Tuesday, December 23, 2014

Sunday, December 7, 2014

Sunday, November 30, 2014

We are number 10 and my kid is 5

This weekend I had a book signing for Richards new art book. I also had team cul-de-sac items to sell. My 5 1/2 year old daughter,  Emily, wanted to come along and sell her artwork she had made the night before for Uncle Richard and TCDS. As of tonight she has made $50. Her first donation of many. I am so proud of Emily. Could you say no to her?

Now to the other news...

Team Cul de Sac is the 10th biggest fundraising team so far this year. Our up to date total is $83,905.76.

I still have a few Bill Watterson autographs. One Complete Calvin and Hobbes, a couple Stripped posters and one Team Cul de Sac book.
Great holiday gifts for a great cause!

https://www.michaeljfox.org/get-involved/teamfox.php

Donate here:
http://www2.michaeljfox.org/site/TR/TeamFox/TeamFox?team_id=6590&pg=team&fr_id=1461

Monday, November 24, 2014

The Art of Richard Thompson press release


Explore the creative and compelling work of beloved artist and Cul de Sac creator Richard Thompson in the collectible The Art of Richard Thompson
(Andrews McMeel Publishing, $35.00, November 25, 2014). Divided into six sections, each beginning with an introductory conversation with Thompson and
world-renowned cartoonists including Bill Watterson, Gene Weingarten, and Nick Galifianakis, the book showcases Thompson's exquisite illustrations, caricatures,
watercolor designs, and more, providing an intimate portrait of the depth of talent of this esteemed artist. The diversity of the work showcased in The Art
of Richard Thompson will delight established Cul de Sac fans and cast a wider net far beyond, with readers captivated by the sheer beauty of Thompson's work.
Renowned among cartoonists as an "artist's" cartoonist, Thompson is noted not only for his humor and intelligence, but also for his fun, imaginative artwork.
Thompson's illustrations, along with his pitch-perfect timing and gentle humor, have helped to establish many of Thompson's works as instant classics that
continue to inspire as well as entertain. Produced on fine artpaper to showcase Thompson's unique art, The Art of Richard Thompson will be a welcome addition to libraries and collections everywhere.

About Richard Thompson
Richard Thompson is the creator of Cul de Sac and winner of the 2011 Reuben Award for Outstanding Cartoonist of the Year. His illustrations have appeared
in numerous publications, including U.S. News & World Report, National Geographic, and The New Yorker. In September 2012, Cul de Sac was one of the
most popular and respected comic strips in newspapers when Thompson retired, due to his battle with Parkinson's disease. Since Thompson's announcement of his diagnosis, his friends have successfully rallied other cartoonists and illustrators to contribute to the Team Cul de Sac project to benefit the Michael J. Fox Foundation.

The Art of Richard Thompson by David Apatoff, Nick Galifianakis, Mike Rhode, Chris Sparks and Bill Watterson
Andrews McMeel Publishing, LLC
ISBN: 978-1-4494-4795-3
Price: $35.00 U.S. ($40.00 Canada) • Hardcover: 9 x 11 ⅛, 224 pages

The Art of Richard Thompson table of contents

4 Introduction by Nick Galifianakis

8 Richard Thompson: A Brief Biography (With a Few Observations Mixed In) by David Apatoff
19 "Can he draw something during the operation?" by Richard Thompson
20 "Alice was looking underinflated ... " Parkinson's disease discussion with Nick Galifianakis

22 Illustration Interview by Peter de Seve
68 Bono Mitchell recalls Richard's early illustrations
74 My New Favorite Nib by Richard Thompson

82 Richard's Poor Almanac Interview by Gene Weingarten
89 Below the Beltway by Richard Thompson
99 "Slinky McBits" and one of my favorite Almanacs by Richard Thompson

134 Caricature Interview by John Kascht
153 Hopeful Monsters, or, Caricaturing Berlioz by Richard Thompson
164 Music, a dilettante's love story by Richard Thompson

182 Cul de Sac Interview by Bill Watterson
191 Historic Otterloop Artifact by Richard Thompson
193 Early Cul de Sac
197 The primeval Cul de Sac by Richard Thompson
215 A master of the art form ... by Lee Salem

