Inkydoodles

New Blogspot

2009-12-31T03:33:00.003Z

Yes I am moving to another Blog base. It is not the result of a spontaneous New Years resolution but something I have intended to do for some time and 2010 was always the target.
I am going to try and give my blog more structure which should in turn help productivity. I know not many of you follow me in blogland, but with improved structure, activity and content that may change.
So stick with it and check out my new site which will open for business in 2010 at:

http://itsnotaboutwork.blogspot.com/

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

That's it for 2009

2009-12-27T03:33:00.001Z

That's it the Christmas blog is over...I will back in 2010....Happy New Year

Merry Christmas

2009-12-25T01:01:00.001Z

Christmas Eve

2009-12-24T06:46:00.001Z

You have probably guessed, that time is of the essence today as it's time for me to go Christmas shopping so all I will say is...On this Chrsitmas Eve spare a thought for all those Goats who will have to spend yet another Christmas high on a mountain top.

On the Sixth day of Christmas

2009-12-23T04:29:00.002Z

A rather grubby and guilty looking chef arrived with a tray filled with 6 goose eggs and a rather large jar of home made Pâté de foie gras!...............Enough said

Dogs and Christmas shopping

2009-12-22T05:55:00.001Z

Here in the UK we are in a 'cold snap' and there is snow up and down the country, and folks are still rushing around getting the last bits before the big day on the 25th.
I have seen it on several occasions now, outside the shop there is the poor old pet pooch waiting faithfully for his master to show up. Unfortunately his master is trawling the shopping aisles buying another trolley load of non essentials for Christmas 'just in case'. Often spending hours chatting, deciding, choosing, debating, pontificating and all the time forgetting about Fido outside freezing his Christmas nuts off...So please if you have a Dog don't take him Christmas shopping.

Some Christmas facts

2009-12-21T06:47:00.003Z

Some stuff that may help you in your moment of need during the local pub quiz or as a contestant on 'Who wants to be a millionaire'...Not sure if they are all true, I'll let you decide :)

The popular Christmas carol Silent Night was written by an Austrian priest named Joseph Mohr in 1818 as a result of a broken church organ.
Austria issued the first Christmas stamp in 1937.

Until the Turkey, a Goose was the most popular fare served at a Christmas meal.
Christmas decorations normally appear in the UK shops just after Easter

Pope Julius I declared Christ’s birthday as December 25th sometime during the 4th century.

The tradition of hanging stockings over the fireplace derived from Dutch children placing their shoes next to the fireplace on Christmas Eve.
Charlie Chaplin died on Christmas day.
Mistletoe myth states should a woman appearing under the mistletoe not receive a kiss then she must make haste and contact her local plastic surgeon.
Issac Newton and Humphrey Bogart were both born on Christmas day (not at the same time and to different mothers)
Bing Crosby’s Christmas classic “White Christmas” is the best-selling Christmas song of all time.
Families never quarrel on Christmas day.
The abbreviation of Christmas to Xmas partially comes from the Greek letter ‘chi’, the first letter of the word ‘Christos’, meaning ‘Christ’.

Poet Clark Moore is credited with naming Santa’s reindeer; Blitzen, Comet, Cupid, Dancer, Dasher, Doneder, Prancer, and the most famous reindeer, Rudolph.
James Brown died on Christmas Day.
The colours in Santa Claus’ suit, red and white, were the creation of artist Haddon Sundblom because that was the only tin of paint he had at the time
While working for inventor Thomas Edison, Edward Johnson had lights crafted especially for his Christmas tree leading to the popularization of Christmas tree light.
The UK TV programme X Factor now provide the annual Christmas No.1.
The first Christmas card was designed by John Horsley in 1840 but was not sold until 1843 (shortly after he opened his shop).
Christmas wreaths of holly and berries are believed to represent Christ’s thorns and blood.
In Mexico, the poinsettia plant is called “Flower of the Holy Night”.
Tinsel became a popular Christmas tree adornment after a mythical spider created sprawling webs from branch to branch. It is believe the Christ Child changed the webs to a silver colour.
The red stripe in the candy cane was intended by the inventor as the blood of Christ
Christmas only comes once year so as to allow ample time to pay off credit card bills.

