Tossed Salad and Other Stuff

I love the television show, Frasier. I have yet to see the updated Frasier, however, from what I'm hearing so far, the reviews are mixed. Of course, I'm far from the only Frasier fan out there. There are many devotees of one of the best comedic television shows in history of television (yes, I rank, Frasier, right up there with, Newhart, Curb Your Enthusiasm, Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman, Peep Show and Arrested Development). However, Frasier's popularity has spawned Frasier Snobbists. What are Frasier Snobbist's?? The majority of these narcissistic individuals are, "know it all's”, who think their opinions about Frasier (or anything else for that matter) are the only opinions needed. These highly irritating individuals are as much fun to be around as an Anthony Fauci press conference. As such, most people avoid these Snobbists like the plague (get it???) or they lack the intestinal fortitude to speak out against the Frasier Snobbists. So rather than confronting them on their often inane opinions, these narcissistic individuals' opinions (through lack of challenge), becomes a connoisseur's opinion when in actuality it's just an opinion and like rectums, we all have one.

My biggest gripe with the Snobbists opinion, is their disregard for the final seasons of the original Frasier. These seasons have many of my favorite episodes,  The Doctor is Out (Season 11, episode 3) and High Holidays (Season 11, Episode 11), Star Mitzvah (Season 10, episode 6) for that matter, I enjoyed most every other episode of the later seasons. However and it's a BIG HOWEVER, I loathe the whole series of episodes concerning Niles heart surgery in Season 10. This was hardly the first time a television show had tried to inject drama into a perfectly good comedy series. Why do they do this?? Maybe actors want to showcase their dramatic ability? Maybe the ratings were struggling? I don't know?? Anyways, I didn't like it and that's all I have to say about that.What’s your opinion of the Niles heart surgery episodes?

Let's change the subject to my drawings. Here are my latest creations. The first one is John Wilkes Booth. What?!? I know, I know. I have no clue where the idea for this drawing came from, probably my interest in history….anyways…

The next drawing is getting back to aviation. It is titled, "Somewhere in the Nevada Desert". It features the Northrop Grumman B-2 Spirit a.k.a., The Stealth Bomber.

This drawing was created on October 22nd, 2023, on Strathmore Smooth Bristol paper 11"×17" with India ink,  Faber-Castell Pitt Artist Pens and a wash (and lots of cross hatching!). 

Now back to the drawing board.

Lindsey Buckingham

After struggling through several life upheavals recently, I'm back on track. And since I’m back, what a better place to start than my piece de resistance, my Original Pen & Ink Caricatures. I'm very proud of these caricatures, and the one that I added to my portfolio today is no exception. 

So let me introduce you to my Pen & Ink Caricature of Lindsey Buckingham. Lindsey was the former Singer/Lead Guitarist/Songwriter for Fleetwood Mac. Although, in my opinion, his solo work rivals his work with Fleetwood Mac. Some of my favorite songs of Lindsey’s?? Big Love, In My World, Second Hand News, Trouble, Stephanie, and of course Never Going Back Again and so many others.

This drawing was created on a 10" × 15" Canson Illustration Board with pen and black India ink and a very minor wash. 

And of course it’s available at The Michael Hopkins Caricatures Online Store

A C-5 Galaxy Walks Into a Bar...

There are many impressive aircraft I have seen while working at The Daily Planet. However, there are few as impressive as the Lockheed C5 Galaxy. Back in July of 2022, this aircraft visited The Reno Tahoe International Airport. I believe it was on its way to Alaska (or so they say…). Anyways, as I said, it was a very impressive aircraft. One of the most impressive things about this particular aircraft is the sheer bulk. This aircraft is huge. Another thing that impressed me was the design (i.e., the lines). As I mentioned a few blogs ago, when I look at an aircraft I don't see a technical, aerodynamic design, I see the personality of the aircraft. In contrast, when I look at a human being, I see a caricature. (Hmmm…there’s probably some counseling needed there??). That's probably another reason why I choose to work with aircraft as a side gig, as opposed to working with the public (although the artist side of my un-diagnosed multi-personality disorder likes working with the public…go figure). 

Anyways (what was I talking about??) oh yes, the C5 GALAXY! Below you will find the actual photo I took of the Galaxy last year and the drawing that was inspired by the aircraft. The original drawing is available at the Michael Hopkins Caricatures Online Store. The photograph is available in my phone.

 

While I have your attention, I'm offering the banner ad space on my blog (see above) for a fabulous rate. If anyone is interested, contact me at scribblesisme@yahoo.com and we'll work out a sweet deal for you (*hint - I'm new at selling ad space on my blog, so you may be able to take advantage of my perceived naiveté)

To end this blog, I'd like to say that I feel like my brain is splitting in half (where'd that come from?!?!). The right side is being logical (which is contrary to scientific beliefs) while my left side just wants to draw pictures or fall asleep and dream about drawing pictures…and in the middle, there's just an expanding void. Nothingness. 

'till next time…

Freaking Me Out!!

Please excuse the recent silence, but I’ve moved. Nope, not to another city (a collective sigh of relief exhales over the city of Reno…and from my brother), just to another domicile. When one thinks about it, moving doesn't sound like a big deal. However…IT WAS STRESSING THE F**K OUTTA ME!!! In fact, it was stressing me out to the point in which it was difficult to be creative (or write a blog…or sleep). Thank goodness for my Michael Hopkins Event Caricatures Events. Without these events, I would not have been creating anything ('cause I was too freakin’ stressed out to draw anything).

This move had been an approaching storm I could see over the horizon for the last few months  Although, up until the last minute I tried to avoid the storm (i.e., the move), it was like trying to avoid two geriatric old men running for president again. Anyways... the move happened this past Saturday (and Sunday, and Monday and …) Thank goodness I used a week of vacation from the Daily Planet to give me the adequate and optimum time to accomplish the move. Also while we're thanking people, I owe a HUGE debt of gratitude to my son Anthony, who was home on leave these past two weeks, from the US Navy. He assisted the old man to get through this and without him I couldn't have accomplished it (mentally or physically). I think by this weekend (my e.t.a for unpacking) things will be looking better and I will be opening a new chapter in my life...and I'll start drawing again!

Speaking of the Michael Hopkins Event Caricatures (as I was…read the above paragraph), the previous Sunday afternoon was my latest gig. It was at a children's birthday party in Truckee California. I’ve long considered kids' birthday parties my kryptonite (kids screaming, bumping my drawing table, getting distracted while I’m trying to draw them, spilling juice...etc...etc..). However, that is apparently no longer the case, because the gig went well. Some challenges were still there, however, I was ok with them (or maybe it was the fact that these children were extremely well behaved). In fact, it was fun.

So here's’ to the future dancers of the Truckee Dance Factory attending Hazel’s birthday party. I raise a glass to juice, as a toast to you in your honor! Cheers and thank you!

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!