ipad cartoon of ARCHIE ANDREWS from "THE RIVERDALE HIGH" project by Elgin Subwaysurfer Bolling

Been playing with this idea for a long time, and finally decided it would be fun to do with the ipad since it has all these crazy fun brushes. I always felt comic book icon, Archie Andrews of Riverdale needed a visual makeover, and while the whole gang has gotten an update lately in their comics. (yeah, I ADMIT IT! I STILL read ARCHIE COMICS!) although a little more realistic looking, they kinda look the same. I wanted to go with the "ARCHIE VIBE" but play with the proportions a little bit, and came up with this pic about 45 minutes later. This was a fun exercise which released my creativity, and gave me an opportunity to explore the Art Studio app further. I happen to like Art Studio a little more than the much applauded Sketchbook Pro App. Art Studio seems more intuitive for me in some way.
I plan on drawing the whole gang in The Riverdale High Series so stay tuned.

ARCHIE ANDREWS mystifies me. For all intensive purposes he should be the town nerd.Physically, His appearance is rather odd. Busy red hair , a big nose, an overbite, and freckles that decided to stay over on his face past childhood. Not to mention those thick black busy eyebrows of his. Yep, Archie SHOULD be the town Nerd, alright... But he isnt...He is a lovable Dunce who can afford a great car, is a klutz who cant to anything right, is constantly in trouble with his teachers and school principal for one mishap or another, and yet at the end of the day he has two of the most sought after girls in town competing for HIS attention, and if you read the comic like I do, he never seems to have trouble attracting female attention. He's even the rival of REGGIE MANTLE, Who is not only one of the COOLEST guys in the Archie Universe, but In my view, the PROPER match for Veronica. And Yet, Archie, in all his "dopiness" gets the girl.....
I get the old saying is true.
Some guys got "IT" and some guys Dont,
and in spite of his obvious shortcomings ARCHIE ANDREWS and Got PLENTY of that elusive "IT" that Most of us Males wish we had in High School.

More NEw York subway caricatures

He Had GREAT Hair But Did NOT want to be Caricatured!!! LOL! He kept turning his head, changing his position and GLARING at me! LOL! He kinda reminded me of 1950's strongman, Steve Reeves, From those Hercules Flicks waaaaay Back in the day..

This Guy was from out of town, on his way to JFK at Howard Beach, heading back home to parts unknown. He had this look on his face that said, "HI, ENGLISH IS NOT MY FIRST LANGUAGE"

Wow, In all this digital caricature excitement, I totally forgot that I've been riding the subway and coming up with this great stuff here! LOL!  Enjoy!

Digital Caricature Of Subwaysurfer By ANGIE JORDAN

Some days I just sit back and smile thinking to myself how GOOD it is to be ME!  Not only have I been inspired by the best,  taught by the best, but also DRAWN by the BEST! Since I'm featuring so many of Angie Jordan's Vids here, I thought it only right to Show off My personal Digital Caricature Done by Angie herself! I've have some great artists draw me before, but Angie captured that "something" in my expression that makes this picture instantly recognizable. What an inspiration! As far as my digital caricatures go, folks, THIS is what I'm shooting for.

Angie Jordan: iPad Caricatures with iFaraday stylus and ArtStudio update

RASTA MAN ipad Caricature by Subwaysurfer

HEY! I think Im getting to LIKE this Digital Drawing thing! LOL! Sketchbook pro has got the COOLEST painting tools that makes painting hair a pure joy! I cant WAIT to show you what Im coming up with tomorrow! Practice makes perfect and this pic only took me 30 minutes... not perfect, STILL a LOT of work to go on my painting technique, but Im coming along... step by step... pixel by pixel...BIG SHOUT OUT TO KENLY DILLARD, who gave me some much needed instruction on painting...

I'm beginning to get a feel for the Pogo stick...ugh... The trick seems to be to NOT STOP when you're doing the serious part of the drawing. I also see that I probably WILL be going the "cartoony route" when I do this live. I saw an excellent vid by Angie Jordan where she demonstrates this,and MAN does that Lady know her stuff!

In search of the right Ipad Stylus...

It didnt take me very long to discover that the POGO STYLUS is NOT the best tool for drawing. It starts OUT well enough, fresh out of the box, and is good for about an hour of drawing, but its all downhill from there, IMO. The point of it literally drags across the screen, and is reminiscent of a giant cue tip. It just doesnt FEEL like a pen in your hand , and when I would hold my stylus at certain angles It had difficulty making a mark.

Needless to say, I am in search, like so many digital artists, who have come before, of the PERFECT  STYLUS! at least for ME.  I'm currently viewing as much material as I can on the subject, and of course I want the cost to be as minimal as possible, BUT am willing to "spend the money" just to find something that works.
For those of you who are ALSO looking, Maybe you may find the info below useful.
Gee... is it just ME, or did I actually make myself look like a Baby Gorilla in the caricature I drew of myself???

Ipad Caricature Cartoons by Elgin Subwaysurfer Bolling

At the urging of Angie Jordan, The Worlds First ipad caricaturists, I purchased sketchbook Pro, the digital program of choice among caricature artists, and went to work on my first.SERIOUS color caricature using the software and this device. Right now I'm getting over the learning curve of adjusting to the slight time delay of the Pogo Stylus as it draws on the pad, the location and choice of different brushes and settings, as well as the art of painting itself, which until now, I all but ignored. I started the above sketch at 9pm last night working slowly in layers first laying down the initial blue line sketch in one layer, then gradually building up the color on subsequent layers. For an artist like me, who prides himself on his speed and accuracy, the slowing down process took a LOT of gettig used to, but was very satisfying as I explored new ways to color and shape my drawing like some digital sculpture. I looked up and it was 11PM. Where did the time go? I wasn't tired, and determined to COMPLETE this drawing, I put my head down, grasped a cup of lipton and continued. The next time I looked up it was 5 in the MORNING!! I had literally been at this for 8 hours!  This fact alone is phenomenal , as i am a BIG fan of getting a good nights rest, but like many people around the world, I am caught up in the ipads spell. It's not perfect, but Im very satisfied with the results of my second picture. It's GOT to get easier from here! I cant imagine going to a party and spending 8 hours on one face... unless its a very GOOD caricature!