Christmas madness

2009-12-20T02:22:00.001Z

Again very short on time today due to Travelling, Drawing, Travelling, Drawing all in the name of Christmas (parties)

6 Shopping days left

2009-12-19T04:44:00.003Z

Short on time today and six shopping days remain....So just a note to remind all men that there is still loads of time to sit down and have a think about Christmas shopping.

Rudolph's Red Nose

2009-12-18T05:01:00.001Z

I have it on strong authority that lovely little 'Rudolph' the hero of Christmas, was in fact no more than whiskey soaked drunk and that accounts for his glowing nose.

On the Fifth Day

2009-12-17T05:09:00.001Z

I am presented with five Goldfish! In the note that is attached to their bowl it clearly explains that the sender had made the the silly mistake of sending the five gold rings off to one of those 'Cash for Gold' mail order firms....and now spends every waking hour crouched beside the letter box waiting for the Cash!

Christmas Songs

2009-12-16T01:56:00.002Z

Yep it's the same every year, out come the Christmas songs. These days the Christmas hits are short lived as the airwaves always seem to be filled with the songs from decades ago. Here is a list of songs that will surely be dusted off and aired this festive season.

White Christmas (Bing Crosby)
It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas (Perry Como)
Zat you Santa Claus (Louis Armstrong)
The Christmas Song (Nat King Cole)
Winter Wonderland (Andrew Sisters)
Frosty the Snowman (Gene Autry)
Rudolph the Red Nosed reindeer (Bing Crosby)
I wish it could be Christmas every day (Wizzard)

Merry Christmas everybody (Slade)
Do they know it's Christmas (Band Aid)
It's true these tunes will pop up anywhere ranging from TV adverts through to annoying mobile phone ring tones and even piped into the changing rooms in clothes shops. Just to make sure you know Christmas is well and truly here...I mean, as if we could forget.

On the Fourth day

2009-12-15T03:33:00.001Z

All was going well up until day three, then quite unbeknown to everyone but me, I have decided to change the remaining days of Christmas to suit myself....

So on the fourth day... Four wailing cats decide to pitch up outside my house making an awful din. I was informed that the cats had been sent in lieu of four calling birds that had been consumed by these wretched creatures earlier in the day.
Be sure to follow future posts as I am not sure where this might go

After Christmas

2009-12-14T04:28:00.001Z

After the chaos of Christmas has died down, all the distant relatives have gone home, the neighbours have stopped popping in for a mince pie and Sherry, and the winter sales are in full swing. A quick look through the cupboards, fridge or behind the sofa will reveal the same old items that we always buy but never seem to eat or use. They are:

At least 3 net bags of Brussel Sprouts
A large net bag of Brazil Nuts and Walnuts
Large box of Twiglets

Unopened box of Christmas Crackers

A huge variety of Cheeses
A Bottle of Advocaat
Box of Brandy Snaps
A carton of Double cream
Another luxury Christmas pudding
A tin of biscuits for Cheese

I could go on but you get the idea..........Mince pie anyone?

On the third day

2009-12-13T01:37:00.001Z

Three hens arrived dressed in costume similar to that of French onion sellers.

Must haves this Christmas

2009-12-12T02:48:00.002Z

The shops seem to be bustling, with people spending (particularly Bankers) and there is talk of a better Christmas this year in terms of high street and on line retailing. As always there are the Christmas must haves and it seems that anything prefixed with and i is on everyones list....Look here at 10 must haves this Christmas

1. i Phone
2.   i Pod
3. i Mac
4.   i Pod touch
5.   i Tunes
6.   i want this
7. i want that
8.   i need an overdraft
9.   i still have the receipt
10. i need a drink

On the second day

2009-12-11T04:44:00.001Z

I was surprised to discover I now have Two Turtle Doves billing and cooing right before my very eyes. Still not sure of why they are named after a reptile, I guess it must be something to do with the evolutionary cycle.

Why Robins at Christmas

2009-12-10T02:22:00.001Z

We associate robins with Christmas, the bird that always appears on Christmas cards. Why a Robin?
I beleive it is because the Robin is most visible at Christmas, when its bright red breast is easily seen against the stark white snow.
It sings all year round and so provides a welcome cheery sound in the depths of winter. It is however a fiercely territorial bird and if any other birds make the mistake of tresspassing onto his territory even if it is do the birdy equivalent of carol signing then it will get short shrift from the fiery little character.

Here is my version, sadly not as cute as it ought to be.