222 Contributor Biographies

The Daily Cartoonist reviews The Art of Richard Thompson

My review: The Art of Richard Thompson

Posted by
November 24, 2014
http://dailycartoonist.com/index.php/2014/11/24/my-review-the-art-of-richard-thompson

David Apatoff on the Art of Richard Thompson, day 1

Co-editor Apatoff is writing about aspects of Richard Thompson's work each day this week - here's the first: http://illustrationart.blogspot.com/2014/11/new-book-on-art-of-richard-thompson.html

Tuesday, November 18, 2014

The Art of Richard Thompson video - behind the scenes interview

THIS JUST IN: 'The Art of Richard Thompson': Filmmakers behind new documentary short deftly capture 'the cartoonist's cartoonist' [Q&A]

By Michael Cavna
Washington Post Comic Riffs blog November 18 2014

http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/comic-riffs/wp/2014/11/18/this-just-in-the-art-of-richard-thompson-filmmakers-behind-new-documentary-short-deftly-capture-the-cartoonists-cartoonist-qa

The Art of Richard Thompson short video

The Art of Richard Thompson

Richard Thompson has been called a "cartoonists' cartoonist." Find out why in this warm and moving portrait.

Friday, November 7, 2014

Comic Riffs talks to Bill Watterson

NEW BILL WATTERSON ART: 'Calvin and Hobbes' creator on why he accepted Angoulême honor ('I thought the whole thing was bananas') [Q&A]

By Michael Cavna
Washington Post Comic Riffs blog (November 7 2014)
http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/comic-riffs/wp/2014/11/07/new-bill-watterson-art-calvin-and-hobbes-creator-on-why-he-accepted-angouleme-honor-i-thought-the-whole-thing-was-bananas-qa/

Thursday, November 6, 2014

Re: [wordbubble] Dec 6: The Art of Richard Thompson signing in Arlington

Confirming: Is this the one I'm moderating?...

Michael Cavna
The Washington Post
202.334.5334

On Nov 6, 2014, at 7:49 PM, "Mike Rhode mrhode@gmail.com [wordbubble]" <wordbubble@yahoogroups.com> wrote:

 

David Apatoff, Nick Galifianakis, Chris Sparks and Mike Rhode will be discussing the new book, The Art of Richard Thompson and signing copies. Richard will be attending, but not signing the book. A short film about Richard's career will also be premiered.

Saturday, December 6 at 2:30pm
Arlington Central Library
Auditorium
1015 N. Quincy Street 

Folks can pre-order signed copies of this and the Complete Cul de Sac from the website.

One More Page Books 
2200 N. Westmoreland Street #101 
Arlington, VA 22213 
703-300-9746 
www.onemorepagebooks.com

__._,_.___

Posted by: Mike Rhode <mrhode@gmail.com>
Reply via web post Reply to sender Reply to group Start a New Topic Messages in this topic (1)

.

__,_._,___

Dec 6: The Art of Richard Thompson signing in Arlington

David Apatoff, Nick Galifianakis, Chris Sparks and Mike Rhode will be discussing the new book, The Art of Richard Thompson and signing copies. Richard will be attending, but not signing the book. A short film about Richard's career will also be premiered.

Saturday, December 6 at 2:30pm
Arlington Central Library
Auditorium
1015 N. Quincy Street 

Folks can pre-order signed copies of this and the Complete Cul de Sac from the website.

One More Page Books 
2200 N. Westmoreland Street #101 
Arlington, VA 22213 
703-300-9746 
www.onemorepagebooks.com

Wednesday, November 5, 2014

Roger, Houston, Richard Thompson has landed


Contributor copies of The Art of Richard Thompson began arriving yesterday. I believe Chris Sparks will be selling copies to benefit Team Cul de Sac.

Friday, September 12, 2014

A few photos from TCDS Drink and Draw...

A few photos from the Team Cul de Sac Drink and Draw at Baltimore Comic-Con fundraiser, arranged by Joe Sutliff, can be seen here.