WIth renewed confidence from the previous all nighter, I attacked this self portrait with gusto. As a result of my 8 hour ordeal, this painting came a lot easier, although it still wasnt QUICK. It took approx three hours to do. I wanted it to look kinda sorta realistic. Closer at least to how I actually draw caricatures. I can see by the way the materials perform, or at least the way I interact with them , that when I start using the ipad for party caricature I will probably lean more in the direction of cartoony caricatures, rather than the cartoon portraits  that I normally do. On another note, I can see the ipad is excellent for making quick wireframe sketches and later printing out the result to go over in marker like I have done for years.

Keep drawing... you really WILL Improve. Lessons from DJ DAZE By Elgin Subwaysurfer Bolling

The old adage, "Practice makes perfect" is a timeless truth that applies to any endevour, especially the art of caricature. Make no mistake about it, CARICATURE DRAWING IS NOT EASY. I meet folk all the time, most of them artists, who think that it is. Being able "to draw" doesnt always translate into being able to draw exaggerated, AND be able to get a dead on likeness. Add the additional element of a live screaming crowd, blaring music, and a time constraint of a live party event, and most of your artistic skills get left in the studio.
Ive seen it happen. It aint pretty.

Reflecting back on when I was a young caricature artist just starting out, I wanted to draw exaggerated right away, and in my arrogance, thought that just because "I could draw",that exaggeration would be another artistic skill I'd pick up easily, and add to my toolbox.

I struggled though, for many YEARS in fact.

I'm Really just beginning to understand how to do this.
A little.
But Ive also learned that we should despise our small beginnings, nor our baby steps. I found an old caricature recently in a sketchbook of DJ DAZE, who according to my blog stats, is a very popular picture that people come to check out.

DJ DAZE, is a Bodybuilder also, who I met several years ago while my son was in Hiah School. We were both attending a school play, and he was sitting next to me and I struck up a conversation which turned to caricature. I drew him that evening and gave him a copy of the picture after drawing one for myself. DAZE was a bodybuilder back then, as he is now , just a little smaller. As time went on, and as I went to several plays, Daze got bigger and bigger and my talent improved as well. I recall asking him and the picture you see posted is the result.

Daze's condition was remarkable, and was a perfect mirror image of how my own skill at drawing evolved over time also. While I was not lifting barbells, I was working out at the drawing board learning anatomy, exaggeration, and shading and the results were night and day. To me They appear to be drawn by different artists.

Im taking a long time to say that you really CAN improve IF YOU KEEP AT IT. Keep plugging away and keep continuing to push and challenge yourself as an aritst and you WILL improve if you don't quit.

Just ask DJ DAZE, he'll tell ya!

 

Ronald Mc Donaldhouse Fundraiser Caricature By Elgin SUBWAYSURFER Bolling

The Weather That day was GORGEOUS!!! Considering that the day before was raining cats and dogs in my neck of the woods, The Fact that it was a beautiful sunny , 68 degree day was a gift from God.  I was hired by my agent, to draw caricatures two Saturdays ago for a fundraiser  at Ronald Mc Donald house on The Fashionable East Side. I drew a lot of kids that day, but this particular couple stands out, being the only couple who stopped to be drawn. It was there first time drawing a caricature together and they were very much in love and it was apparent. I sang impromptu to the couple , and they both enjoyed it! For the lady, I sang Bobby Darin's hit, "Beyond the Sea" and finished off "my set" with Frank Sinatra's "I've got the world on a string" When I finished my serenade, I happily handed them the caricature and exclaimed, "Not only did I draw an excellent picture, but also created a memory for you two every time you hear that song! " That's why I DO with my art folks, I help to "DRAW PEOPLE CLOSER TOGEHTER" Pun intended!

FIRST IPAD CARICATURE by Elgin Subwaysurfer Bolling

 

Now that the excitement has worn off with my recent winning of the iPAD from authorSTREAM.com, I felt it was time to start learning how to use this thing to draw caricatures. I went to the APP Store on 14th Street and 9th ave in NYC , purchased a POGO STYLUS, downloaded Sketchbook Pro (At the urging of Angie Jordan) and started sketching.   I looked around for a suitable , interesting subject and stopped at Apple worker, RYAN WEISMEIT. Ryan reminded me of grafetti legend, KEITH HARING, and I immediately approached him and commented on the resembulance. 

Ryan, didnt know who Keith was, surprisingly, but was delighted that he looked like a famous person, and gladly posed for a picture. THIS was the end result of my FIRST iPAD Sketch, and I could tell that Im going to have a LOT of fun with this program.  I I eventually went on to clean up my lines, and colored the picture in, but sadly I accidentally ERASED the finished illustration.

Apparently I need to practice a LITTLE more with my ipad to get acquainted! 

Im still a little shaky on using the POGO on the iPad screen. Thee's a learning curve that I have to overcome before I'm at the point where I feel satisfied with my drawing style, but I wanted to share with you my progress as I continue to explore and improve. Stay tuned for some video Im putting togehter!

HOW TO DRAW HAIR step by step By Elgin SUBWAYSURFER Bolling

Hair can be a challenge to draw at live events especially if you're drawing AFRICAN AMERICAN HAIR Particularly on women and girls. Let me tell you folks, African Americans are world renknown for their creativity, the hair and the scalp is just another canvas! Drawing the confusingly intesne configuration of braids, curls and twists can frustrate even the most experienced artist. But if you have a PLAN it gets a whole lot easier. This is Legend, a beautiful young lady I drew recently at her birthday party, follow along with me step by step.

STEP 1
I start off by making a "wire frame" sketch of the face and the hair. I'm pretty loose at this stage and draw very quickly trying to get in as much "personality " into the pic as possible. I find that if I draw slower I lose some of that excitement. Even though I'm doing a "studio piece" of sorts, I still use a looser form of this initial "wireframe" sketch when I draw Live at events, using a light gray marker, or if Im drawing in color, a flesh colored art stixx.

