Caricatures vs. Caricatures

I'm currently working on what I consider to be one of my most amazing drawings. Its also my latest attempt to exorcize my personal demons of being lazy (in regards to my artistic output). 

To be fair to myself, I've had quite a substantial output of drawings lately. However, these drawings mostly involve Event Caricatures and various other scribbles (Not that there's anything wrong with that), but I don't find myself as challenged as I do with my Pen and Ink Caricatures. Don't get me wrong, I love creating Event Caricatures. There's almost nothing as rewarding as creating a little joy and happiness in this occasionally fucked-up world up live in, by drawing my silly caricatures of people. However, my pen and ink caricatures hold a special place in my soul. When I rise to the challenge of successfully transferring my thoughts (via the pen nib, dipped into the India ink and onto the paper) it's exhilarating and completely satisfying. Maybe it's my homage to the great Caricaturists that have drawn before me (Al Hirschfeld, Mort Drucker and Jack Davis) that have brought joy to my life through their work. 

By the way, if you're wondering who's the subject of caricature I'm referring to at the beginning of this blog, here's a clue…

The two subjects of my latest caricature share the same first names with another two people of historical significance. 

Oh Well

Contrary to all of the religious organizations that I sampled throughout my youth, I don't believe that heaven is up there above the clouds somewhere. I believe that heaven surrounds us. I also believe that when our physical bodies live out their usefulness, our souls remain. 

Moving on…

I adore a good conversation,  however I loathe, chit chat or mingling. On a daily basis I'm faced with individuals (basically two people, we’ll call them Frick and Frack) who will come up to me and just stare at me (I presume they're trying to engage in a conversation). Besides being creepy, I don't work that way. If you want a conversation with me, say something. If I wanted a conversation, I would definitely let you know. On occasion when I ignore these puzzling advances into my personal space I will occasionally ask the person, “WHAT?!?!” “Oh nothing”, is their usual response. Then what’s the FREAKIN’ point? Some might consider this antisocial behavior on my part, but it is not. It's merely me refusing to participate in idle chit-chat. On the other hand, if you want to have a conversation with me, let's do it, I'm all ears! However, proceed with caution and start with a question, not a stare... 

I can't help about the shape I'm in

I can't sing, I ain't pretty and my legs are thin

But don't ask me what I think of you

I might not give the answer that you want me to

Oh well

Now, when I talked to God I knew he'd understand

He said, "Stick by my side and I'll be your guiding hand

But don't ask me what I think of you

I might not give the answer that you want me to"

Oh well

I can't help about the shape I'm in

I can't sing, I ain't pretty and my legs are thin

But don't ask me what I think of you

I might not give the answer that you want me to

Oh well

Oh Well-Fleetwood Mac

Random thoughts at 2:00am

Not Leaving Las Vegas is the most irritatingly pleasurable channel on YouTube. It’s host “Steven J.” is a contradiction in personalities. A man who would not be out of place in the lead role in one of the, “Revenge of the Nerds" movies. However, this individual with the nerdy look (probably has his pants tucked into his socks, a pocket protector and a fanny pack) also has some mighty kahunas (or he's just not very intelligent) as he ventures into the dark recesses of Las Vegas for our viewing pleasure. I’ve seen Steven accidentally filming drug deals, wandering into swingers clubs and sprinting in the opposite direction while being chased by local ne'er-do-wells. 

Steven J.

I believe Steven is the classic closet narcissist with self doubt tendencies that are only exceeded by his overblown self importance. Even with these character traits, I enjoy his channel. It's fun to watch him explain his philosophies about the “YouTube  business. However, when faced with critical comments, he will occasionally reiterate the fact that it is his YouTube channel and that is his business, so he can do and say what he wants (true). Unfortunately at the same time, Steven whines like a little bitch when a casino decides that they don't want him live streaming in their business and asks him to leave…

Cringy things to watch for, besides his whining…

• His Michael Scott-esque pop song references (no he can't carry a tune) at every possible and obvious opportunity he gets and then blurts out the name of the group and song title.
• The way he points to locations with his hand (in front of his camera, that's already focused on the location) when he's referring to a specific building or area (and lord knows he's not the only youtuber that does this!). 

Even with all his cringy faults (God knows I have my own) I'd recommend his YouTube channel. Not Leaving Las Vegas. He seems like a nice and genuine little fella (even if he is a little self absorbed) who makes original and interesting content, in a YouTube world full of insincere and unoriginal content.