Tuesday, September 9, 2014

Team Cul de Sac Coffee Cup Challenge scheduled for October 8, 2014




Over the last few years Team Cul de Sac has grown not only in the amount of money we have raised for Parkinsons research but also from people who have been inspired. The Coffee Cup Challenge was brainstormed by our very own Heather Mobley Peagler. 
She helps every year (with a bunch of other fine friends) in making the 
Heroescon Drink and Draw the most awesome event ever! 
Heather is right, what if we give up a coffee, eating fast food or 
wine for one day and we donate it to TCDS!
I say YESI I am in and I hope you joining us on October the 8th.
Nuff about my thoughts here it is. Thanks Heather! 


Team Cul de Sac has been inspired by the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge and is issuing its own challenge with the Coffee Cup Challenge scheduled for October 8, 2014.  Nuff about my thoughts here it is. 

The Coffee Cup Challenge is simple.  We are asking supporters of Team Cul de Sac and the fight against Parkinson's Disease to give up their daily coffee and donate that amount to Team Cul de Sac. Maybe you're not a coffee drinker, but can't start the day without a nice icy Diet Coke or celebrate Half Price Wine Bottle night at your favorite restaurant on Wednesdays, instead of making those purchases, make a donation! It's a small sacrifice that can make a big difference!

We selected October 8 as our challenge day as it is Richard Thompson's birthday.  What a great way to honor a wonderfully talented man by helping the fight against a devastating disease! 

We hope that you will join us on October 8, but putting the coffee down and clicking on the Team Cul de Sac fundraising page and making a donation.  Share with friends and family that you've taken on the challenge with #CoffeeCupChallenge on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.  



Click the link below!


Monday, September 8, 2014

Art of Richard Thompson, soon.

Just months away from more Thompson greatness.  Thompson and Watterson has a major discussion about everything and the winner happens to be us.

Take it away Richard...

http://richardspooralmanac.blogspot.com/2014/09/art-of-procrastinatin-sam-look-inside.html

Team Cul de Sac 2013 drink and draw at Baltimore CC (UPDATED)

Dawn Griffin is the artist of this piece.

Thursday, September 4, 2014

Sept 5: Baltimore Comic-Con Drink and Draw 2014 fundraiser for Team Cul de Sac

Baltimore Comic-Con Drink and Draw 2014
Help raise money to fight Parkinson's while having a great time, meeting amazing cartoonists and picking up some fantastic art!

Wednesday, August 27, 2014

Sept 5: 2nd Annual Drink and Draw at Baltimore Comic Con

2nd Annual Drink and Draw at Baltimore Comic Con

Friday, September 5th from 6-9 p.m. (or longer) at Hooters in the Inner Harbor

Organizer Joe Sutliff will provide paper and pens. Sketches and donated art will be sold, and the money donated to TCDS via Chris Sparks.

Thursday, August 14, 2014

Robin Williams art donation

Robin Williams was one of the brightest stars in my universe. With the recent news of Robin Williams having Parkinson's I have had people ask me what Team Cul de Sac could do. Any cartoonist this week that has done a Robin Williams tribute cartoon and would like to donate the original art to Team Cul de Sac, please contact us at teamculdesac@gmail.com and follow us Team Cul de Sac on facebook and check out www.teamculdesac@blogspot.com . We will auction all the art we recieve to the Michael J Fox Foundation in Robin Williams honor. He loved comics and is there a better way to remember Robin?
Please Share and ask your favorite cartoonist for a donation:

Robin Williams

Robin Williams
Nobody has made me laugh like Robin did. I will miss him more than I care to admit. Today we found out Parkinson's had decided to attack  another comic genius. I hate Parkinson's. I hate how it has destroyed people I am close to. This is why I fight for a cure. After you read the Variety article please watch the video below. Smile and laugh and remember the great Robin Williams.
Thanks,
Chris

http://variety.com/2014/film/news/robin-williams-was-in-early-stages-of-parkinsons-disease-says-wife-1201283014/

Over the last 6 years, my friendship with Richard Thompson has me learn one thing,Parkinson's sucks. I hate what it has robbed him of. I made many new friends due to Parkinson's and I hate P.D. Damnit, Please consider donating to our Michael J Fox Page. We have almost raised 200k in the last 5 years.http://www2.michaeljfox.org/site/TR/TeamFox/TeamFox?team_id=6590&pg=team&fr_id=1461


 

Monday, August 11, 2014

The Power of Bill and the Team Cul de Sac auction roundup


$$$$$


The power of Bill. That is what Stephan Pastis said about Bill Watterson in Comicriffs today. I can't agree more.
We could spend all day telling you what a difference Bill Watterson has made in our Team Cul de Sac but we won't embarrass him too much.
I will say this about the guy. He is wonderfully kind, humble, a great friend and if my cat Gizmo ever escapes the house, I am calling Bill to rescue her.

