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!

BatJack

My latest drawing owes its existence to my son. One evening, a few days ago, I received a text from my son featuring a short video from Jack in the Box, featuring Jack himself. Jack is the founder, CEO and ad spokesman for the chain (tongue firmly implanted in cheek). In the video, Jack was explaining that he was going to be appearing at the San Diego Comic Con, however, he didn't know what kind of costume to wear. So he asked viewers of the video for suggestions. Being a huge fan of the Jack In the Box fast food chain (it's my favorite addiction treatment center, not named Starbucks) I decided to give it a whirl and give Jack a suggestion via a drawing (it's what I do). Anyways…to make a long story short, here’s my suggestion to Jack on what he should wear to the San Diego Comic Con.

As you can tell from my drawing, I'm definitely a Baby Boomer (although I'm on the tail end of that generation - 1945-1964) by my still impassioned love of the Caped Crusader. I imagined Jack in the role, Adam West made famous in the 1960's series, Batman!. As he climbs the side of the building (via the Bat-rope) who should pop out of a window but his arch nemesis Ronald McDonald!

Whap! Sock! Pow! Cannot be far behind!

Until then, tune in next time! Same Michael Hopkins Cartoons Blog time, same Michael Hopkins Cartoons Blog channel!

Ode to the A**hole

Yesterday was the day that life decided to open my eyes and slap me in the face, in regards to people and my presumed knowledge of those individuals and my judgments of those people. It was as if my guardian angel (by the way, she looks like Elizabeth Shue) got tired of my “as of late” sugar coated, forgive and forget, what would Jesus do attitude towards people I'm forced to deal with everyday (as opposed to those I choose to be around). Ignoring people who are assholes and instead forgiving their assholiness, just encourages their asshole behavior (FACT!). Obviously I can't change an asshole.  It took years of training for an asshole to be the "Complete Asshole" that they have become today. However, I can personally choose not to interact with individuals (i.e., The Asshole) and at the very least keep them at arms length, when forced to interact with them (due to life circumstances). Of course, wouldn't life be great if we were able to point a magic wand at an asshole and force them to repent for their assholiness discretions by turning them into a Mormon Missionary and forcing them to serve a never ending mission in Salt Lake City, Utah. Salt Lake City is the cultural headquarters of the nicest group of people I’ve ever met, the  Mormons (the anti-assholes). Although I’m sure there are a few Mormon assholes, I’ve just never met one.

I'm working on the magic wand...

Michael

First Birthday!

On Saturday July 8th, 2023, Michael Hopkins Event Caricatures had the honor of drawing caricatures at a beautiful girl's first birthday party!  Here's a few pictures from the event. Also, thank you Mom and Dad (Noel and Joe) for inviting me! 

If you're interested in inviting, Michael Hopkins Event Caricatures to your next event, give me a call, send me an email (scribblesisme@yahoo.com) or click on the link below!

https://www.thebash.com/caricaturist/michael-hopkins-caricatures

The Birthday Girl!

Life Reset

The plan is set. I’ll have a new life on January 1st, 2024. You’ll probably see a lot more of me (or to be more specific, more of my art)  after that date. Besides my blog, I’ll put more work into my YouTube channel, my postings will accelerate, basically I'll be increasing my art's presence everywhere. This increase will actually start sooner than the first of the year, as I need to achieve my goal…and I will achieve that goal.

Why January 1st? Because life doesn’t last forever and find my life slipping away in its current zombie state. I could go on and on forever, doing what I do everyday, brain dead, numb and unsatisfied. But I choose instead to feel life and become satisfied with who I am, I am an artist. I am not some brain dead droid looking towards a retirement of small talk with other retired droids while having breakfast and discussing the good ole days. The good ole days are ahead of me, not behind me. As such, the plan is in full effect and you’ll be updated continuously via this blog.

Besides my usual pursuit of making people smile (by drawing funny pictures of them, via my caricatures), next year Ill restart the The Michael Hopkins Caricatures Aviation Roadshow Adventure (you can read all about it in my previous post here ) Basically the plan is to travel across the country to visit various air shows to promote and sell my aviation art. The plan was scheduled to take place back in 2022, however due to Covid-19 concerns many Air Shows were canceled that year. So I'm pulling that plan out of The Michael Hopkins Caricatures Storage Unit, dusting it off and relaunch in 2024.

As a side note, I went on a leisurely hike this morning. I enjoy my Sundays morning, it gives me time to think. Actually it was a Sunday morning in which I cam up with the Michael Hopkins Caricatures Aviation Roadshow Adventure idea. Anyways…here’s a few pictures from this morning's hike.

Talk to you soon,

Michael