For my latest illustration I borrowed from the painting, Gross Clinic by Thomas Eakins...
This is the original sketch which some of you might remember from a few posts back...
I wasn't happy with it, but I didn't want to abandon it either. So I played around until I got this...
This is the original sketch which some of you might remember from a few posts back...
I wasn't happy with it, but I didn't want to abandon it either. So I played around until I got this...
And using my newest computer toy, Painter 11, I electronically inked over the rough sketch and put in some background color...
Then finished it up in Photoshop... 
At this stage I realized, wow, Obama looks just like that guy from SNL! I was also somewhat troubled by the realization that, depending on how this illustration is captioned, it could be swung in favor of either left or right. I mean, if empathy of all things can be seen as a detriment to sound judgeship, what horrible things might be said about democrats with Legos? So, for the google record, this is an illustration in favor of rational public discourse (exemplified by the ever calm democratic President Barack Obama) and a careful and logical examination of issues. In the back of course are republicans like Sarah Palin and Cheney/Rove/Limbaugh/etc., public figures who seem incapable of this kind of mature and respectful public discourse. Or worse, reject it despite their better instincts in favor of inciting fear, anger and hatred in as many people as possible. Not that I feel like debating politics here. Nothing seems to make a good person lose sense quicker than the subject of politics.
And here I imagine Obama not so much speaking to republicans (would they even listen? Probably not) but to people like me. I, for one, am willing to listen.
At this stage I realized, wow, Obama looks just like that guy from SNL! I was also somewhat troubled by the realization that, depending on how this illustration is captioned, it could be swung in favor of either left or right. I mean, if empathy of all things can be seen as a detriment to sound judgeship, what horrible things might be said about democrats with Legos? So, for the google record, this is an illustration in favor of rational public discourse (exemplified by the ever calm democratic President Barack Obama) and a careful and logical examination of issues. In the back of course are republicans like Sarah Palin and Cheney/Rove/Limbaugh/etc., public figures who seem incapable of this kind of mature and respectful public discourse. Or worse, reject it despite their better instincts in favor of inciting fear, anger and hatred in as many people as possible. Not that I feel like debating politics here. Nothing seems to make a good person lose sense quicker than the subject of politics.
And here I imagine Obama not so much speaking to republicans (would they even listen? Probably not) but to people like me. I, for one, am willing to listen.
Amazing sketch/animation! Very clever. And can I ask something (possibly very stupid)...is Obama trying to make your healthcare system Government-lead instead of privately through HMOs etc? Is that what the uproar we are hearing about over here?
ReplyDeleteBrilliant, Cheryl! I really love how this has evolved. You are always surprising me in a wonderful way with your work. You're so very talented. Keep at it! x
ReplyDeleteHi Toni, Thank you! It's my first political illustration so I've been a bit insecure about it.
ReplyDeleteAs to your question, I assumed that's what he was trying to do at first...but now I'm not so sure. It seems to be evolving day by day. But I'm pretty sure that his main aim is to correct the parts of our health care system that doesn't work, in whatever form it eventually takes. A lot of the uproar...I think a lot of is (especially from the right) is about other things, a misdirection of anxiety. Have you read Obama's NY Times Op Ed? I think that'll give you a much clearer sense of what he's trying to do than I can explain secondhand.
Thanks for stopping by!
Hi Carol Anne! Thanks! I almost gave up on it, and I'm so glad you believed in it enough to encourage me to continue. Now, I'm pretty happy with it, though it's not perfect. On to the next project!! xx
I'm with Carol Ann. The evolution was really cool to see. I really have to say Cheryl, you are quite the talented artist.
ReplyDeleteCheryl, your talent is impressive! I'll stay away from US politics for now!
ReplyDeleteFunnily enough, I find that politics actually makes me more sane, because through my politics I find reaffirmation of my values and the advocacy of things that are important to me.
ReplyDeleteExplaining to someone why every American should have health insurance, why we should go to war only when necessary but why war should always be an option, or why gay people deserve all the same rights as straight reminds me of who I am and why this country is great.
i love the eakins work -- it is just amazing.
ReplyDeleteyour work is amazing too. the ear size is worrying me a little bit. but i guess it could either be interpreted that he is a great listener, or if one is cruel, something much worse.
please forgive if this is out of line. if it is, delete this comment, and yell at me for being an idiot. sometimes i am. for sure.
Hi Drollgirl, eh...if you don't like it, you don't like it. Or you don't like his ears anyway. Deleting your comment won't change that. It's easier to take criticicm on a photograph, I have to admit, than some on something I spent days working on. Such is the risk of sharing...
ReplyDeleteHow did I miss this entry? How interesting to see the progression of your thoughts and your drawing, and the fantastic result. Well done, Cheryl, what can I say? You are amazing!
ReplyDeleteIs Sarah hiding her face? :) Look at those sceptical faces... I love it!
ReplyDeleteHi Theresa and Dedene, thanks, I hope just one illustration agency out there feels the same way!
ReplyDeleteHi Brightened Boy, knowing what you stand for is one good things about politics. It helps us define ourselves in that way. Maybe why so many of us are addicted to political news.
Hi Celeste Maia,thanks, I really appreciate that. Now if only Pixar felt the same way...
Hi Dutch Donut Girl, yup, that's Cruelle De Ville, that --- human being.
When I see what your are able to do, I'm getting envious! I guess you meet a lot of frustration, but also a lot fun and pleasure! ... and don't forget that Leonardo spent years on his paintings, if he ever finshed them!
ReplyDeleteThanks Peter, for that wise reminder. It's the doing I love (and must do), regardless of the results.
ReplyDelete