Clik here to view.
A William Hamilton Sketchbook Page
A sketchbook page by cartoonist William Hamilton currently on eBay is dedicated by the artist to someone named Kevan. The ink sketches on both sides of the sheet are in Mr. Hamilton's signature style....
View ArticleClik here to view.
Ralph Bakshi's Mighty Mouse
Okay, the truth is I'm not a fan of Ralph Bakshi's"Mighty Mouse: The New Adventures" (CBS, 1987-1988), although I did enjoy the classic Terrytoons series at one time. I remember the Bakshi cartoons...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Richard Oldden's Early Bird
This original six-panel gag cartoon by Richard Oldden comes from the Laguna Beach collection of "legend" Jackie Mack. It has creases from being sent (cheaply) through the mail. Their is some damage to...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Bernard Wiseman's Martian Horror
One hates to see original cartoon art from the New Yorker sell for less than the price of a tankful of gas or a bag of groceries. Such was the fate of this sixty-year-old gag cartoon by Bernard...
View ArticleClik here to view.
My Entry in the New Yorker Cartoon Caption Contest #433
Here is my entry in the New Yorker Cartoon Caption Contest #433 for June 30, 2014. The drawing is by Tom Cheney."We could use a chandelier."Note: Last week's New Yorker Cartoon Caption Contest drawing...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Bernard Wiseman: Yankee Go Home?
Cartoonist Bernard Wiseman depicts an American abroad in an undated color cartoon. Judging by the architecture, this may be set in Moscow. At any rate, it's some place where the locals appreciate the...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Bernard Wiseman's Prehistoric Protest
Last year on eBay a small selection of original New Yorker cartoons by Bernard "Bernie" Wiseman were sold directly from the artist's estate. It's possible that more are available, but the prices...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Bernard Wiseman's Gentle Insult
Bernard Wiseman's original 1958 artwork for a New Yorker cartoon was sold last year on eBay. The seller was aware of the caption--it was nevertheless misspelled--and of the magazine, although not the...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Bernard Wiseman's Plowing Incident
Ninety days after an eBay auction closes, the listing's photographs are removed permanently from the site in order to free up the servers for new items. For those of us who think at least some sales on...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Bernard Wiseman: Not Noticing
Here's a question for my readers. Put on your thinking caps.An eBay seller has seven original drawings to sell by New Yorker cartoonist Bernard Wiseman. He does not know the publication dates for any...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Bernard Wiseman: The Fine Print
Our survey of original cartoon art by Bernard Wiseman has arrived at a captionless cartoon, one of two we will see. There are publication markings, but no stamps that would indicate it was published in...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Bernard Wiseman's Calendar Watch
This original gag cartoon by Bernard Wiseman shows that political speeches weren't any more interesting half a century ago than they are today. This artwork was almost certainly published and,...
View ArticleA Toast to Elaine Stritch (1925-2014)
Elaine Stritch, who passed away yesterday, was a Broadway actress who played many roles but is perhaps best known for playing Joanne in Stephen Sondheim's landmark musical "Company" (1970). Her...
View ArticleClik here to view.
My Entry in the New Yorker Cartoon Caption Contest #434
Here is my latest entry in the New Yorker Cartoon Caption Contest #434 for July 7, 2014. The cartoon is by Drew Dernavich."Not that song again. Sing 'Peg o' My Heart.'"The truth is, this cartoon gave...
View ArticleElaine Stritch Sings "I'm Still Here"
Here's another of the late Elaine Stritch's signature numbers, this one originally from "Follies" (1971).Elaine Stritch sings "I'm Still Here" from "Follies" (1971)Music and lyrics by Stephen...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Tourists at Niagara Falls
Platt D. Babbitt made his living photographing tourists on the American side of Niagara Falls. This daguerrotype of visitors in their finery is about 160 years old. The image is quite appealing and it...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Peter Arno: Got Milk?
This preposterous drawing by Peter Arno stands--or crawls--on its own. The caption is not only weak but rather superfluous.Peter Arno,"Can Papa milk the cow?"Illustration House, Lot 109, June 2, 2007...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Jim Dine for the Cape and Islands Chamber Music Festival
Artist Jim Dine lends his formidable watercolor technique to a promotional poster for the Cape and Islands Chamber Music Festival's second season in the summer of 1981. This copy of the poster,...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Why Even Fortune Cookies Need Proofreaders
Everything written should be proofread, even in fortune cookies. Can you spot the error?"There are 356 days in a year, may all 365 of your dreams come true."That's right, the comma should be a...
View ArticleClik here to view.
The Self-Serving Fortune Cookie
Always be wary of the possible unstated motives of writers. For example, is this fortune really my destiny? Well, it is, but that's besides the point.In a related example, you love this blog.Note: You...
View Article