Caricature Express

The Clown who ordered Coloring Pages a little while ago
hired me to Color them on the Computer. She wanted to
offer them as invitations that her clients could use..
It was 4 pages, and I enjoyed doing it.
Because I had my visions as I created
the original pictures.

We were both very pleased with this one
(Her rabbit’s name is Honey Bunny):

But she asked me to change the colors on the other three.
She told me exactly what colors she wanted, and I made the
revisions. But I didn’t tell her what I was really thinking -
because I could be wrong. Maybe I’m arrogant or something,
but I really thought that my choices were Much better
(except maybe the 2nd one - the one with the balloons -
I like the red mouth she chose).

I figure that I’ve studied this for many years, that I came up
with Colors that work. I figure that I already spent my time
trying different things to come up with just the right color.
But if this client thinks that ‘home-colors’ are better (Her
hair had to always be yellow. Her skin color had to always
be peach…), maybe other people feel that way too?

The first picture in each pair below
shows the colors that I chose.
The 2nd picture in each pair below
shows the changes that my client wanted:

In the last pair, in particular, I thought I was giving my client
something special. I thought it might encourage some clients
to hire her at night (Most of her work had been with children
in the daytime). But she could only see that her hair shouldn’t
be blue. And I think she thought that black might not be a
‘happy-child’ color.

Am I right? Am I wrong? I guess it’s just a matter of taste.
I think that, although people should respect the Artist to create the Artwork,
And they should respect the Plumber to do the Plumbing,
And they should respect the Doctor to do his job too,
that when it comes down to the bottom line, they bear the results of the Professional’s work. So they should take what
they need and leave the rest. I think I was guiding my client
in the right direction, but I respect that she’s the one who’s
ultimately in charge of her own career.

So I’m glad I was able to make the changes that pleased my
customer. Even though I cringed when I saw what her choices
looked like. I’m glad that I have a sense of self, but I’m also
glad that I’m not so attached to my current beliefs that feel
the need to be trying to run the world with them. One thing
I know for sure is that I’m still growing/changing, and there’s
no telling what I’ll like in the future.

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

I just came across this batch of photos,
and all I can say is Wow! I was really On
that day.

These are more of this pictures that I drew
of graduating High School seniors last June:

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

I sure hope I can remember my approach, my mood, of that day. I think I can, but sometimes it becomes trite when it becomes labeled - and then it doesn’t work any more.

Soooo, tonight’s another gig. I hope I’ll be able to be the same person I was last June. Lol - that’s funny. And that might be the key to understanding Artwork. Every day, every picture, every moment - is a new experience.

When I see how some of these kids are posing
with their Caricatures, I’m thinking that
“Wow - I really like these people.”

Most people in this world just want some attention,
some appreciation. Fun. Any sort of positive interaction.
And they respond with such pleasant surprises to
people who give them this attention.

It’s so easy to be angry at the world. To not try.
To just sit there angry because we don’t already
Have everything we want. But the strife of life
isn’t anybody else’s fault. The people out here
are just good people. Enjoying the ride even
though they are striving to fulfill their own hopes
and dreams too.

I’m so happy that I have the opportunity to see
so many people:

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

I understand now the Joy of being Vulnerable.
Being Afraid as you Really take a chance.
That’s the only way to feel Amazed when it works.

So now, even when it doesn’t work,
I am pleased with myself for having taken that chance.

Not all the time, of course.
Sometimes, we’re just working.
But for those important issues - For when it counts…..

When I work in Central Park, I am prepared for all three
activities - Caricatures, Face-Painting, AND Balloons.
(See facepaintingexpress.blogspot.com or caricatureexpress.blogspot.com )

Much to carry! So I bring limited supplies for the Caricatures.
That means that my pictures are going to be simpler.
Not quite as exaggerated.

I took a few photos of them recently.
Hmmm, perhaps simpler and easier is real nice.
Just as special as the wilder pictures that I usually try to draw.

Should I continue to work so hard? Or should I just relax a bit and enjoy
that I can do this. Comments/Opinions Welcome.

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