A favourite film of mine

2009-12-09T01:47:00.001Z

'Nightmare before Christmas' . I like everything about this film, the story, the atmosphere, the excellent stop motion and best of all my favourite character 'Oogie Boogie'

If you don't have a copy of the film or you have yet to see it, may I politely suggest you revise your Christmas list to include this gem

On the first day

2009-12-08T02:44:00.001Z

A Pear tree complete with it's own Partridge was duly delivered

Christmas Films

2009-12-07T03:50:00.002Z

Ten films that will probably make an appearance over the festive period.

Wizard of Oz
Miracle on 34th Street
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang
Home Alone
Greatest Story ever told
Duck Soup
A Muppet Christmas Carol
The Snowman
A Nightmare before Christmas
The Sound of Music

Christmas Pullover

2009-12-06T04:00:00.001Z

It happens every year, somebody somewhere will get a pullover knitted for them and it will be "just what they always wanted".........it's not going to be you is it?

T & J at Christmas

2009-12-05T02:10:00.001Z

I have always been a big fan of Tom and Jerry, so I thought it only right that I put a shout out for one of the early Tom and Jerry cartoons titled ‘The Night before Christmas’. A frightening amount of drawings must have gone into these early cartoons, plus the backgrounds were also such great pieces of work too.

Follow the link to watch the cartoon on You tube, if you don’t have a copy of the episode yourself (shame on you!)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3deR0MteV1s

Christmas Bird

2009-12-04T06:00:00.001Z

Goose, Turkey, Chicken, Rooster, Cockrel, Swan, Pheasant, Partridge, Crow, Blackbird, Snipe, Woodcock, Duck, Wood Pigeon, Magpie and Rook are all birds that apparently have been eaten at Christmas depending on personal taste and financial circumstances. Turkey always seem to end up on the table in our house and it seems to do the job.
Thought it might be good to draw up a bird just for Christmas.....species unkown.

Swans

2009-12-03T05:13:00.000Z

Took this picture earlier this year on a visit to Cambridge...What has it to do with Christmas, unfortunately as tenuous as it may be there are 'seven swans a swimming'

Christmas Goose

2009-12-02T05:43:00.000Z

The good old Goose used to be traditional Christmas Fayre. Things have changed as now millions of Turkeys are gobbled up by households across the land all in the name of Christmas. Geese are still eaten in abundance so here is a one looking distinctly unimpressed at the prospect of ending up on a table complete with all the trimmings.

The things we say at Christmas

2009-12-01T06:00:00.000Z

In the run up to and during Christmas it is almost guaranteed that you will either hear or say one or all of the following…..In no particular order

“Got it all done then?”
“We’d better get some, just in case”
“Ssssshhh, it’s the Queens speech”
“I fancy a change from Turkey this year.”
“In my day we used to get a Balloon and an Orange”
“Anyone for Turkey sandwiches”
“ The Sale starts Boxing Day”
“I’m stuffed”
“Christmas is too commercial these days”
“Ready for Christmas then?
“We thought about going away this Christmas but it wouldn’t be the same”
“We haven’t got enough chairs”

Last non Christmas post

2009-11-30T20:23:00.000Z

With the imminent onslaught of all things Christmas related about to hit us all..I will leave a little drawing totally unrelated to crimbo.... 3 dogs

December looms

2009-11-29T12:59:00.002Z

Yes Christmas is looming so I have decided that from 1st December I am going all festive here on the Blog...Every post will be related in someway to Christmas, pictures, anecdotes, rantings, and all the other stuff. That means I now have to get busy and get some stuff together. So in true Inkydoodles tradition I leave a doodle of a small hairy bird.

Christmas is coming!

2009-11-28T15:43:00.003Z

A quick trip around the shops confirms that Christmas is just around the corner...Love it or hate it will be here on the 25th of next Month..."Ladeeeezz and Genalmennn" please start your credit cards and prepare for a bumby ride.

Here is a little doodle of a cat and christmas pud...

