The Wondrful World of Alx Robinson

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Feb 16

Mrs. Parker and Mr. Benchley

So here’s something (hopefully) interesting: way, way back in 1998 a curious website (http://heyoscarwilde.com/ ) asked me to draw a favorite literary character or author. I drew Dorothy Parker and Robert Benchley, and you can see the results on the left. 

Recently someone contacted me and asked if the original was for sale. Since I sold it long ago I suggested that I could recreate the drawing pretty easily. They agreed. When I sat down to draw it, however, I was hit with a dilemma: it had been years since I’d looked at the drawing and while I make no claims to being a Great Artist I had improved slightly since 1998. So do I draw the picture the best I can in my current style or stick as close as I can to the original?

I decided I had to do the best I could but would keep the same basic layout. I found the contrast and subtle differences interesting. I think the biggest difference is confidence. The 2012 version seems a lot smoother and assured. One small detail: I used to use black magic markers (!) to fill in my blacks, which you can definitely see at the bottom of the image (I use brushes now, as you can tell looking at the bottom of the 2012 version. 

Remind me to redraw this again in 2016 and again in 2030. After that you’re on your own. 

Posted 3 months ago

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Dorothy Parker, Robert Benchley, Art,

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