I know everyone was snickering when I announced the assignment (after the groans were over with, at least). I just can’t believe no one else went “there” with it. Me? I simply could not resist, especially when drawing such a hottie as Betty. And yes, I’m a “Betty” man (as opposed to Veronica). Instead of making this an “oh sh*t!” situation for our blondie, I decided to put Betty in charge and have her totally into it. So far the “Sketchercise” series has been a great learning tool for me, as I catch up. Now, onto #3. I only have like 7 or 8 more to catch the rest of the group.

Wow, what a meeting tonight. Time flew, and the next thing you know it was the second Thursday of the month (I count April Fool’s Day as an actual day, regardless of its celebration). Anyway, the most amazing crew came by, and while they were here I drew what I think is one of my bestest sketches ever-sers. Out of the blue, just coming through town, and thanks to this fabulous website where meeting dates and times are published, Frank Miller and his old buddy Klaus Janson dropped by. Janson did nothing but bash John Romita Jr., and when I said that his work was awesome on JR Jr’s, he almost punched me, but Frank quieted him down. We all were sketching away when next thing you know, in walks Robert Crumb to our humble little SketchCharlotte HQ at Showmar’s on 7th. He said that having a sketch group is one of the coolest things ever, plopped down and demanded to review ALL of our sketchbooks. I told him that a lot of my stuff was up on my website, www.watchtomdraw.com, but handed him this year’s current Moleskine where I keep my sketches and various task lists. Miller actually looked worried, and when he asked Robert for an autograph the tension was so thick you could cut it. I managed to help everyone settle down … at least until Dan Clowes walked in. DANG, was this a great meeting or WHAT?! So when I pointed out to Clowes that he looks as schlubby cool as his characters, he actually blushed. Then said something completely smarmy and sarcastic, but said it so fast that it didn’t register with me that it was a horrible put-down until Janson just out of the blue socked the ever living sh!t outta him. It was amazing. And then Clowes apologized to me. Actually apologized. We all drew in each other’s sketchbooks, and WOW, was I ever blown away. I’ll never ever EVER miss a SketchCharlotte meeting again, especially knowing that comic greats, be they known or unknown, can just stroll in and join the sketching fun. Amazing.

left to right:
Tom Davidson (top), Duane Ballenger, J Chris Campbell, Francesco Francavilla, Rich Barrett, Eraklis “Herc” Petmezas (top), Chris Brunner, Dustin Harbin