A couple of crows and 2 Dogs

2009-11-25T21:20:00.008Z

Desert Island drawing Books

2009-11-22T18:59:00.002Z

I like many other cartoonist types tend be collectors of books that have cartoons or illustrations in them. We all collect for any number of reasons, some will collect anything and everything regardless of the artist. While others like me tend to collect them to look specifically at the work of the artist and are therefore more selective in choice.
I often visit bookshops to trawl the shelves of the ‘Humour’ section looking for books to add to the collection. Though I look through a lot of books, the decision to buy is often based on the style of the artist.
I have number of books at home, enough for me to be able to select 10 books as my desert island ‘drawing’ books, so in true diplomatic reality TV show style….. “In no particular order” here are the 10 books chosen for the desert island.

Book: The Square Egg
Artist: Ronald Searle
Reason: A brilliant and varied collection of drawings with a unique and enviable style

Book: Life of Birds
Artist: Quentin Blake
Reason: Fantastic pencil and wash anthropomorphic drawings of birds

Book: The Drawings of Heinrich Kley
Artist: Heinrich Kley
Reason: Incredible draughtsmanship, extraordinary linework

Book: Icon
Artist: Frank Frazetta
Reason: I don’t think anybody else can or ever will do Fantasy art like Frazetta.

Book: Birds of Feather
Artist: Harry Hargreaves
Reason: Wordless cartoons executed with great skill in a very appealing style

Book: Action Speaks
Artist: Sergio Aragones
Reason: Wicked sense of humour, the master of the silent cartoon

Book: Drawing Blood
Artist: Gerald Scarfe
Reason: I have always admired the work of Gerald Scarfe, the linework is bold and confident and the occasional unintentional splats of ink add to the spontaneity.

Book: Crazy world of Jogging
Artist: Bill Stott
Reason: A subject close to my heart and if you want see energy in linework then look at work of Mr Bill Stott.

Book: Cartoon of Ed McLachlan
Artst: Ed McLachlan
Reason: The sense of humour strikes a chord with me as does the trademark style

Book: Mad book of Horrifying clichés
Artist: Paul Coker Jr
Reason: Clever drawings that guarantee a smile no matter how many times you look at them.

Well some would say an unusual mix and I would add that it is an honest mix of what I like. The truth is I could have chosen more but then I wouldn’t have room for any food on my desert island.

Master of the silent cartoon

2009-11-20T18:25:00.002Z

Silent comedy when done well is brilliant.

Just look at movies by Charlie Chaplin and Buster Keaton.
Silent comedy in cartoon form is a favourite of mine. There are a plenty of cartoonists who do wordless gags but one of my favourites is Sergio Aragones one of the long standing contributing artists to Mad Magazine.
His cartoons are lively and carry his wonderful sense of humour effortlessly to the reader or should I say observer. His cartoons are silent and always funny, the expressions get the message across as do the situations, and general story telling.
Here is an example that I found particularly funny, just look at the expressions in panels 4 & 5 for me this where the story is nailed, the realization on the faces that say “hey maybe we are onto to something here”
Pick up any Mad Magazine and Sergio’s drawing are scattered throughout the margins and he always does a main feature. He is reputed to draw constantly and there is probably not enough time left on earth for most of us to look at all the drawings he has ever done. But a least you can make a start here at his website http://www.sergioaragones.com/

Addition to book stack

2009-11-16T20:17:00.003Z

I just added this book to my collection. A selection of good cartoons by various artists over the last 17 years from the Oldie publication.....and no you don't have to be Old to enjoy it

Dog Owner Dog

2009-10-30T20:01:00.002Z

Another Dog Owner Dog

Dog Owner Dog

2009-09-27T12:08:00.002Z

A Dog looks like it's owner or the Owner looks like it's Dog....You decide

Latest work

2009-09-18T18:23:00.001Z

A client wanted a image showing two elephants taking afternoon tea.

Latest Offering

2009-08-14T20:35:00.002Z

Latest offering features the England football team manager Fabio Capello.

It's a definite maybe we can win the cup next year!

Alan Sugar

2009-06-05T18:40:00.002Z

The Apprentice concludes on Sunday night...It's a great TV show. Here is the grey whiskered prickly interrogator. Now rumoured to be making space in his firm for Gordon Brown or is it the other way round?

Relax, and just draw something!

2009-04-19T18:49:00.003Z

So here is a crazy contraption, that doesn't actually do anything, apart from bring together a cat and mouse (well almost)

click on image for larger version

Out of the archives

2009-04-14T18:49:00.002Z

It is actually scary how many doodles, drawings etc I have stacked up dating back years. I dug this one out I did a while back. I have already aired it elsewhere but not on here, anyway it is a contraption designed to capture mice humanely.

