Margaret Thatcher Cartoons by Gerald Scarfe, Chris Riddell and Steve Bell (1991)

 

 

I forgot I had these in my newspaper cut-outs collection from two and a half decades ago. The one above is of course by the legendary Gerald Scarfe (published in the Radio Times) who is still working today, producing ever more striking and funny caricatures of politicians! Here is a link for his official website with dozens of amazing cartoons and books by the artist: http://www.geraldscarfe.com/

 

The second one, from the Guardian, is not portraying the real funeral of Lady Thatcher that we've just had even though many of the characters in this drawing were at present (John Major, Norman Lamont, Michael Heseltine etc)! It's referring to the events after she was forced to stand down as a Prime Minister. Steve Bell's very funny cartoon website is at:  http://www.belltoons.co.uk/

 

The last one is by Chris Riddell, another veteran British illustrator and political cartoonist (published in The Independent). Thatcher along with the other two major political leaders of the eighties, all retired and reminiscing. Chris Riddell's official website, featuring a wealth of illustrations from his long career is: http://www.chrisriddell.co.uk/

 

 

"Marlene Dietrich" drawn by Harris (2013)

This is one of a few pencil studies I've been working on recently, inspired by the masterful black and white photography of the 1930's and 40's cinema. I've always been fascinated by the way the characters from that era were created larger than life with the use of atmospheric lighting and exaggerated angles (in addition to all other standard tricks like make-up, costumes, hair-styles etc). I'm sure Hollywood borrowed a few hints from past European artists like Rembrandt, Daumier, Velazquez and others and quite rightly so.

Anyway, this is from a film called "The Devil Is A Woman" (1935) starring Marlene Dietrich. I love the way the camera portays her as angelic and serene, in complete contrast with the title of course! I am still working to capture that expression and the deapth of the light and the shadows...

"Welcome To America" By Michael Heath, (published by William Heinermann Ltd, London 1985) - Part 4

 

Yes.... the funny side of Las Vegas and what it might do to you as seen by British cartoonist Michael Heath.

 

 

"Welcome To America" By Michael Heath, (published by William Heinermann Ltd, London 1985) - Part 3

 

 

A few snapshots of the 1980's America - a bit of social history too. This one is of New Orleans, there's Nashville below and plenty of Las Vegas some of which I'll be posting tomorrow. Lots of interesting information on buildings, fashion, travel etc in these pictures as well as homour. The artist, Michael Heath must have had quite a few experiences travelling all over that massive country.Here is the artist's biography from the British Cartoons Archive: http://www.cartoons.ac.uk/artists/michaelheath/biography