STEP 2
Once Im satisfied with the wireframe, I begin to ink the drawing, making adjustments, if necessary, as I go. If Im drawing live, this is the stage where I give the person a second look, to see what I've missed. Im drawing here with a good ole' Black SUPER SHARPIE. I 've grown to like the consistent line it gives me, and unlike my favorite Tombo Brush pens, or Pitt Markers, SHARPIE has NEVER failed me, so I tend to stick with him these days. I give the face a LOT of attention at this stage, saving the hair for last, as I know it's the most challenging. At this stage, Im very careful to get the expression right in the eyes, and since this is a child I especially try to avoid drawing the chin too long , which "ages" a child with a single incorrect stroke of the pen.

STEP 3 and 4
In this close up Notice How I draw "THROUGH " the body. I know that Im going to fill in that area with black cater, so I dont worry about it at all. This young lady has dreads, and twists, which are rather large. in the old days I drew EACH INDIVIDUAL ONE complete with inking and it took a LONG time. It's a lot easier to relate to the hair NOT as "hair" but as a SHAPE. I look at the individual locks/strands/twists. like they are a type of container. Doing this helps me to become very loose with my drawing of the hair, and takes away that "stiff" look. Notice also how I've sketched the braids on the side of the head to follow the contour of the head shape. This is very important to get a more realistic effect.Ive also drawn each individual braid as an "X" which forms another "container" This process can be drawn surprisingly quickly. and takes the worry out of the inking stage to follow.

STEP 5

Inking is the fun part! For this job, the SUPER SHARPIE Marker is much too slow. For drawing hair I ALWAYS use Tombo Brush pens. The Brush allows me to use light quick, bold strokes, that add a sense of LIFE to the hair. Notice how I leave just enough white space to give off the illustion of light as it "shines" on the hair. Adding this illusion is very important, and a skill that you just must practice over and over again to get the right "feel"

I've found that if you dont include that "shimmering" quality to hair, your model will appear to be wearing a "plastic cap" that is "supposed to be their hair" Ive seen so many good caricature artists not give the hair the concentration and attention it deserves and ti weakens the drawing. When When doing the hair, try to have your strokes going in the same direction. This is one of the subtle ways you help to "lead the eye" of the viewer, and not create confusion. If you dont do this consistently, your viewer will think something is "wrong" with the picture but wont be quite able to put their finger on it.

STEP 6
The smallest braids on the side of the head can be inking with the Tombo as well, but a better choice is the smaller Pitt Pen. It's especially important when doing the braids to allow that "white space' arear in the middle to show, otherwise your braids will lose that 3D quality and will be a black mess... To make the hair even more realistic I take a fine point pen and draw "loose strands," of hair on each dread to make it appear more lively.

PRACTICE PRACTICE PRACTICE! Hair is difficult to draw AT FIRST, but once you get the hang of it,You'll [ut any hair designer to shame!

CARICATURE EXAGGERATION 101 HOW TO DRAW EXAGGERATED by Elgin subwaysurfer Bolling

Okay Folks, I'm about to give away another of my caricaturing secrets so listen up, get your notebook out and start writing....
Make no mistake about it, CARICATURE DRAWING IS HARD WORK. Unlike most forms of art where you have the TIME to assess, re interpret , and re adjust your work until it's Juuuuuuust right, Caricature drawing, especially LIVE party caricature drawing happens right in front of you, LIVE with "No net" what you see is what you get, and your LAST drawing has no bearing whatsoever on what you will be able to do next, because its a different face.
In caricature you have to have the skill of a portrait artist, a cartoonist, and a little bit of a lunatic to do it right. There IS "no real school " for this, and yet, in order to LEARN you have to have SOME sort of method, so here's one of mine.

DRAW YOURSELF FOR 30 DAYS STRAIGHT

When you first start you will probably do something that looks like a portraitm maybe a cartoon or two. But THAT will get old fast, remember, you have 30 days to do this. What you will find that you MUST do is FIND different ways to exaggerate yourself, and STILL make it look like you. Going through this process will FORCE you to think creatively, and think of NEW approaches to caricature your facial features. Even though YOU are the subject, the lessons you will learn in the next 30 days will carry over to how you caricature other people.
I guarantee it.
Just look at the video to see a few of my approaches.

Why I'm a Cartoonist Part 1 of 4 Check Out JEFF TAYLOR by Elgin Subwaysurfer Bolling

Ran Across Jeff Taylor while surfing aimlessly on Youtube and was intrigued by the title, WHY I'M A CARTOONIST. I was initially prepared to hear some big shot, or big shot wanna be cartoonist pontificating on how he's great, blah blah blah....instead, what I heard was a very very initiate, highly personal account of one man's journey to define himself as a person and as an artist. His account was riveting and compelling in it's honesty and transparency. Jeff "lays it out there on the line" and holds nothing back in the interview. It's so honest and personal you want to turn away. It's like you're in a confessional booth taking on the role of priest, or sitting across the table with a good friend who sharing with you his life and his dreams. I found a lot of parallels in Jeffs journey as an artist and a person with my own life and it caused me to reminisce and be glad and sad at the same time. In the end, I ended up becoming a subscriber to his channel, and even uploaded a view vids to his channel, not so much as a marketing ploy. but as a form of sharing and appreciation. I hope he shares and posts them.

This is part one of a series of four vids that I HIGHLY encourage you to check out on youtube back to back when you get a chance so that you will get the full emotional impact of who Jeff Taylor is. Believe me, he wants you to know, and you'll be glad you did.

Cartooning With Blitz - Full Program

BRUCE BLITZ INTERVIEW!! By Elgin Subwaysurfer Bolling

THE QUESTIONS
Hi! As Promised, I caught up with Bruce Blitz, who was gracious enough to grant me a short interview. Bruce, I realize Im asking you questions that may give others the secret of your success, so feel free to be as vague as you want! LOL :

There is/was no secret to my success. I just worked hard. I will say though... that I changed the way that I approached things like organization, diligence and a different way of dealing with things like rejection and bumps in the business road. I didn't used to be that way but knew that I had to learn those things if I wanted to get ahead. I read a lot of success type books around that time.

