, I was in very good contact with the local art community, especially the North Adams Project that Assets for Artists created, of which I was a grantee.  Now, my art world is very international.

What’s it like to draw and paint from a live model without being able to gather in the same place? 

I’m in contact with artists and models all over the world.  This has happened via Instagram and Zoom; figure drawing around the world has transitioned out of the art studio and onto the internet. It’s available to every artist for very little cost–you just have to figure out the time zone. One day I drew a model in Moscow in the morning and in Argentina in the afternoon.

Now I get to practice figure drawing everyday.  I’ve done about 2200 figure drawings this year.

One of my personal business project goals for my North Adams Project Grant was to create a new website, which I finally was able to complete.

I feel very supported by the North Berkshires art community.  I get lots of positive feedback and would recommend this region as a good one for artists to live and work.

See more about David’s work at his website below, and follow him on Instagram.