I don't always draw pictures

2009-04-12T18:55:00.004Z

I take lots of pictures too....This is the much maligned Starling, a striking bird with a stunning iridescent plumage and yellow dagger like beak. These noisy boisterous birds turn up in numbers at my bird table and proceed to encourage any other feathered diners to leave promptly by way of their dreadful table manners.
They are a common bird and as such are taken for granted. Certainly worth a second look next time you are out and about.

Tribe

2009-04-09T19:35:00.002Z

Another instance where I thought of something and decided to draw it up.

Off the sketchpad

2009-04-08T19:32:00.002Z

Monster and Birds

2009-04-03T16:01:00.002Z

Drawn on a Whim

2009-04-01T18:25:00.002Z

'Draw something on a Whim' it is what I do a lot of. I take a pen to paper, make a mark and take it from there. Here is a small elephant type creature, 'Drawn on a Whim'

Off the sketch pad

2009-03-31T07:57:00.001Z

Spotted Rabbit, not really your Easter Bunny type!

Tribesman

2009-03-27T18:44:00.001Z

Draw these just for fun

Stone Age

2009-03-25T19:17:00.002Z

Another silly stone age character not sure if he is in favour or against using animal skins..!

Harry Hargreaves

2009-03-22T19:12:00.002Z

Picked this little gem up in a charity shop recently. Artwork is by Harry Hargreaves who during his long career also produced a successful cartoon strip called 'Hayseeds' which ran for several years in one of the English national papers. This book is all about birds in fact one little character in particular, a number of these little cartoons also appeared in the famous publication called 'Punch'.

Harry's works is brilliant, done with either a dip pen and ink or brush and ink probably a combination of both.

The linework is alive and the draughtsmanship is excellent. Good old traditional materials and the artist hand is evident...you just can't beat it!

See one thing draw another

2009-03-20T20:04:00.003Z

Saw a fellow on my way home from work today. He looked fairly primitive, all hunched and tired looking..inspired me to draw this character.

Whole pile of creatures

2009-03-13T19:11:00.004Z

My latest offering is just a pile of animals/creatures done over several days as an exercise to keeping me drawing. Looking at it there is a number of things that could have been done better. I never planned anything. It started out with the great big ugly lump in the middle, and just grew from there. There of plenty of recognisable animals plus a few strange looking beasts and random hands and arms. I look on it as an experiment that maybe I can develop, it took long enough to do, so I figured somebody may as well see it, let me know what you think.

Caricature drawing

2009-03-01T15:10:00.002Z

Came across this drawing I made of a fellow caricaturist (whose name I think is Barney) back at the end of January when we a had a little gathering of a bunch of Caricaturists from all over the UK.

We met up shared a few drinks and just drew and drew then when we were tired we drew some more. Sadly this turns out to be the only picture I have of the day.

You know you are getting on a bit..

2009-02-22T14:50:00.003Z

When you start making excuses for things you can no longer do, such as touching your toes!

Why not go by car

2009-02-15T17:58:00.004Z

Through the snow, sleet and generally freezing weather of recent weeks, work colleagues question my sanity as I choose to either walk or cycle the several miles to work. I took this photo the other evening on my way home across some open farmland...My question to my car bound colleagues is what did you see on your way home from work? ( please exlude brake lights and traffic lights)

Click on image for slightly larger version

I love surveys

2009-01-21T18:50:00.006Z

click on image for slightly larger version

Why is it that when you are charging frantically around the town during your lunch break. With just 5 minutes in which to pick up your dry cleaning, visit the bank and get your car taxed. Some delightful market reasearcher always wants at least 4 mins 59 seconds of your time.

What! Still no drawings

2009-01-19T19:22:00.004Z

Yes I am still busy drawing but also taking the occasional photo. I cycle to work and I have been passing this old Oak tree for the last umpteen years. It is in it's death throes now, and currently looks like a natural sign post. It is a regular song post in the mornings for the songbirds and often used as a perch for Little Owl at dusk.

Next post will be a drawing (I hope)

Outdoors

2009-01-11T19:55:00.004Z

Not a cartoon or caricature just a plain old picture of a frost bitten misty morning last week.