It must have been challenging at the time as a relative unknown artist to get his own TV SHOW that showcased his art HOW did you do this?

It was hard, but as I said, I learned to not let rejection get me down. I just kept trying. Before I knew it I wasn't as unknown anymore and things got easier! It's a momentum thing.

You’re obviously a marketing genius by evidence of the fact that your products have remained in the marketplace for so long. What do you attribute to that success?

I was not a marketing genius. Quite the opposite. People only see the results of what DID work, so quite naturally they think that it was easy for me. I made many mistakes and learned on the fly. I didn't give up. Sometimes we, as people, like to think that someone who succeeded at something (it could be anything) had some extra special super power..it let's all of us off the hook for ever trying. Like "Oh, I could never do that...blah blah"

Did you come up with these lessons on your own?:

Yes, I created the material for my books, kits, videos and Television series based on how I thought as a kid about cartooning. I aways try to remember to include the basics in my lessons. It's easy for someone who knows how to do something well... to forget how at one time they didn't know where to begin. I tried never to lose that way of thinking.

Who were/are YOUR artistic inspirations?:

I grew up on MAD magazine and DC comics and Marvel and anything with cartoons on or in it!! I really like Jack Davis, Drucker and the list would be too long, but you get the idea.

A lot of people don’t know this about you, but you’re a concert pianist, and a GOOD one. I’ve heard you play. With the way technology combines, visual images, and sound and movies, are their any plans to do anything that integrates your music with your cartooning?:

Thanks but I am not concert level at all. I can't read music. I played in rock bands since the 1060s. I wrote and performed all the music for my videos and my TV series "Cartooning with Blitz". My music was nominated for an Emmy...(which I didn't win @#$%^&!)

A lot of people don’t realize that you are also a caricature artist. I know these a section in one of your books that showcase your work, and Ive seen it personally at NCN Conventions. Are you Still doing that?:

;I own and operate 2 caricature concessions at Citizens Bank Park, the home of the Phillies! This is our 7th year. I drew there for the first 3 years but not so much now. I love drawing caricatures!!

Any current projects or recent successes that you’d care to share with us?:

I am working on many new projects that will be out soon!!

What’s the single most important thing a professional artist needs to do to be successful?:

To remember that even Jack Davis started at the beginning once! Every professional was once an amature. I could go on spouting motivational sayings here but will spare you. Let me just say practice is the key!!

Bruce I’ve already informed my readers, about how you were impressed with my work after viewing it some years ago, so…. If you want to give a review of My work, and your impressions , feel free to do so now…. Basically I’m asking for a shameless plug, here, GO!! :

I am a huge fan of Elgin's work! I remember when I first saw his drawings. The bold line and direct approach to what/who he was drawing caught my eye immediately. It's real cartooning. He is a great "cross hatcher" too. His work stands out because it doesn't look like anyone elses and is funny. His sense of humor together with his drawing style is what cartooning is all about...a funny drawing expressing a funny idea!!! Keep on cartoonin' Elgin!!

Your friend Bruce Blitz

Thank You Bruce, for taking time out of your busy schedule to do this interview! there was certainly a LOT to learn! First off, Bruce's success did NOT come overnight, he did not "get a lucky break" but created his OWN luck by showing up, trying new things, failing, and then trying again. As he pointed out we only SEE the RESULTS of his SUCCESSFUL efforts, not his failures that led up to that success and made him wiser. 

 

Whats also important to point out is the value of using ALL of your skills in order to promote your product. I'm sure that if Bruce would have had to hire a "professional musician" to do his music ,the cost would have been considerable, and someone ELSE  could have bragged that they helped to "make the show successful". It Pays to be a do it yourself-er, and although Bruce ISN'T by his own admission a Concert Level Pianist, HIS ORIGINAL MUSIC was good enough to get an EMMY NOMINATION!   You Go! BRUCE!

Lessons Learned at a BAR MITZVAH by Elgin Subwaysurfer Bolling

"That doesn't look like me!"

I cannot tell you how many times that I've heard THAT line, and it always comes from a person that I drew a "dead on" Likeness of. The fact is, that MOST people do NOT have a realistic objective, visually assessment of how they look,mostly because of a inflated ego or because they're not used to seeing their face at a three quarter angle.

Whatever their reason, I usually just ignore remarks like these, smile, and happily hand the person their "drawing that doesn't look like them".
This time, however, it was different.
This particular young man at the Bar Mitzvah looked at my drawing and pointed out things that didnt match up with his face. He did this so honestly and respectfully, that I was compelled to listen, and did. Apparently, this youngster had the presence of mind to know EXACTLY what he looked like, and what's more, he ACCEPTED himself, for who he was and how he looked.

I drew him over.

The results were fantastic.
He was very pleased with the corrected drawing, and once I had something to compared it with, I saw IMMEDIATELY everything I had missed.

How could I have been so Blind?

Arrogance.

Sometimes we caricature artists get so caught up in "doing our art" that we can get into a mode where we just "give people a picture" not CARING if it LOOKS like them as long as it's "in the neighborhood".
I dint know I had been guilty of that, in THIS picture(Let's not get it twisted folks, the Subwaysurfer RARELY makes drawing mistakes at parties)

This Young man because of his honesty, taught me a valuable drawing lesson. Dont take your subject for granted. The most important person to draw is the one that is in front of you at the moment. Concentrate, REALLY SEE them, and then draw them like they're the only person in the room. If you do that, I learned, the results can be very satisfying. After all, that "bad " caricature you draw is going to have YOUR name on it. Your name is worth protecting.

So The NEXT time I hear,

"It doesn't LOOK like me"

I'll STOP and CONSIDER it!







Unless of course, you're in complete denial!

THE BIG BOOK OF CARTOONING by BRUCE BLITZ

Bruce Blitz is one of my heroes. First off, the man is a marketing genius. Bruce's popular How to draw Cartoons books, videos, have been staples in Art Stores for years, and can even be found at major retail stores around the country and especially in the NYC area. He is also an Emmy award winning TV Personality and his show has captivated youngsters for years, and now that he's online , his work will live on forever.
What I personally find most remarkable about Bruce is that he started his media campaigning, his personal "Branding" of himself and his work, at a time when these concepts, although common place today, were relatively unknown, and under used by individual professional artists. Bruce, IMO is the undisputed heavyweight champ of how to promote yourself as a professional cartoonist. I certainly have learned a lot from him.

