Cari-ca-Chores No.2

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

Cari-ca-'Chores'

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

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

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

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

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

A Gift

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

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

Ridiculous Frog gag

Cute Frog

Olympic Shorts

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

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

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

Olympic Shorts: Boxing

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

Essentially Gymnastics into water.

Olympic Shorts

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

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

Take a Hike

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

Welcome feedback

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