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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Humor in Sickness

This week, it’s been hard to walk. I’m still sick. But I’m getting better. My doctor adjusted my meds, I’m going to a chiropractor tomorrow and on the 23rd I’m meeting with a cardiologist.

Getting up from a horizontal position to a vertical position takes at least a minute. And I take baby steps when I walk because I ache in different places. This can be a miserable existence but thankfully, I can laugh at myself.

You know the caricature of the old man in the Carol Burnett Show who shuffles and moves in slow motion? That’s me!

The pain wakes me up when I sleep. My wife was switching channels one night and I saw the name: John Malkovich. And I thought to myself, wouldn’t it be so silly and such a waste of my time if I made a poem about John Malkovich?

Wouldn’t you know it? The more I didn’t want to, the more I couldn’t help it and I DID conjure a poem in my head about that actor with the weird name. Here it is:

POOR JOHN MALKOVICH
A wicked witch gave John Malkovich a rotten sandwich.
He twitched and he twitched
Then he fell in a ditch.
Poor John Malkovich.

I’ve been feeling better and I think it’s because of your prayers. Many of you have written that you’ve praying. I read all your letters but was too groggy to respond (you know who you are —  thank you!).

I think I am officially old. All the jokes about old people are suddenly very personal (but funny still). But who am I to complain? This is part of life. And maybe this is why God made people grow old: when you get older, your options are fewer… there are fewer mountains to climb. (I guess I have to give up my dream to dunk that basketball). You get to focus on the things that are most important — sharing instead of competing, loving your friends and (especially) family, and preparing to join the grand party in heaven. I’m really looking forward to it.

TGIF people! See you next week and the week after and several more weeks after.

Raoul

“For I am sure of this very thing: that the one who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.“
— Philippians 1:6

Joke of the Week

Thanks to Peter Paul of S Pasadena, CA

Parting Shots

Thanks to Mel of Washington D.C.

Thanks to  Ray of Burbank, CA

Thanks to Tom of Pasadena, CA

Thanks to Peter Paul of South Pasadena, CA

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