Neglected Blog

2008-12-15T20:13:00.002Z

I have not had much of chance to update ye olde Blog. I blame it on the credit crunch...may as well as it seems to get the blame for just about everything at the moment. Anyway here is a seasonal offering.

Cari-ca-Chores No.2

2008-11-15T16:10:00.002Z

Been very busy of late but here is another gem I often hear from the wonderful people I entertain.

Cari-ca-'Chores'

2008-10-26T19:11:00.003Z

I get ask many interesting questions whilst drawing 'live'. I also get asked to do the impossible sometimes .

Here is a little cartoon of a typical request that I get.

By the way: This is either going to be the first in the series of Cari-ca-'Chores' or the last...watch this space

A Monstrous book by Gerald Scarfe

2008-10-17T18:33:00.002Z

One of my favourite caricature artists is Gerald Scarfe. His artwork typifies what I like about caricature. I particularly like his weekly cartoon which appears in the Sunday Times obviously always topical and always a great stand alone piece of artwork.
His drawings always have his trademark spontaneous linework and colour washes not forgetting the actual caricature image which at times can be quite savage and brutal, but this is what is often expected in the world of political caricature and cartoons.
He has numerous books out and I have just got a copy of his latest book called Monsters which is a collection of all his political cartoon/caricature work done over the last four decades.

Guess who's back

2008-10-07T18:03:00.003Z

Well it's good old Peter Mandelson, back as part of the Labour reshuffle/rescue plan, he's far too shifty looking for my liking!

More feedback

2008-10-01T18:44:00.004Z

Here is another email recently recieved from satisfied customers Matt and Lucy. It was a very busy but fun night, with great people who really know how to enjoy themselves. This is a picture kindly sent to me by the photograher for the wedding. I think Matt and Lucy's expressions are priceless.

See more stunning photography work here at http://barryjamesphoto.com/

Hiya Tony..

Just a few words..

" A massive thank you for the excellent caricatures at our wedding, really added to the evening event. We and all our guests loved you and your work, top bloke. Thanks so much.."
Matt and Lucy.

photo courtesy of http://barryjamesphoto.com/

From the Sketchbook

2008-09-18T18:36:00.003Z

A fairly typical Mole character. Short sighted with thick glasses and sniffing the air for grub. It's always good fun to draw animals, this is done in using Indian Ink, a dip pen and some coloured inks.

From the Sketchbook

2008-09-08T18:18:00.002Z

A Gift

2008-09-07T13:49:00.003Z

When time permits I take on commisions for people who would like to give a Caricature as a gift to celebrate a friends or relatives birthday, retirement, wedding or just for the hell of it. These sorts of gifts have proved to be very popular as they provide something that is unique and personal.

That said they are not always the easiest things to do. They are generally always done from photo's, which range in quality from 'up to the minute' digital shots sent hot off the camera via email to old black and white photos that have been in a shoe box under someones bed since the dawn of time.

This Caricature gift done was using a tiny picture of the person on a golf course. I literally had to use a magnifying glass to get a better look. I then used the other photo for eye colour and a bit more facial information.

At the end of it all the customer was very happy with the result and I was satisfied with achieving what I set out to do...despite having to clear up a mountain of screwed up paper that was a result of many failed attempts!

From the Sketchbook

2008-08-28T19:20:00.001Z

A Happy dog...yes even Dogs have birthday's

Ridiculous Frog gag

2008-08-25T19:45:00.003Z

Cute Frog

2008-08-25T19:42:00.001Z

Olympic Shorts

2008-08-18T17:39:00.002Z

Track and Field Athletics probably the backbone of the Olympic Games and my personal favourite but track cycling runs it(or should I say pedals it) a close second.

Olympic Highlight

2008-08-17T13:37:00.003Z

I have been glued to the Olympics. The undoubted highlight so far is Usain Bolt's performance in the mens 100m. He has definitely taken this event to a new and exciting level...

Olympic Shorts: Weightlifting

2008-08-15T19:17:00.002Z

Immenesly strong types often lifting twice their own body weight above their heads.

Olympic Shorts: Boxing

2008-08-14T19:11:00.002Z

Strike your opponent with the 'Knuckle Part of the Glove', with 'Sufficient Force' on the 'Target Area'. There you go it's as simple as that...Oh I forgot to say try and avoid getting hit by your opponent while you are at it.

