live art portrait booth

gift your guests an original art piece & a moment they'll never forget

Two women sitting and smiling at each other against a textured wall. One is holding a notebook and drawing, while the other appears to be posing for her. They are sitting closely, engaged in a relaxed and friendly interaction.

Person drawing a sketch in a notebook with a pen, sitting on a patterned rug.

Two women sitting on patterned rugs with cushions, exchanging sketches in a cozy indoor setting. One woman wears a headband and the other holds a notebook.

Close-up of a person drawing a face in an open sketchbook with a pen, wearing a floral dress and multiple rings.

Two people sitting and smiling, one writing in a notebook, with a textured wall background.

Close-up of a person drawing a face with pen in a sketchbook, holding a pen in their right hand. Another person is sitting nearby, partially visible. The background includes a patterned cushion.

Two people sitting indoors, one is holding an open sketchbook with drawings, the other, wearing a hat and scarf, is seated in the background.

what is a blind contour portrait?

Blind contour portraits are drawn with one continuous line, without looking at the paper, focusing entirely on the subject.

The process results in whimsical, abstract, and expressive line work that celebrates imperfection and spontaneity, capturing the essence of the moment (and the person) in a truly one-of-a-kind way.

how it works

When you book a Blind Contour Portrait Booth, I arrive on-site with all the materials needed to create original art for your guests. My setup needs are simple: just a small table, good lighting, and two chairs.

the process

Guests sit with me for 3-6 minutes (depending on the person) while I draw their portrait in one continuous line - pen to paper, eyes on them. It's both a party trick (wait, you're not even looking?!) and something more profound. The process has a way of grounding people, creating unexpected moments of real connection. Quirky and abstract on the surface, surprisingly intimate underneath.

Each portrait is completed on high-quality paper and ready to frame. Guests leave with original artwork (packaged safely with a rigid backing + cellophane sleeve) + a story to tell.

A person holding a sketchbook featuring a line drawing of a face, standing in front of a textured wall with faded text.

A person wearing a purple sweater holding a sketchbook with a line drawing of a face in front of an abstract painted wall.

Person holding a notebook with a drawing on a textured background.

Person holding a sketchbook with a scribble-style portrait drawing, wearing a light-colored shirt and headband, standing against a textured blue wall.

Man holding a notebook with a line drawing of a face, standing against a textured blue and white wall.

Smiling girl holding a notebook with a line drawing, wearing braids with colorful beads, standing against a textured blue background.

output

Solo (unassisted): ~4-5 minutes per portrait sitting including transition time. Expect 25-30 individual portraits in 2 hours, 35-45 in 3 hours.
With Queue Assistant: ~3-4 minutes per portrait. Expect 30-40 individual portraits in 2 hours, 45-60 individual portraits in 3 hours. The assistant keeps the line flowing and briefs guests so they're ready as soon as they sit down.
Want portraits to continue while your guests participate in other programming? A Photo Assistant can accompany me, and snap headshot style photos of additional guests during the live portrait sitting window. While your guests transition to enjoy a presentation or dinner, I can continue drawing from photos.
Want a copy of the portraits for yourself?: Portraits can be scanned on-site so guests take home their art AND you retain a digital archive for thank-you cards, albums, or other personal keepsakes. Additional Scan Assistant fee applies.

what I need you to provide

A table and two chairs in a visible, high-traffic area, plus access to an extension cord if scanning or additional lighting are needed.

pricing

Wedding and private party packages start at $3,500
Corporate inquiries welcome - pricing based on scope and duration

service area

I am based in Ventura, California and primarily serve weddings and special events in Santa Barbara, Ojai and Los Angeles. However, I’m happy to travel throughout nation wide. (Travel costs are not included for projects outside of Southern CA.)

watch the process

This 3 minute short film is a great way to get familiar with the process of blind contour drawing, the creative and connective benefits of this style, and why it is so special to me.

Abstract single-line blind contour drawing of a human face with long hair, signature "Magaret" at the bottom - by artist Allison Kunath

Continuous line drawing of a woman with curly hair piled on the top of their head - by artist Allison Kunath

Abstract line art portrait of a man's face with closed eyes, created using continuous line drawing technique on black background.

