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March 25, 2007
Celebrities
Though I might be alright at drawing in general, I continually find myself flummoxed by having to draw things that actually LOOK like things, people that look like people, etc. My penchant for pointy boobies and googly hands, nubby teeth and bags under the eyes, big ears and noodly arms makes it hard for me to do much in the way of caricature. It's a real weakness of mine. And, if I get a caricature right once, there's no guarantee that I'll get it right ever again. I've even gone to the library and gotten out books on how to caricature (turn out I'm not so good at that book learnin') (and, the big problem is that people who really know how to to caricature the way I like it aren't going around writing how-to books... I'm a big fan of this guy, who somehow manages to really capture what someone looks like with just a few little identifying features - favorites are Woody Allen (though, he's practically a caricature already), Yoko Ono (somehow you can tell she's all Japanesey, even though she's got sunglasses on - even from across the room!), and Barbara Bush (holy shit! he didn't even have to put a face on her and I know who she is!!)). There's some real magic in that, in being able to pick out the most defining characteristics in a face and character. Because it's not like those are particularly technically skilled renderings (I mean, it's not like they're highly nuanced oil paintings or anything). Anyway. I'm always impressed by caricature, even though everyone else considers it such a low art. You try it, ya jerks!
Anyway - so, the exciting news (is it news? I can't remember...) is that we're doing a custom book for Artiste Locale, a store down in St. Michaels. It's going to be a professionally printed, hardcover book - similar to a children's book but still with some pointy boobs and googly hands in it (what can I say, I can't get away from them!). So - not as totally weird as the Idiots'Books, but not as saccharine as your average children's book. It's called, "Saint Michaels, The Town the Fooled the British". It is chock full of historical inaccuracies and blatant fabrications. I think, as far as we know, there is only one sentence in the whole book that actually has any truth to it. Just the kind of book we like to write. Anyway, part of the story is riffing on some local celebrities, which means I had to actually draw some people who looked like who they are. See them below:
Now, the first person to correctly identify all three celebrities will win a free softcover Idiots'Book of his choice (or, any other item I have in my house worth $12 or less). And please know that my feelings will be hurt if:
1. No one enters this fabulous contest
2. Everyone guesses "Robin Williams in that crazy hat in The Fisher King", "Your Dad, but with a little more hair and a clothing budget", and "That pasty dude from 'The Office' (who, incidentally and offensively, someone suggested reminds them of Matthew)"
and 3. Anyone else suggests that Matthew reminds them of that pasty dude in The Office. I mean, even I have my standards.
Posted by ribbu at March 25, 2007 06:16 PM
Comments
The dude in the middle is our erstwhile Secretary of Defense Mr. Rumsfeld. The one on the right is Cheney. The one on the left is God.
Posted by: Ko-ris-u-chan at March 25, 2007 09:46 PM
In order (left to right) British fooling guy Brigadier General Perry Benson, Former Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld, Writer of excessively descriptive and therefore excessively long novels James Michener
Posted by: Ming at March 26, 2007 01:28 AM
Robbi, the picture didn't show up on my computer! sadness! despair!
Posted by: andy at March 26, 2007 06:32 PM
Well, my feelings aren't totally hurt. Apparently only three people were brave enough to enter the contest - I guess you were weighing Robbi being sad that no one entered vs. Robbi being sad that no one could tell who they were. It was very nice of you to consider, anyway.
But no winners so far. Here's a hint:
These caricatures (one in particular) would be much easier to read if it were IN COLOR here.
Alright. Go to it guys! All three of you!
Posted by: ribbu at March 27, 2007 08:36 AM
Frederick Douglas, Rumsfeld, Michener (shout out for The Source)
Posted by: Ming at March 27, 2007 12:23 PM
I'm a little late with the entry, but my guess is: Moses, Rumsfeld, and Churchill. I'm not sure what the first two have to do with Britain or a town in Maryland, but that's GOT to be Rumsfeld.
Posted by: Cathy at March 27, 2007 07:23 PM
I still favor my last submission but in the interest of winning something cool - could it possibly be Frederick Douglass, Rumsfeld and Cheney?
Posted by: ming at March 28, 2007 12:59 PM
WE HAVE A WINNER!!!!!
Now, everyone had some very good guesses, and no one guessed Robin Williams in earflaps, my Dad, and the Office dude who doesn't look like matthew, so, really, we ALL win.
But, Ming was correct with Douglass, Rumsfeld and Cheney.
Hooray!!!
Posted by: ribbu at March 28, 2007 01:58 PM
Woot! Woot!
Could you please furnish me with a list of all the items in you home worth $12 or less?
If you haven't the time or inclination to compose a list - I suppose I will accept a copy of My Henderson Robot. The sci-fi geek in me can't pass up a free robot book.
Posted by: ming at March 29, 2007 11:30 AM
Damn it all! Damn my baby! I don't check blogs for a few days and I miss out on a contest! I totally would've won, too.
Posted by: Marigold at March 31, 2007 01:08 AM