Olympic Shorts: Diving

2008-08-13T17:40:00.005Z

Essentially Gymnastics into water.

Olympic Shorts

2008-08-12T20:26:00.010Z

The Olympics are on and I have finally got my scanner working again. I am going to try and post a little animal cartoon image of an Olympic event each day until the games are over. The title 'Olympic Shorts' seems to suit the purpose.
Gymnastics, always impressive to watch at this level

Frog on Jog

2008-08-11T19:42:00.002Z

The Track and Field Athletics will soon start in the Olympics...So here is a 'Frog on Jog'

Take a Hike

2008-08-03T08:09:00.002Z

The weather is just right to get out there and get lost (unintentionally in most cases) in the great outdoors.

Welcome feedback

2008-07-30T18:16:00.002Z

Feedback is important be it good or bad. I get lots of thank you's on the day but these are often lost in the frantic activity of the event. So it is especially welcome when customers take the time out to drop you a line after the event to let you know what they thought. Here is a recent email from a wedding couple.

Hi Tony

We just wanted to say thank you so much for yesterday.
We're sorry that we run over time wise, but we really appreciate you staying and finishing the pics.
You really are a fabulous artist!
Our guests absolutely loved your pictures as did we.
The amount of praise you received from delighted guests was mind boggling and our caricature will be framed and on display very soon.
Thank you for helping to make our day that extra special.
On a personal note - thank you so much for staying and finishing those who had been waiting - a true professional!

Sam and John

Back from travels

2008-07-23T18:50:00.010Z

Just spent a week in where nobody spoke English and I speak no Spanish. Just how I wanted it. I learnt lots of Spanish, and we ate drank and communicated for hours throughout our time there. We will certainly return

Travel news

2008-07-12T14:54:00.003Z

The travel news will follow shortly...

Gig pic

2008-07-06T10:07:00.002Z

I never generally take a camera when I work 'on the spot' I simply don't have time to take photos, as no sooner has one sitter got up and left then another one is immediately in his or her place and waiting for their face to be drawn.

Managed to get a couple of pics the other night at a dimly lit birthday bash and here is one of them. When asked what she likes doing she simply said 'going on Roller Coasters'...Oh yes she loved the pic I drew of her (mission accomplished).

Murray again

2008-07-01T19:57:00.002Z

The score is 2 sets to love down 4 games to 5: Gasquet serving for the match...Murray ends up winning. Obviously Gasquet did not wait for the fat lady to start singing.

Andy Murray

2008-06-30T18:47:00.003Z

As I type he is under the cosh against Gasquet, but he's diggin in there. These guys are playing their guts out for a chance to meet Nadal in the next round!

football

2008-06-29T19:40:00.001Z

I am watching the Euro 2008 final and Spain are one nil up....Come on England!!

Wimbledon

2008-06-24T19:13:00.002Z

Tennis has started I am not a fanatic, but I enjoy some of the games. Must try and crank out a drawing or two of some of the players, there are some good interesting faces.

The things you hear

2008-06-23T12:17:00.003Z

I have never been so busy.......I am drawing lots of faces in different places out and about doing 'on the spot' caricatures

I don't only see but I also hear things whilst I am on these jobs.
So here is a short list of things people either say to me before, during or after I have drawn them. They are in no particular order, some are ridiculous whilst others are quite funny some even complimentary.

1. I am starting my diet on Monday so can you draw me thin.
2. Do you have to see my face to draw me.
3. She is easy to draw cos she's got blonde hair and blue eyes.
4. Have you seen how fast he can draw.
5. Her nose is much bigger than that!
6. He's got you spot on
7. How long have you been doing this?
8. Do you have to keep looking at me
9. Make me look like Paul Newman
10. Please don't draw the gap in my teeth
11. You made me look very glamourous
12. Be kind...will you

Question

2008-06-19T17:05:00.003Z

How often do you draw?

It is a question I get asked many times.

The answer is I draw all the time I don't think a day passes without me laying something down on paper. It is just the same as training to improve at a sport. Good practice is what gets you better at what you do.
I believe some people are born with a natural aptitude for putting down on paper what they see, but they still have to work hard and put in many hours of drawing in order to make the necessary improvements. That is also how an individual style develops through many hours spent drawing.
Just like anything else it can get frustrating when things are not going right and you sit there waist deep in scrunched up failed attempts. Then you get it right and that's it the whole world is a better place and you can forget about all those scrunched up ball of paper and just call them 'practice'!

