Engaged to be Married

He checks inside his pocket and it is still there, a few seconds go by and he checks his pocket again - reassurance. It is a symbol of his love for the woman he is hoping will one day become his lovely bride. It rolls around in the front pocket of his denim jeans and mostly he knows that it is there but every few seconds - panic - where did it go? Oh! Thank God, it is still there.
In a few moments he will present it and 'pop the question' but, first things first, a slight ruse is in order because this cannot be an ordinary, run of the mill type of proposal. No sir, this must be thoughful, surprising, clever and appealling.

Flash back to two weeks ago: After 40 or so back-and-forth emails I have agreed to create a caricature of Kory and Taryn on Laguna Beach (the place they met about two years ago.) I offer up some ideas and the next day he shoots across a few more and so it goes as I develop this charming keepsake.
Then Kory sets up the plan: He will take Taryn out for drinks - The Elbow Room. I will be there too. (She does not know me and I have never met Kory in person.) After a short time I approach them, ask permission to draw their caricature on-the-spot. Then he will propose.

Today is the day: Everything is going as planned. I am seated at a table a few feet away and eventually seated with them, drawing (Kory, fidgeting, is making sure the engagement ring has not wandered out of his pocket). I then present the full-color caricature to Kory and he presents it to Taryn - her response is "Wait, you didn't just do that right now - What?" 'What?", her eyes glisten, her hand slightly trembles. Kory is on one knee with ring in hand, "Taryn, Will you Marry me?"

There's No Place like Paris

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!

To Marsha from her husband Rick who commissioned this
special Valentines Day gift for his True Love.

A fun to say 'I Love You'  -- Marsha's favorite movie & favorite place!

~SW Parra 

Tara Tinsley

My latest caricature is of a rising young star heralding from the northern San Joaquin Valley, a talented singer, musician and local celebrity - Tara Tinsley. If you are not familiar with her music you likely will be in the near future. On Saturday, I had the opportunity to meet with her and she autographed the work.

Later, this Custom Caricature was placed on the silent auction table at the Downtown Modesto Harvest Festival with proceeds to benefit United Cerebral Pasly.   ~SWParra

Hawaii, Hockey & Happy Anniversary!

Today is a celebration for Deb and Chris - their wedding anniversary! All the clues to where and when they were wed are illustrated throughout this special gift caricature of the loving couple.

Happy Anniversary kids!

Hahaha, it's so much fun to be able to capture and share their happiness with everyone through Custom Caricatures.

If you are searching for a one-of-a-kind keepsake gift for your special someone then send me

an email or call.
Inquiries welcome. ~SWP

My sister's birthday

My younger sister is a tough cookie - she has to be - one son is currently serving in the US Army and the other completed his tour of duty while serving in the US Navy. To say that I am proud of her boys is an understatement.

She is quite successful within her career choice yet it wasn't easy, there were obstacles but she persevered.

Even when times are tough she can find something good to smile about - people are drawn to her positive outlook.

A sports fan, her favorite team is the San Francisco 49ers (ok, so she has one fault) I blame myself for not being around enough to ensure her undying devotion to The Rams! 

Happy Birthday Chris! ~SWP 

On the spot: At Rustica Kollection

Gift caricatures are such a wonderful and personal present to offer a close friend, that special someone in your life or as a gesture of gratitude and respect to a colleague. Its all about fun.

Typically it takes about a week to compile the research, gather resource material for the illustrative parts and of course capture the essence of the subject or subjects.

On the spot caricatures are a little different. These are essentially "gesture drawings" and performed live with the subject sitting in front of me - I'm also engaged in a brief conversation with them (where I mine for details about that person) the more I know about him or her allows me to develop the environment around the caricature. The finished drawing is now even more unique and personal to that person.

Below is a video that my good friend Bill Haines of Black Shamrock Media made for me while I was working the Rustica Kollection Grand Opening. It absolutely illustrates the process perfectly. If you have questions or are interested in hiring a caricature artist for your next special event, birthday party, wedding or anniversary drop me an e-mail or call me at (559) 930-4411. ~SWP

Steps in the process: Caricature

Here are some of the preliminary steps that I use to complete a caricature.

This one for Baseball 2011 is near completion -- make sure to pick up The Fresno Bee

to check out the finished product. It publishes next week. ~SWParra