Most artists may "pass off" Bruce's style as being "too retro" "not contemporary enough" for today's generation who likes their artwork, especially caricature and cartoons, "more extreme". It would be a mistake, to "sleep " on Bruce's ability, as he is able to draw caricatures with the best of them. I KNOW, because I've seen it.

I Met Bruce Blitz years ago at a Las Vegas Convention held by the NCN The National Caricaturist Network , Now known as the ISCA The International Society of Caricature Artists. I was very excited to meet one of the "ICONS" of the profession, and found him surprisingly, for a celeb of his stature, approachable. Bruce wrote me a few weeks later following that Convention, telling me how much he enjoyed my work. Although he loved my caricature work, he assessed me as being what he called "a cartoonist FIRST" which was something I hadn't at the time, discovered, but once he SAID it, I understood immediately. He further went on to say how much he liked my cartooning and how he was routinely checking out my blog, even at one point, offering me caricature work in his neck of the woods. I was trilled that a "little nobody" like me, .....heh... at the time......had made such an impression on a guy with the stature of Blitz. It gave me the confidence to push ahead through many nights of disappointment, and frustrations, to become the artist that I am today. Bruce Blitz, is truly one of my caricature cartooning mentors, and I owe him a lot.

Im hoping in a future blog post to have a s short interview with Bruce if his schedule permits. Stay tuned. this will definitely be worth checking out!

In the meantime, be sure to check out the youtube link of Bruce's cartooning series, and look at his other work as well. You will be inspired too, just like the SUBWAYSURFER Was!

WI FI IS COMING TO THE NYC MTA SUBWAYS

Imagine the SUBWAYSURFER'S Surprise when he turned on his computer and read this story on Yahoo News by Staff Writer, Pete DONOHUE. (see story below) The Subways where Yours truly does all his Extreme Life Drawing is FINALLY getting Wired and coming into the future that we all always envisioned in those JETSONS cartoons!! 

I wont talk about the potential dangers of having us wired in the subways... for now.... instead, lets focus on the possibilities....

 Drawing/Caricaturing Possibilities... to be exact.... heh, heh..


It's hard enough drawing commuters when they're tired , stressed bored and agitated because they have nothing to do while underground, with the introduction of wireless acess, they all will now be so happily occupied that they will be to busy talking, texting, and "inter-netting" ....gee, is that a word???... to even notice The Subwaysurfer Drawing their happy occupied faces!!! whats MORE is that I TOO can bring my digital devices on the train and happily  bring digital pictures straight to YOU AS THEY HAPPEN!!! according to the article  excerpt below,  My main line, THE A  is definitely getting it... Im waiting with baited breath....


Pete Donohue, Daily News Staff Writer

Six subway stations should be wired for cell phone service by the end of next year - with the rest of the underground system not far behind, authorities said.
Transit Wireless has until the middle of 2012 to provide service in the stations, but CEO Chris Jaeger said yesterday he expects the work will be done six months earlier.
Jaeger said he also expects all 277 underground stations to be wired before the 2016 contract deadline.
The first to get cell service include five stations beneath W. 14th St. on the A, C, E, L, 1, 2, 3, V and F lines.
The sixth station is W. 23 St./8th Ave., which serves the C and E lines.
Trains are not expected to have service between stations.


Transit Wireless, meanwhile, has just inked agreements with AT&T and T-Mobile to carry their signals on the communications system being built at no cost to the MTA. The company is still negotiating with other carriers.

Little Girl with GREAT HAIR by Elgin Bolling

Another person from the Party Art Productions Party!
This is Okemas Daughter, Legend. Love her name and her hair. This is a photo I took, but I loved her "look" so much that I did another from memory.

Man With DREADLOCKED MOHAWK by Elgin SubwaySurfer Bolling

The women weren't the only ones who had great hair at Okema Diiaz's party,for Party Art Productions. The MEN were equally bold with their hairstyles, like this young barber who had this dread locked Mohawk that he cut himself! AWESOME!

Party caricature of hair designer, MINISTA JAZZ by subwaysurfer

"Minister Jazz" was one of the fascinating guests I met/drew at a Party by my agent at Party Art Productions "Minister Jazz" had Fabulous hair and as she sat down I could not wait to draw her. When she turned to the side, Ito my amazement, it was partially bald, except for the word, "BOLD" that was shaved, on the side. I put down my drawing for a moment and quizzed her about the hair.  She explained to me that the word was NOT shaved but written into her scalp with a marker. She explained that everyday she gave her self "an intention:" or word of intent or affirmation which she wanted to embody that day, and also to communicate to others what she was feeling/intending. I found that to be fascinating  that a person would have that much commitment to their art using themselves as the ultimate art object.

Caricature as SACRED ART by Elgin Bolling

I Had this Fantastic Party For Party Art Productions ,That was held for a lovely lady named OKEMA DIAZ for her daughter, LEGEND. EVERYONE at this party had the most fantastic hair!
 The party was held in Okema's home, and I was so flattered that immediately after it was drawn she placed it prominently on what appeared to be an ALTAR, thus treating it as a Sacred Object WHAT A COMPLIMENT!
I was soon to learn that there were some hairstylists, fashion models, and makeup artists present at the party which was no surprize since everyone was BEAUTIFUL! It was a complete contrast to a Bar Mitzvah I attended the day before.

iPad Caricature Demonstration with Art Studio and Pogo Sketch (with Digi...

Angie Jordan is an amazingly talented caricature cartoonist, who I met years ago at an NCN (National Caricaturist Network) I was attracted immediately to her animated cartoony style, and she was one of first caricature artists, who was bravely using the new digital technology available YEARS ago.It comes as no surprise, to me at least that she is the worlds first Ipad caricaturist. Now that I own one of these things Im seeking out the best to learn how to use it, so who else would I turn to? Enjoy the vid. I know I will!