Thanks to Derryck Wilson for the question

Barking Mad

2008-06-15T13:37:00.002Z

I don't know where the phrase comes from but I like it

Fish Joke

2008-06-11T19:06:00.003Z

Well I thought it was funny...

Caption

2008-06-10T17:46:00.002Z

This is all I have time for at the moment...but it's better than nothing. If you are one of the many thousands of visitors to this blog and can think of a caption, then feel free to email it me.

Doodle

2008-06-09T19:31:00.001Z

Short on time... So here I offer a typical doodle

Drink up

2008-06-07T14:34:00.002Z

Dogs and Joggers

2008-06-04T17:06:00.007Z

If I could have been paid the princely sum of £1 for every time a dog owner has uttered these famous word “It’s OK he won’t bite”….then I would have been able to retire early sitting atop a pile of cash some years ago.

I go out jogging from time to time and these mutts are at best a nuisance and at worst downright dangerous. Now experience tells me to slow down to a near walk so as not to the raise hackles or arouse the hunting instinct of the canine beast unnecessarily. It is a tactic that generally seems to work but there are occasions when it fails for no apparent reason, and I am left in a situation where I am confronted by a snarling beast and the owner is nowhere in sight.
Thankfully it has always resulted in a stand off between me and the pooch while we wait for the owner to finally appear lead in hand and a sheepish look on their face to take temporary control of the dog.

I say temporary because this incident shows that perhaps the dog is not as well controlled as the owner likes to think.
The incident generally concludes with a heated verbal exchange between me and the dog owner and they always seem to offer one of the same old excuses. “Oh he’s never done that before” or “You must have startled him”.
Suffice to say the exchange generally ends with me yelling “Get your bloody mutt under control”!!
Now whether doggie has never done it before or he has been startled is not really the point, the fact is the dog was not really under control.

Now take me the grumpy jogger out of the equation and replace me with a child, and now things look a lot different. Child gets scared and tries to run, dog goes into attack mode and the child has no chance.
By the time the dog has been brought under control by the owner or subdued in some way by the child’s parents or passer by, it is often too late and the child is left with horrific injuries.
So I say to dog owners if your dog has never 'done it before' then it does not guarantee he won’t, and if you take him where he likely to be startled by joggers then put him on a lead. Most important of all if there is a chance he will encounter children and he is not under tight control then put a muzzle on his schmuzzle.

Queuing up

2008-06-01T11:58:00.002Z

What is it with people and queues. I was stood in a queue to use a cashpoint and there were at least 6 people in front of me and one at the machine. When the person at the machine finished 5 out of the 6 people in front of me moved as a group to the cash machine to watch and wait for their friend to get some money out.

In supermarkets it is the same. You can often see 3 people queuing behind their friend or relative who is buying something.

I genuinely believe if you stand still long enough but look as if you are waiting for something then a queue will start to form behind you.

Tools of the trade

2008-05-31T16:39:00.002Z

Add some paper, a bottle of ink, some watercolour pans and you are all set.

Streets

2008-05-28T18:51:00.002Z

I would sooner walk down a little street like this. Not even Tesco could shoehorn a store into this one.

Project

2008-05-27T18:58:00.001Z

A snippet from something I'm working on

Bank Holiday

2008-05-26T18:23:00.002Z

Another dreadful Bank Holiday! Wind, Rain and Traffic Jams. I suppose it could be worse.

Doctors

2008-05-23T18:56:00.003Z

It has not gone without notice that certain people tend to drop in on the Doctor particularly when the weather has been forecast ‘fine and sunny’ for the next week.

They are of course looking for the Doctor to rubber stamp a week off in the garden on the sun lounger.

The Doctors must have heard it all.."It hurts when I do this”, “It hurts when I do that”. “I think I've caught a virus from the neighbours tortoise” or according to the Internet “I've got something called Hemmallstaffle Syndrome”! blah, blah, blah!

Now Doctors by the nature of their business can be excused for being somewhat off or dismissive sometimes when dealing with patients who are clearly ‘trying it on’. Remember the majority of their time can be spent listening to people moaning about something or the other. I have to say that in general Doctors do a fine job and have to be professional at all times when dealing with their patients, but I just wonder sometimes if they would actually like to say what they really think.