Thanks Bill.

Comic Riffs on the Pastis-Watterson collaboration for Team Cul de Sac

Swine' creator cites 'the power of Bill' as collaboration art raises nearly $70K for Parkinson's


By Michael Cavna Washington Post Comic Riffs blog August 11 2014 

(courtesy of STEPHAN PASTIS / distributed by Universal Uclick.)

Thursday, August 7, 2014

Final day of auction for 3 Pastis-Watterson strips

Watterson/Pastis Auction ends soon!

 Folks, the auction is almost over! Register through Heritage and start bidding!


http://www.ha.com/c/search-results.zx?N=0+793+794+791+792+1893+1577+2088&chkNotSold=0&Ntk=SI_Titles&Nty=1&Ntt=bill+watterson&ic=homepage-search-071713

At the moment the three strips are at $37,000. Plus the MJFF will get the .0975 that Heritage will donate back from the buyers premium to the MJFF. This will bring us at $40,607.50 plus the $14,502.98 we have raised so far this year = 55,110.48 for the year. How much higher will it go?

Saturday, July 26, 2014

Richard Thompson reflects on leaving illustration for CDS

The Post reviews academic book on Little Nemo, namechecks Richard Thompson

'Wide Awake in Slumberland: The Art of Winsor McCay,' by Katherine Roeder


Wide Awake in Slumberland: Fantasy, Mass Culture, and Modernism in the Art of Winsor McCay" by Katherine Roeder (Univ. Press of Mississippi/Univ. Press of Mississippi)

WIDE AWAKE IN SLUMBERLAND

Fantasy, Mass Culture, and Modernism in the Art of Winsor McCay

By Katherine Roeder

Univ. Press of Mississippi. 221 pp. $60

Friday, July 25, 2014

Seeking Richard Thompson's CDS sketches

Do you have an autographed Cul de Sac sketch in a Richard Thompson book that you would be willing to share for us to publish? If so, please drop a note at mrhode@gmail.com. 300 dpi minimum scan will be needed.

There's another secret project after The Art of Richard Thompson in the works...

Thank you!

Mike

Tuesday, July 22, 2014

Fwd: Bill Watterson’s return to comics: Pearls Before Swine comic art auctioned for Parkinson’s research


For Immediate Release

July 22, 2014

 

For more information:

Noah Fleisher, Public Relations Director

212-486-3510; NoahF@HA.com

 

Bill Watterson's return to comics: Pearls Before Swine comic art auctioned for Parkinson's research

 

The reclusive creator's artwork from the recently finished three-day collaboration with Stephen Pastis on Pearls Before Swine will sell Aug. 8, 2014 at Heritage Auctions, proceeds to benefit the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research; on display through Sunday, July 27, at ComicCon in San Diego

 

DALLAS – The original artwork for the recent three comic strip collaboration between Bill Watterson, the reclusive genius behind the much-loved Calvin and Hobbes comic strip, and Pearls Before Swine cartoonist Stephen Pastis – taking place in a three day run in June 2014 in Pearlswill be sold at Heritage Auctions on Aug. 8, 2014, with proceeds from the sale benefitting The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research.

 All three comic strips will be on display through Sunday, July 27, 2014, at San Diego ComicCon.

 "Anytime original Bill Watterson comic art shows up for auction it's a big deal," said Todd Hignite, Vice President at Heritage Auctions. "His collaboration with Stephan Pastis was an unexpected treat for his millions of fans. Now, thanks to this auction, fans will get to take the original art home while raising money for a great cause."