The New Party Planning Committee

Last Known Photo of The Chosen One

It's official, the inmates have officially (officially official??) taken over the asylum (literally) and unfortunately it appears that there's no turning back. It's unfortunate, because the Daily Planet, as an institution, had its merits and some of the inmates that have taken over since the departure of The Chosen One (see above) are sufficiently intelligent people (however there are sufficiently unintelligent people as well). Due to the amount of incoherence, lack of logic and the overall notgiveashitness emanating from the Federation Council, there’s more chance of a full Beatles reunion than a logical decision finding its way out of the new committee. Why? Because once Shari Lewis retires and Lamb Chop, Hush Puppy and Charlie Horse no longer have her hand up their ass (making their every decision for them), and in turn, these puppets must make their own decisions...well, it'll be time for this Cartoonist Extraordinaire to move on.

To paraphrase Yukon Cornelius, "Oh, well, now I'm off to get my life-sustaining supplies: cornmeal and gun powder, pens & ink, drawing paper and hammock's. I'm going to go draw some funny pictures..."

                                     Lamb Chop, Hush Puppy and Charlie Horse

For those of you who question the factuality of my blog, the following are classified minutes from Lamb Chop's, Hush Puppy's and Charlie Horse's the most recent Party Planning Committee (Shari wasn't in attendance). Although I can't divulge the name of my inside source (I will just call him Deep Throat for now)…these minutes were obtained via The Freedom of Useless Information Act. 

• 12:37 pm - Meeting called to order (actual start time was 8am, however the entire committee failed to show up until 11:28 am).
• 12:45 pm. Argument breaks out as to who’s in charge here???
• 1:15 pm - After what was to be a 5 minute smoke/cool down break, the meeting is called to order again.
• 1:57 pm. After the tape measures were found useless in the, Who’s got the Biggest Penis contest (or was it, who is biggest dick??), the decision was made to use a micrometer. Unfortunately, due to their tiny sizes, the lengths still could not be judged accurately (even with the micrometer) and thus it was agreed upon that all members of the Committee are equally tiny (by the way, 9mm is nothing to be proud of).
• 2:36 pm After another “5 minute” after a smoke break, the meeting resumed.
• 2:59 pm The meeting adjourned after it was discovered that no member of the Party Planning Committee could read the corporate supplied instructional booklet, Supervising Employees for Dummies. 
• 3:05 pm Orlando, Babs and Howdy Doody clean up the meeting room while proclaiming, “this is not our job!”

Orlando, Babs and Jimmy

My Own Worst Critic

One of my best creations is my webcomic, Missed Approach.Its the story (in webcomic form) of an airline, it's crew and their daily pursuit of their next destination. Starring, Capt. James P. Kurt, First Officer, Dan Doodles and Flight Attendants, Doris McKenna and Cali Crystal.

 My first Missed Approach webcomic was self published on September 12th, 2011 and has been published very sporadically since then but not due to lack of effort, want or even ideas (as i constantly think about this webcomic and feel it is inferior to very few comics). As I have stated before, I am my own worst critic and this self criticism has stopped many amazing ideas from seeing the light of day. However there is hope for the future as I have been influenced greatly by the philosophy of Rick Rubin. Although I'm sure that when Rick is referring to artists, he's referring to musical artists, his philosophy of creation for oneself first and putting the public second has helped me in my self criticism. When I say that I am my worst critic, that criticism has it genesis in my doubts about whether the public will like my creations. I love my art, but that self doubt about whether the public will like my art leads to my self doubts about my love for my art. The result being not letting a lot of my creativity see light of day. This must change.

It's not that I don't appreciate the appreciation of my art, but I have decided to put myself and my art first and to no longer worry about adulation, because it doesn't matter. What matters is that my art will no longer limited by my self doubts. If you like the art that I created for myself first, then that's amazing. You are appreciating my true art and not art being filtered by what I think you want to see, but instead the uncensored creativity that is coming from my soul and finding its way onto my paper.

And now a few of my favorite pictures from my most recent gigs…

This is one of my favorite event caricatures. This event took place 

at the Virginia City High School Prom. 

 

This caricature was drawn at Virginia City High School Prom as well. Gracie and Luke were in a serious car accident in which both of these kids broke their backs (yikes!). Thank goodness they're recovering amazingly! 

This couple was at An Evening of Music and Motion presented by 

Drive Toward a Cure for the Parkinson Support Center of Northern Nevada.

