Final version of Hitchcock scene for NCN competition

Finished up my pencil drawing for this month's online NCN-forum competition, and decided to display it the way I actually saw this old movie: on a vintage television set, a long long time ago. Click to see larger image.
Of course, the television, curtains and background were done digitally. I just treated myself to an early Christmas gift by buying an updated version of Photoshop--which is now installed and ready to go!

Christmas card design

My client just took delivery of this digital design for his family's Christmas cards...celebrating the holiday season and the Phillies' season-- World Series Champions!

The background photo that I used for this piece is my very own photo, taken in 2007 from my spot in Citizens Bank Park--where I used to do retail caricatures. The pitcher is Cole Hamels, and you can also see Ryan Howard at first base. They and the rest of the Phillies gave Philadelphia the best gift it's had in twenty-five years: a championship.

A very festive holiday party

This afternoon, I arrived for my gig, a Christmas party held at the headquarters of a commercial electrical contracting company...but it seemed much more like the North Pole! (and it actually was windy and cold today!)

After being greeted by elves at the entrance, I set up to draw next to some talented carolers:

This party was for two-hundred-and-some people; employees and their entire families. Before Santa arrived and gave gifts to all, everyone decorated gingerbread houses, enjoyed a late lunch and got raffle prizes. I think almost every caricature I did was a double, triple, or quadruple--if there were more than four people, the kids were on one paper and the parents on another. I know I didn't use much paper today despite drawing dozens and dozens of people...




I was asked to stay for the duration of the party instead of my original two-hour booking because everyone was enjoying the caricatures so much...so, at the end, I expressed my appreciation to the owner--both for having such a wonderful celebration for his employees in these trying economic times, and for having my caricatures and all the other treats he provided!

Update 12/11/08
I got a very nice thank-you email from the owner's secretary:
Hi Emily!
Thank you again for the wonderful service on Sunday. Everyone truly enjoyed the caricatures. The owner was very impressed with the interest the crowd showed and also with the way you worked right through the whole party. He has already told me to make sure we have you again next year. Very cool to see the post on your sketchblog. Glad you enjoyed yourself, and see you next year -
unless we have any other parties between now and then!

:-) :-) :-)

More holiday parties...

Finally crossed paths with this guy today!

Santa was hearing the Christmas wishes of children of electric company employees at a luncheon where I drew today...and was happy to hear my special wish!

There was a huge line, so I only took these two photos.


In the evening, I drew all adults at a cocktail party/dance for employees of a financial company and their spouses. I am so appreciative that these companies are still celebrating the holidays, because it keeps more than just me in business: caterers, hotels, other entertainers...

Holiday Party

My first holiday party of the season, last night, was held for a company that provides services for people with special needs and their families. I am always very touched when my caricature makes someone's holiday very special...

NCN Nov/Dec sketch contest WIP

It seems like I have been too busy to participate in these online sketch contests lately, but when I saw that the current one was "draw a Hitchcock scene" (being moderated by Vin Altamore) and that the deadline was Dec 15th, I decided to enter. The only Hitchcock movie I have ever seen is Rebecca (1940), starring Joan Fontaine, Laurence Olivier, and Dame Judith Anderson. Good flick though, as it won Best Picture for that year.

This is a work-in-progress....using my old friend the pencil.

Unseen projects....

After a warm and cozy holiday, I am back to my drawing board.
For the first time in awhile, I have several projects that can't shown on my blog...til they are delivered and/or published!
In the meantime,here is a snippet of my own personal Christmas card. It's a strange combination of hand-drawn airbrushed work, then finished in Photoshop. Happy December!

Raleigh columnist publishes my caricature of him...

Click to see larger image.

While in Raleigh, NC, for the National Caricaturists Network convention two weeks ago, we drew several subjects for the Likeness Competition. This is usually held on the first night of the convention proper, and consists of all the competing artists (183 this year) drawing from projected slides. Volunteers hang the results on the walls, which are then voted upon. (Joe Bluhm was the winner this year for this category.)

Here we are, drawing away....I am in this picture, try to find me! :-)
Below is the hard part...voting!


One of the subjects, unbeknownst to us, was a local columnist who writes for the Triangle Bizjournal. Since he was doing a piece on our convention, he decided to use my drawing of him for his column instead of his usual photograph! It was published on Friday. My good friends Roger Hurtado and Sheina Thibeault were also pictured in the article, posing and caricaturing, respectively!

I'm very appreciative that Chris used my drawing, and that his staff made sure I was provided with the article. Oftentimes during events, my caricatures are photographed by various media and I never find out if/when/where they are used.

Bat Mitzvah

As it turned into an unusually frigid November evening, a lovely young lady and her family and friends (whom I had alot of fun drawing) celebrated her Bat Mitzvah. As usual at such events, the youngsters were all drawn first, then the adults got brave enough to try it!








Update 11/25/08: Received a nice email from the father of the bat mitzvah girl...
Hi Emily,
I just wanted to thank you again for the great job you did Saturday night at Alicia's Bat Mitzvah. I think everyone really enjoyed your caricatures. Thanks again and happy Thanksgiving!

First Communion party

On Saturday, I caricatured for the whole Judeo-Christian tradition...meaning I was booked in the afternoon at a First Holy Communion party, and in the evening at a Bat Mitzvah. Whatever persuasion people are, they love to celebrate their children's milestones...
Here are some snapshots from the Communion party. Lots of adorable little girls..