Set, Series, Sequence - Drawing Blindfolded

I found a pretty interesting light article on DangerousMinds.net about some of the most prominent comic strip artists having drawn their trademark characters blindfolded. I found it quite interesting as well as amusing because, looking at the characters side by side, the fundamental defining characteristics are still present in the versions drawn while blindfolded. Obviously with less detail, the new versions of these characters looked more like abstract interpretations of the original characters,

 

The defining features of this character are the tiny eyes, the eyebrows, nose and mustache. All these features are present in the second drawing.

 

Dixie's doe eyed and melancholy expression still holds, even though most of the details are dropped.

 

Brandy's stern aesthetic is clearly visible even with none of the lines connecting.

 

Dagwood's head appears to be a lovely abstract interpretation of the original drawing.

 

Dick Tracy's most prominent feature is his striking profile; the angular nose and chin and the down turned hat are still very strong in the second drawing.

 

Skeezix's floppy hair and childlike features, although a bit muddled are still evident in the second drawing.

 

Although the facial features have shrunk, Smilin' Jack's crooner expression is almost identical to the original drawing.

 

Steve Canyon's face and features have shifted around but he is still recognizable. It's clear that Milton Caniff drew each feature exactly like he always does but had trouble placing the parts.

 

This one is quite impressive as mostly everything is in place and again, the expression holds.

 

 Major Hoople's chin has receded slightly but otherwise, he is almost the same.

I find this fascinating because clearly these characters have been developed to a point where the artist is able to convey their characteristics without being able to see what they are doing. And, of course, the artists have been drawing the same characters for years so it's no surprise that this is the case.

Ten Famous Comic Strip Artists Draw Their Characters Blindfolded. Paul Gallagher. Available at: http://dangerousminds.net/comments/ten_famous_comic_strip_artists_draw_their_characters_blindfolded