Beethoven Caricature: What do you think?

[Frederico Rogeiro]

Hi, Friends!

I've been working on a caricatures collection of great historical figures. Beethoven is included, so I thought you might be curious to see it.
Now, I need some feedback about the drawings and some advice about some options of the business that are still open. So, I prepared a brief presentation of the idea, with some few direct questions about it.
For those of you who are willing to help me, here is my caricatures presentation. It will take just 2 or 3 minutes.

I would be most appreciated if you give me your advice!
Thank you!

[Preston]

It looks as though you used a graphic tablet to draw the caricature, then used a computer program to give it a warped and twisted effect- is that correct? Also, why did you choose the posthumous Steiler painting as your reference?

[Frederico Rogeiro]

Preston, I'm sorry to say, but honestly your comment was very unfair.
I did not use any references and the drawings are totally hand made, has I can prove it, if necessary.
Anyway, thank you for your analysis!

[Preston]

I was only asking- that is how they look to me. No offense intended.

Yes, please prove it. Since you say that you handrew them, I believe you in all honesty. Though, I just want to see this proof. No offense intended again.

No references? Please see pictures below.

[Preston]

Also, I like the idea you have, I think. Though, why such a focus on the western civilizations?

[Frederico Rogeiro]

Oh, I thought you mean I copyed it from someone!
Of course I had that reference, caricatures of historical figures must have, they can't be live references! So I'm sorry for that part, I confess I didn't know Steiler name.

If you read the presentation, you know my process is based on series of sketches that progressivly distort the figure. Then the final drawing is based on the last sketch. I will show you those I made from Beethoven, let me just prepare it here.

The ideia is focused in western civilization maybe because it is more individualistic and produces more celebrities, but the criteria is individual influence in world history and there are some other people in the list.
But in this I fallow what I can get from "official" historical theory, I am not a specialist.

[Frederico Rogeiro]

From Beethoven I made 11 sketches. The big one was the last, that was the reference for the final drawing, witch has more concern for detail.
I'll be glad to show also how this final drawing is done, to all who may be curious about it.

[Preston]

Thank you Frederico.

[Hollywood]

Very interesting indeed, Frederico. I checked out your site and filled out your questionnaire. When I checked out the list of "Pictures in preliminary stage of development" I came across the name of one of my relatives. I'm curious to see how he will eventually look.

I wish you all the best and great success with your artwork.

[Frederico Rogeiro]

Thanks, Hollywood! I wonder who's your relative!
Maybe I can show you at least a draft of him, privately.

[Hollywood]

Thanks, Hollywood! I wonder who's your relative!
Maybe I can show you at least a draft of him, privately.

My relative was Oliver Cromwell (a first cousin 11 times removed). It would be interesting to see how his caricature turns out, warts and all.

[Preston]

I have been thinking about the caricature you did of Beethoven, and thought I would give my opinion.

Frederico, in response to your thread title, what I, personally, think of the Beethoven caricature, is that you chose, probably accidental, the most posthumous painting of Beethoven. If you really want to make a caricature of Beethoven I think you need to do more research about the man so that you can better express who Beethoven really was, that, and choose a different portrait.

Beethoven, was anything but, the painting you chose, imo. He was a man who had seen hardships not many do. He was constantly battling physical ailments, he was deaf, he complained of a humming and buzzing noise in his ears, he suffered from being eccentric (making him unable to live the kind of lifestyle he wanted), etc. Also, he was a person who was very deep in his nature (as you can tell through his music), he took spiritual matters very seriously, he was a very spiritual human being, he was a great musical genius, etc.

My point is, while you have the idea of doing a Beethoven caricature, I do not think you have looked into Beethoven the person enough? And, therefore chose a painting which is anything but an accurate portrayal of the Beethoven the human being. I feel that you portray Beethoven more like a corrupt politician that the down-to-earth human being he was. Did you know the painting you chose looked so opposite of Beethoven that the painter had to tell Beethoven it showed the inside of him- which is anything but true, imo- not the out?

I, would recommend if you did want to make a caricature of Beethoven right, then start with the attached picture.

Hope this helps in your caricature process.

[Frederico Rogeiro]

Hi again, Preston, and thank you for your message.

I read you carefully and I think your message has absolute sense. So, I have nothing to oppose to your point of view, I just will to express a different one.

For me, it is important that my drawings have the best references they can get. But as I have some lack of background about the figures I draw, I tend to search for the pictures that are most common about them, and are generally recognizable. This method can produce results that eventually disapoint some more skilled viewer, like undoubtedly you are, but they will potentially reach the general public (that in my case is already a niche). Resemblanse is vital for a caricature.
So, I don't have the purpose to deceive the public or give a wrong image of any character, but - as it happens in my short biographies - I admit I can go wrong, if the general information is wrong. I don't have the pretension to produce scientific work, but I also don't feel that responsability.
Honestly, I don't see two different persons in the image you sent and the Steiler portrait. I agree this one looked more for a revolted rebel than for a sensitive spirit, but those two things can live along in just one person, and probably they did in Beethoven. But in this point of course I don't believe I have the knowlege to discuss with you.
So, I accept I'm not being so demanding as someone possibly could be, but that would probably above my ability. Considering many other cases in my collection, it is impossible to have a much better criteria, aldough I realize some limitations.

[Preston]

Thank you for the detailed explanation, Frederico. All the best in your work.

[Quijote]

Bom dia, Frederico. As any artist, you must work as you see fit, and ignore the opinion of others. Keep drawing, por el amor de dios !!