Jan Op De Beeck is a Congo-born Belgian Caricaturist. He has written five caricature books and had won several awards. Find his portfolio at:
I agree with De Beeck – Sketches are Swell to do. I quote him.
In a sketch you can discover lot of an artist’s abilities: how he makes the proportional deformations, how he draws a line, how he prepares his drawing for volume rendering.
I’d like to add that sometimes a sketch progresses to a level where it transforms into a complete work of art.
De Beeck’s caricatures have an astounding level of detail. He too isn’t afraid of breaking the templates! The characteristic features of his subjects swell or shrink at his command!
Here are some links to help you explore his art.
- Adrien Brody (of “The Pianist” fame.)(This treatment of the nose requires a lot of courage. I wouldn’t attempt it – especially with the subject’s eyes closed.)
- Mahatma Gandhi (Note the dominance of the nose and the ear. You need a brave hand to add that bulk without sacrificing the likeness.)
- Michael Jackson
- Nicole Kidman
- Jacques Chirac
Shafali's Caricatures, Portraits, and Cartoons 