Caricature Express

A few days ago, I was drawing Caricatures on the street with another artist, Kenly Dillard. Happily drawing away, just looking at the people who stopped by, I drew these two women. When I was done, Kenly looked over and my picture and said “Paris Hilton”. I laughed. It did look just like that famous face. The woman who was standing there admitted that people did say that to her frequently, but she claimed that she was not Paris Hilton. I wouldn’t have known the difference.

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(516) 579-4706
optidust@gmail.com

Just Drawing. Lol- there was so much i wanted to show you. I came here to post something quickly -
perhpas the Street Caricatures I have on my phone camera,
the more detailed ones I drew while relaxing in Europan Cafe,
or the great fun idea I dreamed up last night with colored paper.

So I clicked on my website, saw the most recent picture here (of Bill O’Reilly), and
decided instead to draw a new picture.
Here’s what I came up with - playing with the ideas I had when I drew that picture.

It’s not unusual for newspapers to do stories at my gigs. But it is unusual for me to get to see them.

I was so lucky that my client from the Harry Potter gig sent me the section of the Morris County (NJ) Daily Record that showed a picture of my work:

Barnes & Noble had hired me for first night that the new Harry Potter book would be available. And the line of people wanting Caricatures to remember this special night - it started in the middle of the huge store where I was stationed, extended back to one wall, and then continued all around the store! They were in costumes. The excitement was contagious. Wow!

To Hire this Artist:
(516) 579-4706
optidust@gmail.com

I took the whole morning off today! That is Soooo unusual for me.

I certainly didn’t plan on it, but I’m glad I did it. Today was just a step, a little time spent towards my personal growth. Not my artistic growth. Not my business growth. Not finally getting this house in order. But seeking out my quiet heart - the sweetness that isn’t heard while I focus on everybody else.

A friend had called. Complaining that another friend of ours had disappointed him. Again.

Started my regular work. Called an agent. Prepared detailed travel directions for a very hectic day next Sunday (Face Painting at a Labor Day Party in Whippany NJ followed by Caricatures out east at Stony Brook University). Then, Stop.
I stopped. I took time to do for myself what I would have wanted a friend to do for me. But I wasn’t very good at it. Not accustomed to giving to myself, but
I persisted. And I felt supported in my efforts by the wonderful
Olivia Newton John CD I was listening to.

Enjoying the photo on the cover of the CD, I tried to experience her content mood by Caricaturing the photo. Here’s what I came up with. I particularly like how I signed it at the top of the page. It looks like Olivia is looking right at me, speaking right to me, the AG logo in the corner:

The music really adds the feeling to the poety, but all I can do here is write the words of some of the songs that supported my morning off:

LOVE IS LETTING GO OF FEAR:

The pain is something that you can’t ignore
You’re always wondering what the hurt is for
Your heart feels something, that is can’t explain
You yearn for love but you’re afraid to change
Remember the wounded bird still sings
Remember that faith has tiny wings

Love is letting go of fear
Love is letting go of doubt
Love is letting go
The chains that tie your spirit down and
Love is letting go of pain
Love is learning how to dance
Inside the light again.

You’re always haunted by the love you’ve lost
You’re scared that you’ll forever pay the cost
You believe tis is the bitter end
Better lonely than be hurt again
Remember there’s always one more chance
Remember that love’s the only dance - and

Love is letting go of fear
Love is letting go of doubt
Love is letting go
The chains that tie your spirit down and
Love is letter go of pain
Love is learning how to dance
Inside the light again
Love is letting go of pain
Love is learning how to dance
Inside the light again.