Confessions of a Caricature Artist

WARNING: A little religious. Move on to the jokes if you’re not interested.

I volunteered to do caricatures for our church’s Children’s Summer Program for three days. I have to admit that I was a bit nervous because it’s been a few years since I did live drawing and (since then) my eyesight has waned and my drawing hands have gotten stiff. But the more faces I drew, the better I got. The rust in my fingers chipped away. The ratio and proportion calibration in my brain started to tick again. I was back! One day I know the magic will be gone but at least it isn’t today.

Usually, the organizations hiring me would dote on my comfort, provide snacks and even assign an assistant for crowd control. But this church didn’t know who I was or what to do with me. They saw my name listed under the Volunteer List as “caricaturist.” They pointed where I was to go, showed me the table I could use and that was it. As soon as I set my paraphernalia and chairs, I reeled in some people to practice with. And then the laughter came; and then the crowd started to form. Last night, past 9 pm, I was the lone volunteer still working under the dim light with a bunch of kids who were giving me instructions how to draw the baseball bat and where to place their cat. They were laughing and giggling with their parents and we had a blast. As I packed up and dragged myself to my car, I realized how very tired I was from working 3 hours straight. I felt like I had just come from a war zone.

There is a Christian song by Twila Paris that I love called “The Warrior is a Child.” It’s about a Christian who goes through a spiritual battle and conquers her enemies. It helps me put things into proper perspective.

Lately I’ve been winning battles left and right
But even winners can get wounded in the fight
People say that I’m amazing
I’m strong beyond my years
But they don’t see inside of me
I’m hiding all the tears

CHORUS
They don’t know that I come running home when I fall down
They don’t know who picks me up when no one is around
I drop my sword and cry for just a while
(Look up for His smile)
‘Cuz deep inside this armor
The warrior is a child

Unafraid because His armor is the best
But even soldiers need a quiet place to rest
People say that I’m amazing
I never face retreat, oh no
But they don’t see the enemies
That lay me at His feet
They don’t know … (repeat chorus twice and end)

To be honest, I don’t really know how I do what I do. “People say that I’m amazing” but they don’t realize I’m just winging it. Sometimes I surprise even myself — that’s pretty cool … did I do that?!? This is true in many things that I encounter — when I write a song, when I lead someone to Christ, when I overcome some obstacles … even when I write some of my silly ol’ TGIF articles.

Have you heard this funny expression about humility — “It’s hard to be humble when you’re great like me?” In my case, it’s more — “it’s hard to be humble ‘cuz I’ve got an amazing God watching over me.”

And you know what? I believe He is watching over ALL of us … many of us just don’t wanna believe it.

But this is just me. TGIF people!

Raoul

Postscript

I got this beautiful letter from the event coordinator:

Dear Raoul,

You have probably heard countless expressions of joy when you produce your creations, but I hope you know what great joy it was having you bless the patio this week. I think what is most beautiful is how you seem to capture the very essence of each person , as God created them. Many caricature artists find oddities and make fun of them, but your pieces celebrate them. So thank you for bringing joy and glorifying God this week. I am so grateful.

Love,
Jenny E.
Parent Cafe

“The golden moments in the stream of life rush past us, and we see nothing but sand; the angels come to visit us, and we only know them when they are gone.” — George Eliot

“It was pride that changed angels into devils; it is humility that makes men as angels.” — Saint Augustine

“Believers, look up – take courage. The angels are nearer than you think.” – Billy Graham

“For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; “ — Psalms 91:11

JOKE OF THE WEEK

Thanks to Art of Sierra Madre, CA

Parting Shots

Thanks to Benny of Chicago
(useful information)

(useful information)

Thanks to Fred of Long Beach, California

Thanks to Maling of New Manila, Philippines

Thanks to Art of Sierra Madre, CA

Thanks to Tom of Pasadena, CA

Thanks to Drew of Anaheim, CA

I found these:

My good friend (and jokester) Terry and I came up with this.

SUBSCRIBE

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Choices

Joke of the Week

Thanks to Mel of Washington, D.C. for sharing these COVID gags.

Video: Italian Flash Mob at the Hospital

Thanks to Tom of Pasadena, CA.
If you like opera (and even if you don’t), you’ve gotta hear this singer’s amazing voice.

Don’s Puns

Thanks to Don of Kelowna, B.C. who sent this pun.

Parting Shots

Thanks to Chuck of Whittier, CA

Thanks to Art of Sierra Madre, CA

Thanks to Ray of Burbank, CA

The post Covid Gags appeared first on Traveling Archive.

This Saturday I will be volunteering at the Buena Park Jr High Campus, California, for my second Relay for Life event. For those who are not familiar, Relay for Life is a program sponsored by the American Cancer Society to help fund research for Cancer.

Two weeks ago was my first time to help this non-profit organization which was held at La Mirada, CA where I helped raise over $200 doing caricature sketches of people. Of course, I gave everything to the group.

At first nobody came to my booth because I was a complete stranger. But after my first “victim” showed it around, the people started coming in. Perhaps the most intriguing person I drew was a High Schooler who was emboldened to ask me a special favor. She wanted me to draw her with a singer who was part of BTS, the hot Korean Boy Band. She had his picture on her smart phone. She giggled all throughout the posing. She even gave me a hug after she saw the finished work. Later the event organizers told me she called them to get my name so she could properly credit me on her Facebook account. What a sweetheart.

I would have continued if not for an appointment with some church friends. The interruption was a blessing because my back was hurting badly after sitting there for just a few hours.

I think I’m getting too old for this live 5 minute sketch. My eyes aren’t as sharp anymore. And my fingers are beginning to shake. I might shift from pen and ink to digital. So if you are in the area, come on by this Saturday. You may be one of the last people to have a live caricature done by me. It’s for a good cause.

When I was young my Mom cautioned me about becoming an artist because she knew artists didn’t get paid enough. Sure, money is always nice, but Mom was wrong. To share my gift of art to so many people is plenty payment for me.

What’s your gift? If it comes naturally, if it comes easy, it’s meant to be given freely.

But this is just me.

“Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life“
— Pablo Picasso

TGIF people!

Insults Between Husband and Wife

Shared by Mel of Washington, D.C.

CAUTION: NOT FOR THE SENSITIVE ONES

Donald Trump Needs a Date
Sent by Art of Sierra Madre, CA

Art found this old Candid Camera footage of Donald Trump doing a cameo appearance with his Playboy persona. This isn’t political but I know some of you can’t stand the guy so just skip. This may also not be for the sensitive among you. Hard to believe this is our President.

WATCH VIDEO

John Mayer Cheap Viral Video
Sent by Peter Paul of South Pasadena, CA

If you know John Mayer, you know he’s a superstar guitarist. He and his marketing team couldn’t agree on a budget to make his MTV video. So he went to a local video store that mainly does weddings. Wouldn’t you know it. this video went viral. Certainly dispels the myth that you need a big budget to market well.

WATCH VIDEO

TEDx Canada: How to Succeed
Sent by Art of Sierra Madre, CA

How do you measure success? Is it finances? Is it relationships? I’m sure we have different ideas about it. Next question, how do you achieve it?

WATCH VIDEO

Don’s Puns

From Don’s collection of puns

Parting Shots

Thanks to Don of Kelowna, B.C. who shared this photo

I hope I’m not being too mean here but it really begs the question: “Why doesn’t anyone of her status get any honest feedback about how she dresses up?” — Raoul

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