The North American XB-70 by Michael Hopkins

XB-70 Original Drawing

North American XB-70

My drawing of the North American XB-70, had its genesis in my childhood. I grew up near Seattle in the 1960's and 1970's surrounded by aviation. As a child I was always fascinated with aviation. The aviation era that captured my interest the most was the late 1950's and 1960's. The aircraft of that era were and still are my favorites. Some of my favorites included the Boeing Company's 707, 727 and B-52, Convair's B-58 Hustler, the British Concorde SST and of course, the unfulfilled dream of Boeing's SST, the 2707 (see below)

Boeing's SST, the 2707

But perhaps my favorite aircraft of that era was the North American XB-70 Valkyrie. The XB-70 Valkyrie was the prototype of the planned B-70 supersonic strategic bomber. It was being built for the United States Air Force's, Strategic Air Command (which, by the way, is also the same name of one of my favorite movies from that era, starring James Stewart). The XB-70 was designed in the late 1950's. The Valkyrie had six engines and was capable of cruising over Mach 3 (is that awesome or what!!). So with all that awesomeness, how could one not be inspired??? 

My original drawing and color and black & white prints of the Valkyrie XB-70 are available at The Michael Caricatures Online Store

XB-70 color print

XB-70 Black & White Giclée Print

Planes and Life

Aircraft are not unlike living beings. When a new aircraft is introduced (just like the birth of a child) there is excitement and anticipation. As that aircraft goes through its life stages, we watch it grow into new versions of the original aircraft. Just like humans it will occasionally have growing pains on its journey throughout its life. As we learn from these growing pains, we see that these aircraft (once shiny and new with unlimited expectations) do have limitations. For instance, the Boeing 747, once considered new and limitless, has shown in today's profit focused world, that it also has its limitations. Although some limitations were overcome with updated versions (747-200, 747-400, 747SP, etc.) we found that (just like aging human beings getting reconstructive surgery) nothing lasts forever (even The Queen of the Skies) and yet, we still love her. The 747 is now getting near the end of its life, as the last variant (the 747-8F) has been delivered and no more new 747's will be built by the Boeing Company. Although we'll still occasionally see older 747's flying here and there, they are now considered elderly aircraft whose time has come and gone and are now trying to find a purpose in life (i.e., reconfigured cargo aircraft, test aircraft or museum pieces ) while they slowly fade away. However, in our hearts and our memories, they will never fade away.

Boeing 747

This is why I love aircraft and continue to honor them, by drawing caricatures of them. Just like humans, each aircraft has its own distinct features. When I look at an aircraft, I don't see aluminum, wiring, composite materials, technology, etc.…I see a personality and a soul. I hope you'll see the personality and soul (that I'm envisioning) when you visit my aviation caricatures at the Michael Hopkins Caricatures Online Store. And if you find a drawing that captures your heart and imagination, make that drawing part of your life by purchasing it, displaying it and sharing it with your friends and loved ones. 

When you fall in love with one of my drawings (presumptuous??) and would like to purchase it, however, the listed price is a bit out of your reach, please feel free to make me an offer. All reasonable offers will be considered, as I would much rather have my creations find a home where they're loved and admired than to hold firm on a price that is just a bit out of a true admirer's reach.

Extroverted Introvert Multi Personality Disorder

It may be difficult to believe, however I occasionally have nothing to say (i.e., the recent silence on my blog). Now that I've gotten over that recent silence, let's get back to the oral (translated via the written word) spillage.

in·​tro·​vert ˈin-trə-ˌvərt 

: a person whose personality is characterized by introversion : a typically reserved or quiet person who tends to be introspective and enjoys spending time alone

People view an introvert as someone who is antisocial. However, in my case that's not true. I see an introvert as a person who is self confident and one who is comfortable with their own company and doesn’t necessarily need others' adoration to boost their self esteem. 

I've been an introvert for most of my life. I had imagined that I would be forever and in my personal life, that's probably still true. When I first started drawing my Event Caricatures, I was an introvert who drew caricatures. I was completely  uncomfortable with drawing in front of people. One could probably tell from looking at those caricatures. Although they were not bad caricatures, they lacked life. Then something happened. I can't pinpoint the exact date, however a change occurred inside of me. Not unlike when Peter Parker first transformed into Spiderman. Something happened to me. Apparently I have Extroverted Introvert Multi Personality Disorder (self-diagnosed). When I draw my event caricatures these days, a completely different Michael Hopkins emerges. One who enjoys the attention, craves the spotlight and may I say, is probably the best damn Caricaturist I have ever seen! How did/does this happen?? I have no clue, however, from viewing my (his? ours?) recent event caricatures, my other personality is pretty damn good at drawing caricatures…maybe even, the best. Let's take a look at some recent event caricatures Michael has drawn...

I don't know how he does it?? Sitting here in my underground bunker (secluded form all of humanity) and looking at his caricatures, I can't imagine his comfortableness with drawing caricatures in public. 

However, instead of questioning this recurring transformation, I’m just going to accept it and appreciate his (mine/our??) drawings and as well, should you!

To book my other personality for your next event, give me a phone call (775) 276-0256 or drop me a line scribblesisme@yahoo.com or michaelhopkinscartoons@gmail.com 

Let’s make your next event, your best event!