Had the thrill of a lifetime hearing David Levine talk last night at an National Cartoonist Society gathering.. Best Caricaturist. Ever. Actually I had met Mr. Levine once before back in 2000 when he did the above self portrait for me. It’s signed “D. Levine (dot) Commie-ha! David spoke of his early inspirations, Will Eisner and Walt Disney. He sent Disney some drawings when he was a kid and Disney sent him a letter offering him a job. David wrote back “But, I’m only 9 years old.” The National Cartoonist Society Connecticut chapter was also astounded to see Levine’s breathtaking fine art paintings of Coney Island scenes. David was accompanied by his son, daughter-in-law and wife Kathy. Kathy is a strikingly beautiful woman. When David showed a painting of her it took everyone’s breath away but he quickly said, “she’s more than her beauty”. Bet he got lucky when he got home. I sure was lucky to have heard my hero and lucky to see more of his incredible artistry.

David Levine and myself at the NCS dinner. I’m the good looking one.

Click on this David Levine self-caricature below to see some of David’s wonderful caricatures. I’ve chosen some famous artists (including Picasso, whose own cartoons are featured in the upcoming Arf Museum) rather than the authors and politicos we usually see by him. Enjoy, Arf Lovers!

(click for a slideshow of Levine’s caricatures)