Thursday 5 August 2010

"Sharks will only attack you when you're wet!!"



Number four in my series of comic caricatures features the splendidly surreal Sean Lock. "15 Stories" is one of the most criminally underrated sitcoms ever, I urge you to seek it out. 
Sean's stand up is fearless, fresh and barmy as a bag of hedgehogs, perhaps not as replete with manic energy as others, he soft sells his gags brilliantly.

He's a real one off! Comedy gold...without a doubt.

Excelsior out!

Thursday 29 July 2010

Isn't it grand now?



Another one of my favourite funny people, Dara O'Briain. Despite the eccentric spelling of his name, and his slightly 'Bouncerly" demeanour, he provides a million laffs without ever enforcing an outdated cultural stereotype.

Not seen him live but hope to one day. "Mock the Week" rules in our house, he's a perfect host. No mere talking head he corrals the various egos with aplomb, keeping Frankie Boyle in check is a feat in itself!!

Good on ya Dara, let's have some more o'them funny observations and such. isn't it grand now? Yes, "The Quiet Man" is one of my favourite films....before you ask!

Excelsior Out! atall, atall, atall!

Thursday 8 July 2010

That bouncy posh bloke...



Number two in my series of "Stand Up" caricatures sees Michael McIntyre in the spotlight. An affable guy with boundless energy, his stylish, eye-catching delivery and all round likability have propelled him to the top of the comedy tree.

With sell out gigs and top selling DVDs, I think the only thing he's missing is....a really good caricature of himself. This will have to do until one comes along.

Still pushing these as prints if anyone's interested?

Excelsior out!

Tuesday 6 July 2010

The passing of an icon



A man passed away recently who, for those of us of a certain age, will be remembered with great fondness and warmth.

The passing of Ray Alan, Ventriloquist supreme, saddened me greatly. I was fortunate enough to meet Ray (through a mutual friend, Steve Cosham), many years ago, and spend a marvelous Sunday at lunch with him at The Earlswood Arms pub, near his home in Reigate. He charmed us all, that day, with his warmth and generosity of spirit.
Sometime later I drew a caricature of him, and his most famous creation Lord Charles, for his birthday. As a professional artist I’ve drawn many such caricatures, but Ray was gracious and effusive with his praise and I enjoyed this one probably more than any other.

In 2005 Ray called me and asked if he could use the illustration in his autobiography (he was writing it and looking for a deal at the time), I was delighted to say yes. In fact, I said, when he was ready, I would redraw it (to a higher finish) to make it easier to print. This made him happy and we agreed to talk again soon. Sadly, the call from Ray never came ......and we lost touch.

When news of his death hit I was extremely upset, but I basked in the memory of that afternoon with him....and counted myself lucky to have known him at all. This last week I’ve revisited the drawing I did for him, and come up with the above image. I’m pleased with it as an image, and feel it captures Ray's playful nature. He had a completely irreverent attitude to Lord Charles and enjoyed confounding peoples expectations of that relationship.
He will, for me, forever be the T.V. Star I grew up with and the lovely man who regaled us with stories and gags that glorious Sunday afternoon.

Excelsior, respectfully, out. 

Thursday 1 July 2010

Stand Up....Lee Mack!!



I was recently invited to a gig at the HMV Apollo, Hammersmith, featuring the genius that is Lee Mack. His whirlwind delivery, and pointed observations are a joy to behold. He harks back to the very best of the old school (oddly reminding me of Eric Morecombe) while being bang up to date.

I was moved to create this portrait of Lee on the strength of the gig. It's the first of series of works featuring current comedians. Others will include: Sean Lock, Dara O'Briain and Michael McIntyre. 

I'm looking to market them as prints at some point, materialistic weasel that I am!!

Enjoy!

Excelsior Out!!!

Tuesday 23 February 2010

Proud Brother 2



And to celebrate this great meeting of Darting Titans I knocked up a quick caricature to commemorate it. 

Tony is the "Maverick" "Top Gunner" (from the beach volleyball scene) throwing down a challenge to "The Power". 


Not terribly flattering for my brother, but then that's the point.

Excelsior Out!

A Proud Brother




Phew.....made it back on....finally!! I promise i'll be a more diligent poster this year. To that end here's a shot of my baby brother, Tony Mitchell, with none other than "The Power" himself! Tony is a darts player himself so was bursting with pride at meeting the great man.

It was taken in Marske Cricket Club where Phil was making one, of his many, guest appearances. 

For all it was a tiny venue he was charming, diligent, honest, funny and gracious....everything a champion should be. He made everyone's night.

Tony shared a story with him about his own darting adventures. In 2008 he qualified for the UK Open finals (in Bolton) via the pub rounds. He beat a good club player in the first round, and was interviewed by the delightful Helen Chamberlin when it became evident that "Maverick" (Tony's dart moniker) would be playing "Iceman" (Alan Warriner-Little) in the next round. 

Tony explained to Phil that he'd been looking forward to playing him in the final (LOL) but it wasn't to be. Phil asked him "Who'd knocked you out son?" 

"Alan Warriner-Little" replied my brother, expecting an "Ah well, he is a professional you know" from the power. Phil snorted in mock derision "Warriner, pah!!" as if to say "You've got a long way to go to meet me son if Warriner is knocking you out".

We all laughed and Phil was happy to pose for shots, and sign autographs, well into the night. All in all a great evening attended by a great man.

Excelsior Out!