 The collaboration between the two artists came at the suggestion of Watterson and was immediately embraced by an overwhelmed Pastis, who, like some many modern cartoonists, was greatly influenced by Watterson and Calvin and Hobbes. The trajectory of the three strip arc follows Pastis' comic strip alter-ego as he turns the drawing of the comic over to a precocious second-grader named Libby for three days. The results are both wickedly funny and uniquely Watterson, while remaining true to the sharp humor that defines the Pearls Before Swine strip.

 At Watterson's request, the artwork is being sold on behalf of Team Cul de Sac, a non-profit charity established by editor/designer Chris Sparks on behalf of Cul de Sac cartoonist Richard Thompson, who is battling Parkinson's Disease – a piece of artwork done by Watterson depicting one of Thompson's Cul de Sac characters sold in 2012 as part of a charity auction to benefit Team Cul de Sac – and the profits from the sale of the original art (Heritage is waiving the seller's fee on the artwork and will also contribute half of the Buyer's Premium) will be donated to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research.

 

Heritage Auctions is the largest auction house founded in the United States and the world's third largest, with annual sales of more than $900 million, and 850,000+ online bidder members. For more information about Heritage Auctions, and to join and receive access to a complete record of prices realized, with full-color, enlargeable photos of each lot, please visit HA.com.

 Want to get the up-to-the-minute updates and breaking news stories about Heritage Auctions? Get them as they happen at: HA.com/Twitter; Facebook: HA.com/Facebook. To view a complete archive of Heritage press releases go to: HA.com/PR. To link to this press release on your blog or Website: HA.com/PR-2222.

 


Friday, July 18, 2014

Bill Watterson and Stephan Pastis comic strips now on sale

The Bill Watterson and Stephan Pastis "Pearls Before Swine" comic strips have opened for bidding on Heritage Auctions.  They are being sold to raise money for the Parkinsons charity, Team Cul de Sac, and as TCDS founder Chris Sparks notes, the bidding is already over $20,000 cumulative, after less than one day.

Bid early and often!

Thursday, July 3, 2014

Wednesday, July 2, 2014

Tuesday, July 1, 2014

Seeking scans of 5 Cul de Sac strips from the Washington Post

We're seeking scans of 5 Cul de Sac strips from the Washington Post Magazine - 1/9/2005, 10/16/2005, 1/8/2006, 6/11/2006, 1/7/2007. Richard doesn't have the scans and apparently not the originals either. Please let us know if you can help.

Thursday, June 26, 2014

Watterson/Pastis Auction Update!

Bill Watterson’s return to comics: Pearls Before Swine comic art auctioned for Parkinson’s research

The reclusive creator’s artwork from the recently finished three-day collaboration with Stephen Pastis on Pearls Before Swine will sell Aug. 8, 2014 at Heritage Auctions, proceeds to benefit the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research

DALLAS – The original artwork for the recent three comic strip collaboration between Bill Watterson, the cartooning genius behind the much-loved Calvin and Hobbes comic strip, and Pearls Before Swinecartoonist Stephen Pastis – taking place in a three day run in June 2014 in Pearls – will be sold at Heritage Auctions on Aug. 8, 2014, with proceeds from the sale benefitting The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research.

“Anytime original Bill Watterson comic art shows up for auction it’s a huge deal,” said Todd Hignite, Vice President at Heritage Auctions. “His collaboration with Stephan Pastis was an unexpected treat for his millions of fans. Now, thanks to this auction, fans will get to take the original art home while raising money for a great cause.”

The collaboration between the two artists came at the suggestion of Watterson and was immediately embraced by an overwhelmed Pastis, who, like some many modern cartoonists, was greatly influenced by Watterson and Calvin and Hobbes. The trajectory of the three strip arc follows Pastis’ comic strip alter-ego as he turns the drawing of the comic over to a precocious second-grader named Libby for three days. The results are both wickedly funny and uniquely Watterson, while remaining true to the sharp humor that defines the Pearls Before Swine strip.

At Watterson’s request, the artwork is being sold on behalf of Team Cul de Sac, a non-profit charity established by editor/designer Chris Sparks on behalf of  Cul de Sac cartoonist Richard Thompson, who is battling Parkinson’s Disease – a piece of artwork done by Watterson depicting one of Thompson’s Cul de Sac characters sold in 2012 as part of a charity auction to benefit Team Cul de Sac – and the profits from the sale of the original art (Heritage is waiving the seller’s fee on the artwork and will also contribute half of the Buyer’s Premium) will be donated to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research.