Drawing on the right side of the brain chap 1

Drawing on the right side of the brain is one of the subwaysurfer's "secrets", Folks. That's right. I learned some of my skill from BOOKS , and THIS is by far the one I HIGHLY RECOMMEND.
This book is Easily one of the best, if not THE best "idiot proof" HOW TO DRAW BOOKS on the subject. Ive told my students about this book for YEARS. This book is a gem that truly teaches you everything you need to know about the subject in an easy to understand way.
This book should be required reading for anyone who is serious about improving their drawing skills, regardless of their level, but especially for beginners. It helped me in my pro caricature work for sure.
Unlike most art instruction books nowadays, the author is not interested in just "showing off their skills" and stroking their own ego, but giving to the reader a well thought out, systematic road map which will give them NOTICEABLE improvement in a matter of weeks. There is a great BEFORE and AFTER section that showcases work of students MS. Edwards, each possessing a different level of skill. The results are truly inspirational and astonishing. If you're a "bad" artist, this book will make you a GOOD artist. If you're a Good artist, it will make you an exceptional one.

SUBWAYSURFER'S SUBWAY ART STUDIO

VS Live #3 - BAttle for the Mark Event

Top 10 Tips you need to know when choosing a Party Artist by Elgin Bolling

Folks, I aint gonna lie, at the end of reading this post, I hope and pray that you CHOOSE ME each and every time you need an artist to draw for your party. But ... I cant be selfish. I mean I CAN be selfish, but I WONT. There are many great artists in the NYC area and all over the United States and Europe. I KNOW. I've met them. Here is a guide Ive put together that may be of use to you in choosing an artist no matter who he/she is.

But I hope you choose me. Okay... here we go...

TEN TIPS

1 Do you like his style?

2 Does he have pictures of his LIVE work?

3 How FAST can he draw?

4 How Personable is He/she?

5 What VIBE do you get from him/her?

6 How much experience does he/she have?

7 Is he/she affiliated with other companies?

8 Are his/her prices reasonable?

9 Is he/she willing to travel?

10 Has he/she worked your type of venue before?

Ive been a Professional party caricature artist for over ten years, folks, worked every conceivable venue from Anniversaries, To Zoo openings, and Ive seen this ONE thing happen over and over.

After spending time to get just the right decorations, table settings, DJ's< Party Place, etc. When it comes to hiring the best ARTIST they just get "anybody" Ive actually heard people complain: "He didnt draw me right" , "he was rude" , He was slow" etc. etc. Believe me folks having a Poor caricature artist at your party ruins the event! WHY? well because unlike Cake that is EATEN, Wine that is DRUNK Music that is DANCED to, the CARICATURE DRAWING is a KEEPSAKE. It's a memento that is "frozen in time" pointing to that event. It's not "just a picture" it's a MEMORY. BUT HOW DO YOU CHOOSE A GOOD ARTIST OUT OF THE HUNDREDS? Let me go through EACH STEP"

1 Do you like his style?

As the consumer you have the right to choose an artist whose style appeals to you. If you are comparison shopping, and Im not against it, you SHOULD Do this, look for an artist whose style of work you would like to have on your wall. FEW artsits are able to deviate from their "HOME" style (I happen to be one, of course who is at home drawing highly exaggerated or more subdued...just had to tell ya that..heh, heh. ). If they draw wild and exaggerated, chances are they will draw YOU wild and exaggerated, and MAYBE you dont WANT that. Since you're BUYING the service you deserve to get what you want, no?


2 Does he have pictures of his LIVE work?

ANY artist worth his salt can draw an excellent picture WHEN HE HAS TIME. look on their site to see if they 're live work actually LOOKS like the person they're drawing. Ask them HOW LONG IT TAKES for them to draw. Remember you are PAYING them by the hour. If you have 20 or more guests and you get an artist who draws one picture every ten or twenty minutes then you're in for empty pockets, unsatisfied guests and a long night.


3 How FAST can he draw?

If he cant draw with a Three to Five Minute time frame he is SLOW.Nothing is more frustrating to a party guest than to have to wait on a lllllooooooonnnnggggg line by a slow drawing artist, and STILL not get drawn! I've seen it happen, It aint pretty, and whats worse, is that your guests have sacrificed their precious party time in the hopes of getting drawn by this slow poke artist.  If possible have your artist meet you personally. Take out your watch, ask them to draw you on the SPOT. If he/she can draw you quickly, that's a great indicator on how fast they will be able to draw your guests.



4 How Personable is He/she?

The artist, unlike the hot dog vendor at the food court is an LIVE ENTERTAINER. You WANT someone who is going to be able to entertain your guests and be personable. He should be "part of the event" This is one reason I go out of my way to interact with people Im drawing. I LOVE to engage them. It makes the whole party experience a night to remember. Being personable is very important when it comes to children's parties especially. Does the artist even LIKE kids?  Interview your potential artist and ask them questions. It will become pretty apparent to you how personable they are in a few moments.


5 What VIBE do you get from him/her?

Does the artist REFUSE to meet with you prior to the event,; do they rush you off the phone, or are they "all business?" Sometimes this is an indication that they are "all about the money" and while it's TRUE they are working professionals, you want someone who you can work with. Ive heard accounts of people who have been insulted by artists, ignored by them, and even ridiculed all in the name of "fun" Trust your instincts if you get a weird vibe dont hire them.


6 How much experience does he/she have?

How long has the artist been doing his job? While we all must begin SOMEWHERE do you really want a novice to try their skills at YOUR event? While there are some novices who are very talented, the dynamic of a live event makes some of them fold. Ive SEEN it happen! You want your event to be a success, not some "NEW JACKS" experiment.


7 Is he/she affiliated with other companies?

While it's true most caricature artists work as independents I find that it's good to find out who they are or have been affiliated with in terms of other company's. For example I have worked with numerous event planners in NYC and across the United States for many years. Having worked with these individuals has helped me establish a track record with them for being dependable, professional, one time, courteous and fun. ANY artist off the street can tell you "they're good" how would YOU know? Professional affiliations help you to ask artist employers how good they are. Testimonials from reputable clients also fall into this category. Keep in mind that if you go through an Event Planner to book your caricature artist, you will be paying a higher fee than if you approach the artist directly.



