Nostramichaelmus

 The inmates are running the asylum. I used to think this idiom was just that, an idiom (i.e., a common phrase which means something different from its literal meaning but can be understood because of their popular use). However, in the case of the Daily Planet, the inmates are in fact, running the asylum (or at least pretending to run the asylum). One precariously placed semblance of sanity is keeping the ship afloat. If not for this one person, all hope would be lost. However, this is just a temporary extension of the Grim Reapers inevitable visit, unless changes occur. When Mother Theresa decides to retire, the foundation of decay is going to collapse, all hell will break loose and unfortunately there will be no further headlines coming from the presses of the Daily Planet. Fortunately, I can see the writing on the wall (another idiom) and I am not planning to be around to watch the collapse. In fact, on March 29th, I will be celebrating more than just The Warrior Princesses’ birthday. The clock is ticking…

It's been a pretty busy month at the ‘ole Michael Hopkins Caricatures Factory. I'd like to thank all those who invited me into their various celebrations around Reno, Nevada and I'd like to thank those who smiled at me whilst I was exaggerating their features! So let's sit down at the old I.C.U.2.TV set (boomers in the Pacific Northwest will understand) and take a look at some highlights from my recent holiday gigs…

Talk to you soon...

Michael

My Patreon Page

As you can tell from my ads, placed on the right side of my many pages (The Michael Hopkins Cartoons Blog, Cosmic Fowl, Missed Approach and The Michael Hopkins Caricatures Online Store), I have reopened my Patreon Account. What is Patreon? Well, let's ask Wikipedia…

Patreon is a monetization platform operated by Patreon, Inc., that provides business tools for content creators to run a subscription service and sell digital products. It helps creators and artists earn a recurring income by providing rewards and perks to its subscribers…

I've tried selling ads to earn income from my art on both Google Ads and Facebook. Unfortunately, I have recently run into roadblocks, with each. So in another attempt to earn additional income from my drawings, I have decided to take things into my own hands and go directly to the people who enjoy my work (and would like to see me create more of it). In order for me to create more art, I need more time to create, which is the goal of my Patreon. By earning additional income from my art, I can reduce my time punching a timeclock and increase my time spent on creating art. 

If Patreon works, how will I spend that increased creative time? Besides increasing my Caricature, Blog and Webcomic output, I am also going to activate, a very inactive YouTube Channel. I also have plans to hit the road next year and visit several Airshows across the country, to sell and market my Aviation Caricatures to Aviation Geeks (like myself) who gather at these airshows to geek out with each other about airplanes!

But that's not all!...Although I'm asking you to support my art through Patreon, I thought it would be only fair to reciprocate and to give out some cool gifts to those who subscribe! Not only free gifts, if you subscribe to my Patreon, you will also receive access to my Patreon exclusive stuff. Some examples include, live streams of my events, Patreon exclusive discounts of my art and other stuff!

So if you’re interested, please hop on over to my Patreon account and check it out!

Michael Hopkins Patreon

Talk to you soon!

Michael

 

The Jenny Henny Penny

Submitted for your consideration,  my latest Aviation Caricature, Jenny  Henny Penny. 

My interpretation of the North American P-51 Mustang. An interfusing of several Mustang paint schemes, with the name of my Princess Jenny. 

I created this drawing on October 29th, 2023, on Strathmore Bristol paper with Faber-Castell Pitt Artist Pens and an India ink wash. 

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!