Heritage Auctions is the largest auction house founded in the United States and the world’s third largest, with annual sales of more than $900 million, and 850,000+ online bidder members. For more information about Heritage Auctions, and to join and receive access to a complete record of prices realized, with full-color, enlargeable photos of each lot, please visit HA.com.

Want to get the up-to-the-minute updates and breaking news stories about Heritage Auctions? Get them as they happen at: HA.com/Twitter; Facebook: HA.com/Facebook. To view a complete archive of Heritage press releases go to: HA.com/PR. To link to this press release on your blog or Website: HA.com/PR-2222.

Monday, June 23, 2014

Drink and Draw 2014 at HeroesCon

On Thursday I arrived at the Convention Center and Shelton Drum grabbed me and off to the local CBS station we went. 
Next thing I know we are on the air discussing the con, Drink and Draw and those beautiful Watterson/Pastis strips. 

The whole weekend was great and I had a blast catching up with old friends and making new friends but we can get into all of that fun stuff later.  Here is the BIG news!

Drink and draw Roundup!


So here we go, for the week of drink and draw, we made 7087.98, PLUS I sold a signed Calvin and Hobbes book and signed Stripped Movie poster for 3,000 during that week for a total of $10,087.98 and then we have the other donation. This puts us at:
Goal: $10,000.00 ( 2014)
Achieved: $10,442.98
We still have 3 strips by a pair of cartoonists to auction off in August.
Not bad huh?
A big thanks to everyone involved this past weekend! WOW!


I will share more soon!

Chris

Tuesday, June 17, 2014

From the less distant past: 2006 Washington Post chat with Richard Thompson

I'm continuing through Cul de Sac tearsheets from the Post Magazine, and ran across notice of a 2006 Washington Post chat with Richard Thompson that I had also forgotten. Who knows what evil lurks in the hearts of men? 

From the distant past: 2005 Washington Post chat with Richard Thompson

I'm going through Cul de Sac tearsheets from the Post Magazine, and ran across notice of a 2005 Washington Post chat with Richard Thompson that I had forgotten. It's still online. Return with us to the thrilling days of yesteryear....

Monday, June 16, 2014

HeroesCon Auction Artwork #6 Jim Horwitz



A big Thank You to Jim Horwitz for providing us with such a great auction item(s). Jim and I met at the NCS awards a few years ago and I just can't tell you how wonderful he is. So don't ask ok? Jim asked me a couple years ago if I ever needed anything to let him know.Well I did this time and he jumped in to help ASAP! Thank you so much Jim!

“WATSON” Retro-Pack for Team Cul de Sac:
Creating this collection of original “Watson” art for Team Cul de Sac was a great thrill.
As many of you know, Bill Watterson (“Calvin and Hobbes”) has been one of the great
supporters of Team Cul de Sac, which is amazing since his work has already inspired
so many. The work Richard and Bill are doing is an essential part of addressing the
challenges now facing families, friends, and loved ones affected by Parkinson’s. – I
seldom produce original “Watson” art for any reason, but jumped at the chance to support
Team Cul de Sac in any way I could. To be aligned with a cause as important as this one
is an absolute good and I’m honored to be a part of it.

WHAT’S INCLUDED:

1) Ten 3.5-inch Retro Watson floppy disks, all hand-detailed with original “Watson” art.
2) An 8” x 11” original Watson drawing on acid-free archival quality paper.
3) A “Thank You” letter from Jim with his personal e-mail to unlock an amazing 3-hours
worth of personal cartooning advice (drawing tips, writing tips, starting a web-comic)
via telephone or video-chat to be used at any time (it never expires!) for you or a
loved one.

Auction Price: TBA!!!!

BIO: Jim Horwitz is the creator of the cult comic strip “Watson,” a nationally lauded
web-comic nominated for Best Online Strip by the National Cartoonists Society. Watson
has been appearing online since 2010 and is read weekly by fans (aka “Watsoneers”) all
over the world.