VARIOUS STUFF

Tuesday, May 28, 2024

Jason Chatfield on seeing Richard Thompson originals

from his Dispatches from NancyFest 2024 on Substack, and reprinted with his permission. Subscribe here - https://www.newyorkcartoons.com/


When I was here 6 months ago for Cartoon Crossroads Columbus —my first as a guest presenter— I got to see an extra special selection of art by my favourite cartoonist, Richard Thompson. Jenny had pulled them out, especially for me ahead of time.



Seeing Original Richard Thompson art up close is a pretty special experience. Five Stars. Highly recommend.

When I eyeballed Richard's original art for the first time I thought I was having heart palpitations. I pored over the Cul De Sac strips with a magnifying glass, forensically studying his line like Sherlock Holmes trying to solve A Scandal in Bohemia. I can't quite describe how important it is for artists (especially younger artists) to see original art, up close: white-outs, pencil marks and all. I never attended art school, but I've learned more from mushing my eyeball against great art than from any drawing class I've ever tried.