A single-line blind contour portrait of a woman with dreadlocks - by Los Angeles live event artist Allison Kunath

Single-line blind contour portrait of a woman with long hair - by live event portrait artist Allison Kunath

Single-line blind contour portrait of a woman with long hair tied back behind her head - by portrait artist Allison Kunath

Continuous-line blind contour portrait of a man with curly hair - by Los Angeles artist Allison Kunath

Continuous line blind contour portrait of a woman with long hair and a heart necklace - by Los Angeles artist Allison Kunath

Continuous line drawing of a woman's face with abstract features and curly hair, signed "Danielle" - by California live artist Allison Kunath

Abstract single-line drawing of a woman's face with short hair, bangs, and distinct facial features. By California portrait artist for hire Allison Kunath

Blind contour drawing of a man wearing a baseball cap by California portrait artist for hire Allison Kunath

Single line blind contour portrait of a man with short hair by California portrait artist for hire Allison Kunath

Abstract single-line drawing of a woman's face with curly hair by Los Angeles portrait artist for hire Allison Kunath

Continuous line drawing of a human face with abstract features and a braided hairstyle by Los Angeles portrait artist for hire Allison Kunath

Abstract one-line drawing of a bald woman's face in black ink on a white background by Los Angeles portrait artist for hire Allison Kunath

Abstract single-line drawing of a human face with a pensive expression by Los Angeles portrait artist for hire Allison Kunath

Continuous line drawing of a young boy wearing a tee-shirt by Los Angeles portrait artist for hire Allison Kunath

Minimalist single-line drawing of a man wearing glasses by Los Angeles portrait artist for hire Allison Kunath

Line drawing of a person's face with wavy hair, created with a continuous line technique by California portrait artist for hire Allison Kunath

Abstract blind contour line drawing of a man's face by California portrait artist for hire Allison Kunath

Abstract blind contour line drawing of a man's face with short hair by California portrait artist for hire Allison Kunath

Abstract blind contour line drawing of a man wearing a baseball cap by California portrait artist for hire Allison Kunath

Continuous line drawing of a person's face wearing glasses and a bow tie.

Abstract one-line drawing of a man's face and upper shoulders.

Continuous line drawing of a person wearing glasses, with stylized hair and a signed name 'Ryan' at the bottom.

Abstract line drawing of a person's face with complex geometric shapes and angles.

Abstract line drawing of a person wearing a hat

Abstract line drawing of a face with exaggerated features and angular shapes.

portrait examples

Each portrait is one-of-a-kind, drawn with presence and connection, in one continuous line without looking at the paper. Not caricatures, not realistic sketches.

Something else entirely.

interested in hiring me for your event?

Share some information about your project and schedule a 30 minute intro call to talk about your event and learn more about my process.

book a discovery call

Two people interacting, one showing a sketch on a notebook, indoors with blurred background.

“I felt witnessed and appreciated. It’s intimate in the sense that there's vulnerability between the artist and the subject. There’s fun in it too, because neither person knows how it's going to turn out. It’s a few minutes journey that we go on together, and the destination is a surprise.”

- David L.
“Allison Kunath SEES you. While steadily holding your gaze she traces your angles, contours, shapes, and, light. It’s a joy to be seen in this way and a delight to discover what she has created when she finally lifts her pen. I treasure my Allison Kunath blind contour portraits more than any photograph or painting that has been made of me.”

- Alua A.
"My time sitting with Allison was serene, it was at once satisfying to see the image come together from her hands, and offered me a chance to breathe and connect with myself, surrendering and allowing myself to be perceived."

- Maceo K.

service details

Unique, interactive, live art experiences and workshops for weddings, corporate and private events. Serving Southern California & beyond.

PACKAGES
- Solo Session (2 hrs): $3,500
- Full Experience (3 hrs + queue assistant): $4,800
- Complete Package (3 hrs + both assistants + digital album): $5,800
ADD-ONS
- Queue Assistant (2 hrs): $500
- Additional Hour (solo): $600
- Additional Hour (assisted): $800
- Scan Assistant + Digital Album (2-3 hrs): $700-950
- Save the Date Portrait: $600 digital / $800 with original
Travel not included
2 hour minimum
Solo (un-assisted): 20-25 individual portraits or 10-15 couples in 2 hours
With Queue Assistant: 60+ individual portraits or 30+ couples in 3 hours
Each portrait takes 2-4 minutes to draw, plus transition time. With a queue assistant managing the flow, guests spend less time waiting and more time enjoying your event.