8 Are his/her prices reasonable?

As fun as it is, Party Caricature is a business , and yes I want to get paid. After all Ive developed some annoying habits over the years like eating, wearing clothes and having a roof to keep the rain off me. Having said that are the artists rates REASONABLE for YOU? that's the key question. Is the artist willing to negotiate? granted, some things cannot be negotiated , but find out how your artist feels about their price. You might be pleasantly surprised. Ive actually come up with many ways my clients can save money by booking me for different types of events and have even thrown in free additional specials at no cost whatsoever. Keep in mind also that your artist is a professional  who uses a highly developed skill that few people appreciate or even realize. Price is always a "touchy" issue... realize that you probably CAN get an artist for "cheap" but you will definitely sacrifice skill level and professionalism if you are TOO much of a cheapskate!


9 Is he/she willing to travel?

This is self explanatory. Be up front with the artist and tell him/her where the venue will be. Some area are either remote, hard to access or, from the artists position, dangerous!(come on , we live in NYC, we KNOW where those places ARE) Nevertheless, your location IS your location so find out if the artist is WILLING to go there and if there is additional travel costs involved.



10 Has he/she worked your type of venue before?

Every event has it's own dynamic. Ive seen artists show up at formal events wearing jeans and a tee shirt and utterly ruining the "vibe" of the event just because they aren't accustomed to working in that venue. Some artists DON'T work well with children, some do. Ive even met one artist who "didn't like" to draw the elderly! You would be surprise how many artists "cant draw Black people" It doesn't hurt to ASK the artist the truth, and to ASK FOR SAMPLES .

I hope these tips help you in choosing your artist... which of course I hope is ME..hint, hint! ... feel free to email or phone me at 347 424 5349 if you have any questions!

PRETTY AS CAN BE

ELgin Bolling AUTHORSTREAM WINNER PPT

That's right folks! It's OFFICIAL! I didnt want to talk about it until I actually had the physical item in my hands, but YES, your's truly, THE SUBWAYSURFER, thanks to the wonderful folks at authorSTREAM, is now a "member" of the "Steve Jobs Apple Club!"
I've wanted to be a member for YEARS!! Before I tell you MY story, which I KEEP retelling, let me tell you about authorSTREAM. If you like using powerpoint presentation software as much as I do, then you'll love their platform. the folks at authorSTREAM enable you to upload your presentations for your friends and clients to download,and share. There are conferencing features also that I haven't investigated, but best of all, their platform offers a way to load your presentation straight to youtube, faster than you can say...er... YOUTUBE! LOL! That was ultimately MY reason for signing up in the first place.
I use POWERPOINT extensively for my sequential art work and presentations. It's the first graphics program I learned how to use , so there was always this nostalgic value associated with it as well. I wanted to upload some of my presentations to the web but became increasingly frustrated not being able to find a program that would do it EASILY. I dont owe a CURRENT version of PPT which I guess would make this easier, so I was at a loss what to do...
Until I found authorSTREAM that took all the guesswork out of it.
I uploaded my "Father's Day Comic/presentation" to the site first, because it was completed, for one, and It was something I was very proud of. I drew/wrote the story for my own Father as a Father's day gift. I wanted to share with him a memory, rather than the usual "tie and card". Who would have ever guessed that presentation would touch the hearts of so many? Literally overnight, the presentation got close to a hundred views in less than a 24 hour period! and WON!!! For those of you who think GOD DOESN'T perform miracles today, all I can say is, You have your opinion.... I have my iPAD!

Amused and Confused Female Drawing on the Train by subwaysurfer

Two ladies I saw on the train with two interesting expressions! one Looked OOverly amused and the other overly confused! I LOVE IT!

KING OF NEW YORK HACKS BLOGSITE REVIEW by Subwaysurfer

Stumbled across a WONDERFUL Blog this morning that is written by an authentic New York City Cabbie , who we in New Yawk refer to as "HACKS" Dont ask me about the origin of the slang, I really dont know....
According to the Blurb on the Blogsite the author writes...

One of the few NYC born and bred Yellow Taxi Drivers who brings laughter and provokes thought for the meager price of a fare...and a tip of course.

 The current post on the blog , as of this writing, is on September 11th. The Post is touching and powerful. Seen from the eyes of a New York City Cab driver with the soul of a poet. Here is an excerpt from that page:

...So I took my annual walk around Ground Zero on the 8th of September this year. I went in early just like I did when I worked at 4 World Trade so many years ago. I spent most of the morning walking into many of the places I used to walk by or stop in, and went to many new places as the downtown that existed before our Freedom was attacked and The World Trade center was evaporated whilst murdering my friends and fellow Americans, has developed over the last year and it was the first time I felt good and felt enthusiastic about our future being that for NINE years it has been just a pit....that has left a pit in many. I won't let people not remember this day or try to put a different spin on it to make it some kind of holiday that they can capitalize on. This happened. We must REMEMBER....

This is just a taste of what you will experiecne when you check out this great blog. I encourage you to viist DAILY .

http://kingofnewyorkhacks.blogspot.com/

I LOVE TO DRAW A GOOFY LOOKING GURL

APOLOGY TO ALL MY VIEWERS By Subwaysurfer

LISTEN TO THE AUDIO APOLOGY

This message goes out to all my loyal viewers, and now since there is audio on some of the posts, my loyal listeners as well. Please accept my humble sincere apology for being SELFISH, SELF CENTERED, EGOCENTRIC and VAIN.
You tune in regularly, you increase my numbers and visibility, you enjoy and comment on my artwork and writing, and you help to raise my self esteem and encourage me to be a better artist.

And WHAT have I Given YOU?
For the most part,
I DON'T visit YOUR blogs
I DON'T look at your pictures
I DON'T even stop by to say so much as "HI" to you.

No. I just keep on posting picture after picture, poem after poem, rant after rant, all the time patting myself on the back for being "witty, thought provoking, and interesting"

If I was at a party I'd walk away from a person like me and find someone REALLY interesting.

