I Know Nothing About This Dude, but I Like His Wig

What draws me to draw something? Sometimes it’s a mystery to even me. For example, this week while casting around for something to sketch, I reached for a stack of old National Geographic magazines I harvest images from for DADA postcards I make from time-to-time. National Geographic magazines have been a source of information, education and inspiration to me as far back as I can recall. There is a direct line of connection from Nat Geo to my wanderlust, and I have been fortunate to visit so many of the exotic places I read about as a kid. So, while flipping through the December 1986 (Vol. 170, No.6) issue, you know, the one with that great Titanic cover, I found this fellow, Lord High Chancellor, Lord Hailsham of St. Marylebone and I grabbed the scissor and freed him.

Immediately I was struck by his pose, the pyramidal form of his black-robed body, his hands almost claw-like and that wig! The wig pushed me over the edge. I had my subject.

I appreciate British portraiture art, particularly Lucian Freud’s work, but also Ralph Steadman too; very different styles, but at their hearts, both capture the essence of their subjects. I am not trying to put this drawing anywhere near their level, just thrown some love their way and would encourage you to check out more portraits.

So, there went the judge, there went the judge (to make an obscure reference to Flip Wilson for my own amusement).

And out in that old hurtin’, sweet world we all share; there are more than a few people who need to be judged, removed and moved along like yesterday. Those bastards sure are finding new, creative ways to make most of the rest of us miserable. Don’t let’em steal your smile.

OK HW