Hen parties are fun. I’ve drawn at tons of them in the past and I’ve ALWAYS had a good time. And I know what you’re thinking, but it’s not true, they are always unexpectedly wholesome and I invariably end up having great conversations about art! Read on to hear about my latest hen party foray…
A SHUTTLED CARICATURIST
This Hen Party was in Newport, Wales, a town I hadn’t visited but was happy to, especially as the last two years caricature gigs in wales have greatly expanded my knowledge and love of the country.
I’m ALWAYS keen to go back (especially being a Jones!).
As ever the only minor catch was the travel time (3 hours on either side) but the gorgeous lush springtime landscapes of gloucestershire and monmouthshire that I glimpsed from the train took the edge off my boredom as ever. The Birmingham-accented train announcer having a sing-song over the tannoy was a welcome distraction too!
Arriving at the resplendent Celtic Manor Hotel (https://www.celtic-manor.com/) with my wee caricaturist’s bag I ask the friendly concierge where I might find Lodge 5, to which he gives a plumber’s inhalation and informs me it’s 1.5 miles away and I’ll have to get the shuttle bus! The Shuttle bus driver is jovial as you’d expect and lets me know that a famous visitor once graced Lodge 5, President Barack Obama!
I’m not feeling the pressure though(not unless Obama got caricatures drawn while he was there!).
HEN PARTY CHILL
The Bride-to-be’s Mum answers and let’s me know she’s so relieved I turned up as I’m the last of the surprises and that means she doesn’t have to worry about anything else!
I am greeted by the warm and lovely group and get to drawing caricatures of them and the couple of ladies who sadly couldn’t make it. As ever I get intrigued questioning about the life of a caricaturist.
I think so many people find the concept of living your life as a caricaturist to be a kooky, unusual way to live. I really don’t want to burst their bubble and tell them being a caricaturist is just as mundane
as any profession after a while!(That is apart from the various mad scrapes I get in due to me being a level 3 nincompoop!). People are always suprised when I tell them I’ve come from Birmingham too,
as if I have travelled from the dark side of the moon!
If every caricature gig could be like this, I’d be sorted. Nice conversation, a great view, even a cheeky glass of prosecco to boot!
HEN PARTY OR ZEN PARTY?
Luckily even when in a chill environment I still can turn out the speedy caricatures because this Hen Party is really rather relaxed! I find out though that they have been in the Lodge all week and many nights of Hen Party hedonism and party food have left everyone tuckered out! One of the ladies even says, ‘I’d just like to eat some celery, y’know?’
After I draw solo caricatures of each lady I suggest doing a group portrait of everyone and so, speed round commences, I caricature the whole hen party on one sheet!
Well chuffed with all their caricatures the Hen Party ladies wish me good luck on my return to Birmingham and I am shuffled back to the hotel and on my way back to Pen Jones HQ, merry from a gig well enjoyed.
BIRMINGHAM TO……EVERYWHERE
Back at Pen Jones Caricatures HQ I’m steeling myself for a jam-packed spring and summer of caricature gigs. Thursday’s gig in Newport was just the beginning of this year’s caricature gig torrent,
and it was sweet to have a nice gig to ease me back into things.
This year I’ll be going all the way up to Glasgow, Darlington and Carlisle, as well as loads of caricature gigs in birmingham and the
west midlands. It’s great to have a choca-block diary, but just so you know, if you’re interested in booking a caricaturist for your event this year, book as far in advance as you can to avoid disappointment!
I’ve had people book me 2 years in advance at times and I hate to disappoint people by saying I’m not available for their event. 2023 is booking up fast so get in touch people! https://penjones.co.uk/booking-enquiries/
Cheers all,
Ben ‘Pen’ Jones