1 – I got to a live drawing gig with few markers, so I drew some in pencil. Reminds me of the immediacy of my sketchbook days. The marker step visually confirms lines but it’s not the only way to draw. Of course the custom work may start with a sketch like this, but I have time to improve as I do several sketches then get my favorite approved or changed before the final. 2 - I was drawing at an outdoor party at an adult daycare. The DJ announced the food being ready. He said “Only one line” I quipped; “ I can’t draw much with only one line.” 3 - As I was drawing someone, they said; “This is gr ..read more

THE "Z" FACTOR I was drawing for the CT Childrens Medical Center on Superhero day today, so I added bodies. I was caricaturing via Zoom. Child life staff brought I-pads to the bedsides. The logistics work surprisingly well. I have a cam on me and another on my paper. I draw quickly. So fast that I didn't wait for spelling of kid's name. They said his name was Xaier. It sounded like it started with ‘Z”, so I put a "Z" on the shirt. When I leaned about the X spelling, I said, “know what the “Z” is for?... Zuperman. When I do a custom order for you I'll have time to get the name right ..read more

Some ask; "How do I know I'll like the art that CaricatureDrawing.net creates?" We've added a step that will answer that. When we get your photo reference, notes and payment, we draw a preliminary sketch.When you receive it by email, you check it, and indicate changes or a "go ahead to final art" comment. There are usually no problems, but sometimes we get a comment on likeness, like "Make the chin squarer." Or and extra detail in the extras, like "Write 'Texas' on the shirt, and make the hat red". We adapt the sketch and send another proof. If all is OK, you can trust that the final will mat ..read more

Our monthly E-newsletter lets you know of recent and upcoming artwork and activities. The two samples are not current, but give a good idea of the type of material included. are  You'll find it interesting. Artwork samples are of custom illustrations and caricatures. There is quite a variety of style and uses. We draw at pretty interesting events, so the "upcoming" section can offer tips on where to go on a weekend. I come up with cartoon ideas, and this e-news is often the only place to see them. Anecdotes from my caricature chair are amusing. The newsletter is made and sent from the Mai ..read more

How to make an art easel, portable desk for laptop, or projector stand… I make my drawing easels out of photo tripods WHY? -lighter and easier to set up than French easel - less footprint -adjustable re; tilt and height HOW Find a heavy duty tripod. Used is an option. Most important; tilt mechanism should stay firm. Either use the ‘head, by drilling from it’s plate into board… either a.    Thick enough like ‘11x14 or I like 14+x14 +so I can turn 11x14 paper either way. OR b.    B. Thin board like ¼”luan or masonite, with a 1x4 cleat to screw into. Th ..read more

The State of Connecticut voted Bill an Arts Hero In 2019. Pictured; Cathy Osten State Senator, Bill Dougal, Dori Dougal The Connecticut Office of the Arts writes: “Bill provides laughter, creativity and smiles from ear-to-ear to children at the Connecticut Children's Medical Center (CCMC). His talent for creating a caricature at lightning speed has children in awe and helps them forget why they are in the hospital for a little while; and that means to world to the children and the parents. Bill is an Arts Hero at CCMC!” Their 44 sec. Video interview... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kxmC5piZ ..read more

Yes, it’s possible. 20 years ago I wouldn’t have said that. But now technology made it possible, and the pandemic made it needed. Let’s go back in time. Picture a caricature artist drawing at an easel among party guests. Onlookers are entertained, and the sitter walks off with a personalized portrait. This can work in a similar fashion in the virtual world. Picture the artist joining your meeting or party on zoom, or a similar platform. He signs his camera in as well, so you can all see the likeness develop. After the virtual event,, the artist scans the pictures and emails them. Party ar ..read more

Artists are creative. That’s a given. Painters as diverse as Norman Rockwell and Picasso had their own way of interpreting reality. People who give gifts can be creative as well. The first step is to free yourself from the mindset that manufactured items are the only way to go when it comes to gifts. Places to find gifts are not limited to malls, and internet sites like Amazon. A caricature artist is waiting to create a work of art based on a photo of the person you are giving to. You’ve seen famous caricatures. Celebrity caricatures are cool, but cartoon portraits of regular folks are just a ..read more

We love drawing cartoon portraits of regular folks like you. They are often used as unique gift art. Trump news is all over the place, and lately we have been asked to make custom drawings of Donald Trump. No, the presidential potentate didn’t make an online order for the portraits. Avery Soda of New Britain commissioned Dori Dougal to draw the Donald, for use on a novelty soda label: “Trump Tonic”. That was prior to the 2016 election. She also drew Hillary Clinton for the “Hillary Hooch” bottle. I gather these are now collector’s items. The Trump bottle has been reprinted for the 2020 electio ..read more

These days we are used to buying ready made items. We forget about the joy of getting things made by hand just for us. Original artwork is one of the things that comes from the imagination and skill of an artist. We don’t buy it off a rack of hundreds of pieces that all look the same. People have different tastes. Artists have different styles. People look different, so a portrait of a person will look different than a portrait of someone else. A portrait of that person by a different artist will differ from one by another artist. All this helps make life interesting. A caricature of a person ..read more