It is for this reason that I am sending out this APOLOGY to all my viewers. I want to change. I want you to know that I DO appreciate you, I DO LOVE WHAT you do, and now that I see what my shortcomings were and are, I will try my best to reach out and touch you as much as you've reached out to touch me.

This is what I promise.
I hope you will forgive me.
And keep tuning in to this blogs as I tune in to your blog.
Love and Respect

Elgin Subwaysurfer Bolling.

SORRY ABOUT ALL THE COMMERCIALS FOLKS!

Sorry about all the commercials folks,and THANK YOU FOR YOUR PATIENCE. Let me tell you FIRST of all, if I've NEVER told you before that I LOVE and APPRECIATE you as an audience. You have helped by your faithful attendance and tuning in daily to make SUBWAYSURFER BLOGGG one of the most watched Blogs online. Your viewership has prompted me to draw more and more and improve my craft as an artist, and I THANK YOU for it.

Iv been putting up a lot of ads lately because quite frankly I HATE to be a member of the starving artists club. It aint fun, and Ive seen enough subway derelicts to know that people would just as soon throw me on the third rail in front of an express train than give me quarters if I start begging on the trains... thus, the need and the desire to do a little self promotion here.

This blog WILL NOT turn into another "MARKETING BLOG" a way to "make money" That would be disrespectful to YOU the viewers.Rest assured that you can look forward to the same zany drawings of those crazy NYC commuters that Ive been entertaining you with for years.

Im beginning to see a couple of other "subwaysurfers" on the web these days, and that's cool I guess. I didn't invent drawing on the trains... but I SURE AS HECK PERFECTED IT! so stay tuned here! the best is yet to come...

And if you LIKE the art, and some of the things I'm offering, than by all means,

BUY SOME WILL ya??

Market yourself like OPRAH Does - cartoonist ELGIN SUBWAYSURFER BOLLING Shows Your how to market/brand yourself like Oprah!

Commercial "CARICATURE IS WHAT I DO! by ELGIN SUBWAYSURFER BOLLING

CARICATURE IS WHAT I DO! LISTEN TO THE AUDIO!

MASTER PLAN PRODUCTIONS Music Studio Ad by Elgin Bolling

 

Every  now and then Im reminded that I used to be a graphic artist and was hired to make flyers one page,quarter page and full  page Ads, like THIS one that I'm doing for a friend. He wants to remain nameless, but has actually toured all over the world working for some of the biggest names in the music industry behind the  scenes. He personally has helped me to get some of the things I want to do musically off the ground, and if you're in the NYC area, and are SERIOUS about learning music production, Piano, and how to sing and record in the STUDIO  you really should give him a call, TRUST ME its WORTH YOUR TIME!

The Art Jumble Blog: Elgin SUBWAYSURFER Bolling's 5 Best pics

The Art Jumble Blog: Elgin SUBWAYSURFER Bolling's 5 Best pics

AFRICAN AMERICAN CARICATURE ARTIST Elgin Bolling

As a busy subwaysurfer slash extreme life drawer on the trains of NYC, I frequently run into people who just cant resist, to my delight, booking me to draw at their party. After seeing me hilariously and quickly draw their fellow commuters quickly, they correctly assume, "hmmmm, if he's THAT good drawing them while they're NOT even paying attention to him, he must really be good drawing them LIVE when they actually know it. And yes, they are right. Ive booked a lot of parties that way, particularly in the Black Community.
I never really thought about it, but a lot of my African American clients have booked me as a result of seeing me draw on the trains. I constantly get the comment, "I've never seen a BLACK MAN do this before," or "I NEVER thought of having an artist for my party before!" Traditionally, us Black Folks LOVE to party! Food is a MUST and of course the DJ HAS to be good! but as far as a caricature artist is concerned.... well, that's something that "other" people do. People who have deeper pockets, or have Bar Bat Mitzvahs.
After quizzing some black folk on why they don't use caricature artists the answer is, "I dont know any black ones". Now on the surface that SOUNDS racist, doesn't it? I mean after all, the ART should be neutral. If artist is skilled, fast, and can make the picture look like you, well, it shouldn't make a difference WHAT color he or she is and YES I AGREE with this viewpoint.

BUT...

I still think it's GOOD for Black People,African Americans, Colored Folk, to Hire African American Artists, If possible.

IMAGE AND SELF ESTEEM

As People of color,who have been in some ways, marginalized and compartmentalized by society, it's important that we see each other doing other things that traditionally we haven't seen.
It's INSPIRING to Black People, especially children to see an AFRICAN AMERICAN Doctor, Lawyer, Pharmacist, and yes, CARICATURE ARTIST.
When a child, and a people see others in these professions it causes them to drewam. it makes them say, HEY! maybe I can do that TOO!
Because President Obama is in office as of this writing, MILLIONS of Black males are sitting up a little straighter and dreaming a little higher, AND feeling a little better about this country in general.
It warms my heart when a African American child looks at my picture , then says to me,
" I want to be an artist JUST LIKE YOU" when I grow up"
I NEVER get tired of hearing that, and Ive heard it a lot over the years.

One last thing....
One of the reasons that IM a professional Caricature artist TODAY is because of an African American Caricature/cartoonist named OVERTON LLOYD.

Overton drew cartoons for PHARLAMENT FUNKADELIC back in the Day and Gave life to George Clinton's outrageous characters like STARCHILD and SIR NOSE DAVOIDOFFUNK!
Overton drew a caricature of my friend, Dennis at a party and i was amazed that a BLACK MAN did this. I couldn't keep my eyes off the picture! and while I didn't get a chance to be drawn by myself, just SEEING that planted a seed in my little artists heart, that grew up into the "TREE" that I am today.

Dreams DO come true, when BLACK CHILDREN have something or someone to hang them on.

THIS CARICATURE ARTIST IS CRAZY FAST Meet ADAM PATE!

This is my buddy ADAM PATE a quick draw artist who THANKFULLY doesnt live in my part of town! LOL Adams strong point is his speed and man can he rock!