Another couple from the event. I think I did a great job at capturing their personality!

A Father and Daughter at the event. Although when I drew her glasses it partially changed the look of her eyes, it still turned our to be on of my favorite event Caricatures!

Lessons Learned

Hello Everyone!

Well, Michael Hopkins Caricature's first airshow appearance is in the books. While it was far from profitable, overall it was a very positive experience I made a few great contacts and I learned some valuable lessons

The journey started April 5th when I left Reno, Nevada (home) for Laughlin Nevada (home of the 2024 Laughlin/Bullhead City Airshow). The first lesson learned was that I need a Van. Trying to pack all of my event supplies (canopy, tables, chairs, canopy weights and walls, drawing supplies, luggage, etc., etc. etc.) into my little Ford Focus was almost impossible. In fact, technically it was impossible, as I left several items at home because they wouldn't fit. 

Since I couldn't pack any food in an ice chest (again, because there was no room for an ice chest in the car) my first stop was Mc Donald's for breakfast and even though I had brought coffee from home, I did order the meal (which included some more coffee from McDonalds). 

FACT! One cannot have enough coffee for a road trip. Also, being a friend of, “if anything can go wrong, it will go wrong” , I had two portions of coffee now and as such, I would be safe in case of an emergency. You know, in case my car broke down in the middle of the Nevada Desert?? Even though I'd be stranded in the middle of the desert, out of water, dying of heat stroke (well kinda, it was early April…and cloudy) I would at least have a robust supply of caffeine (still relatively hot in my mug) until I reached Tonopah, Nevada (approximately 240 miles)

When I started approaching Tonopah, I could tell there was a minor traffic stop ahead for some road repairs (if I remember correctly from my previous trips, it was needed) and some road construction work in Tonopah itself (again needed). Thank God I had an additional supply of coffee for those 15 minutes of waiting…

After a stop in Tonopah for fuel and more caffeine (this time in the form of Coca Cola), the remaining journey was a breeze. Actually, I should say the drive to Las Vegas was a breeze. You see, I was under the impression that Laughlin was close to Las Vegas. It's not (*well, relatively speaking it is, it's about 100 miles) however in my mind it was a lot closer and my mind was the device calculating the need for restroom stops. 

Just a thought…why isn't there an road trip app that would calculate your age, beverages drank and miles driven and in-turn suggest the need and locations of rest stops??

All of this info didn't matter until I passed Las Vegas, glanced at Google Maps and realized I had an hour and a half till I Laughlin Nevada (WTF?!?!?) I was certain a YouTuber had informed me Laughlin was close to Las Vegas??? Well, so much for that YouTuber’s dependability (*again, relatively speaking, Las Vegas is close to Laughlin however when the brain is being influenced by the bladder, an hour and  half, isn't close at all!!!)  Thank God for Searchlight Nevada, an overpriced Chevron station and McDonald's! Fuel purchased, coffee replenished and bladder emptied! On to Laughlin! 

Lesson learned? When one's been drinking all morning (coffee, coffee, water, Coca Cola, lukewarm coffee and water) while driving over 500 miles, make liberal use of all rest areas!

Anywho…here’s some pics from Michael Hopkins Caricatures first Airshow! Enjoy!

Laughlin, Nevada

As advertised, "The Best Corndog in the World"

A Bat Update

Greetings from the Batcave! 

I'm currently working on a drawing based on the 1989 movie, Batman. If you're a Michael Keaton fan, you may love this drawing, even if you're not, the drawing is pretty spectacular. Of course, I could probably mess it up between now and the time it's completed (spill the India ink, spill my coffee, etc...) however I'm on a pretty good flow at the moment and this drawing is turning out pretty amazing, so stay tuned!

Speaking of spectacular, I'm very proud of a recent drawing I completed of an automobile. The drawing itself is kind of minimalistic. Its going to part of the canvas for  caricatures at a future Michael Hopkins Event Caricatures gig. The event is based around automobiles and the drawing is going to be pre-printed on the drawing paper I'm using for the gig. The car caricature will be placed at the bottom of the drawing paper, along with the event logo. You'll see what I'm referring to after the gig is over and I've shared pictures from the event. However, for now, I just tease you with the caricature of the car.

This drawing and concept turned out so well, that I may offer similar options to future Event Caricature customers a slight additional cost to the standard booking fee.

So until next time...