What is a caricature?

Have you ever been to a theme park or a county fair and watched an artist sketching funny or exaggerated cartoons of people? That's a "caricature". Some caricatures are really distorted on purpose to bring special recognition to whatever it is that helps you know who the subject is. Will Smith and Michael Jackson (shown above) are easily recognized here. The artist shown is using a charcoal pencil, but many use a black marker. Caricatures can insult or compliment, some are political, most are for entertainment only. Caricatures are not portraits. They are typically created fast, on the spot, others are drawn in the artist's studio in color or black and white but drawn in a lot more detail. A simple caricature may be of one subject or combine others. Caricatures of kids and pets are very popular too. Prices can vary from less than twenty-five dollars for a black and white to hundreds of dollars for full color and depend on their complexity and the customer's ultimate purpose.

As a caricature artist myself, I have created hundreds of these stylized cartoons over the years. I have set up my easel and enjoyed sketching people at malls, on yachts, at fairs, in bars and senior living facilities and company retirement parties -- too many venues to list. I have had an exciting time over the years and enjoyed my events here in the US, the Bahama Islands, Jamaica and met many great, funny people. Every one of my caricatures was interesting to do! I am retired now, and I don't travel to events anymore. Oh, I may still create one of my caricatures for a customer every now and then if called upon. My email: meltoncarr@gmail.com.

My pastime now is writing my "blog-stories" and of course, flying my drones!

Comments

Bipolar Express

What is Bipolar Express ? Why did I choose to title this message "Bipolar Express?" For those that have symptoms of, or who are already suffering from the disorder known as; being bipolar -- having one's doctor accurately diagnose this medical condition as soon as possible is very important! I want to help everyone who might be suffering from the extreme highs and lows of these mood swings by providing some direction to reliable resources. Not everyone knows whether they have symptoms of bipolar, or what they should do about them. Hopefully, my information will help someone. 1. Feeling sad, empty or hopeless most of the day. every day can be a symptom of bipolar. 2. Trouble sleeping at night and staying awake all day can be a symptom. 3. Often feeling worthless or guilty all the time is not normal, may be a symptom of bipolar. 4. Work, family and/or social life is suffering. 5. At times, feeling very euphoric, revved up, and/or irritable. Dopamine: Science has shown th...

Texas' Big Bend Country

How can I describe this snapshot of our Texas-Mexico border, taken on a trip we made to our Texas Big Bend country, other than spectacular ! We were driving Texas' state road 170 heading to Presidio from Terlingua. We were a little spooked since we were the only vehicle on the road. Along this section of the road, we didn't pass any other cars or trucks. I must say, this desolate part of Texas is just as rugged as it is beautiful! Every curvy turn of this lonely highway presented yet another picture postcard panorama. It would be hard to believe anyone would risk their life crossing such treacherous terrain, but I imagine some have, at one time or another. In the summer, temperatures go well into the hundreds and the dangers of heat exhaustion and death are very real! Diamond-back rattle snakes and scorpions happily make this desert their home -- we never saw any though. We held our breath while traveling on this deserted, stretch of road, not wanting to think of having any ...

Once We are Retired

Most of our adult lives our commitments consume our time. We don't dislike having to be busy and responsible for others. It's what we do! As we age our obligations and priorities change - that's not always a bad thing! If we live long enough it happens! Once retired, our retirement frees up our personal time, so we can pretty much can do whatever we want. If we have a choice, we can fritter our time away doing nothing , or we can do something ! My interests are all over the place -- seldom am I ever bored. Cartooning, creating caricatures for tourists at popular resorts here in the states and abroad, in the past, and music appreciation, church involvement, sailing, photography, creative writing, cooking and flying my drones, as well as, fooling around with my tractor on our property have been my occupation since retiring in my late fifties. In the days and weeks to come, I want to slow down on my writing to spend more of my time editing and producing my videos for my YouT...

What's Up Melton?

Search This Blog