Ben Carson MD

If Doctor Ben Carson was a board-game, what kind would he be? Given his gifted hands as a surgeon, it's gotta be Operation (that's a no-brainer).  My portrait of this presidential candidate was drawn directly on an Operation game-board. His political views are not the right prescription for me, but if I ever need brain surgery, I'm calling Ben Carson MD.

This is part of an ongoing series, Political Games,  which presents portraits of prominent political figures in the context of games. You can see my depiction of Mr. Carson's main rival in the GOP election here.

You can view a full gallery of my personal projects here!

"Economics is not brain surgery." ~ Dr. Ben Carson

Fidel Castro

Here's a portrait from my series, Political Games, in which I draw politicians on game-boards or game-pieces. Here I imagined former Cuban president, Fidel Castro, through the cultural lens of dominoes (an extremely popular game in Cuba). It seems as though either he or his brother Raúl have been in power for an eternity. One wonders when those dominoes will fall.

Here's a detail of the original, which measures 9" by 12"

"I am Fidel Castro and we have come to liberate Cuba." ~ Fidel Castro

You can view a big gallery of my personal projects here!

Presidential Chess

If President Obama was a board-game, which one would he be? Given all the strategic moves which must be weighed in the complex Middle East, I imagine he'd be Chess. There can be unintended consequences to any action our president takes - so I don't envy his responsibilities. But I admire Mr. Obama greatly for his keen intellect and steady leadership.

"In a world of complex threats, our security and leadership depends on 

all elements of our power - including strong and principled diplomacy."

- President Barack Obama

Dick Cheney

There's a TV show about a ruthless, manipulative, power-hungry politician named Frank Underwood. He's a scary guy, but the story is pure fiction. Here's my attempt to capture one former occupant of a real-life House of Cards, Dick Cheney.

I used 81 playing cards to paint this ink portrait, which measures  22" by 32"

Prints of this portrait are available here!


"We will, in fact, be greeted as liberators."

- Vice President Dick Cheney (before the 2003 invasion of Iraq)

You can view a big gallery of my personal projects here!

Sarah Palin Scabble

If Sarah Palin was a board-game, what kind would she be? With her colorful use of words, I imagine she'd be Scrabble. I drew this portrait directly on a scrabble board. It's fun to think of all the words associated with this iconic public figure.

"Polls? Nah... they're for strippers and cross country skiers."  ~ Sarah Palin

There are so many fun words associated with Sarah Palin. 

What's your favorite Palinism?

You can view a big gallery of my personal projects here!

Trumpopoly

If Donald Trump was a board-game, what kind would he be? Given this real-estate tycoon's dominance in our media landscape, it's gotta Monopoly, right?  I drew this portrait directly on a Monopoly board - which is prime real estate for the Donald's larger-than-life personality.

"Well, real estate is always good, as far as I'm concerned."  ~ Donald Trump

"I'm worth far too much money. I don't need anybody's money."  ~ Donald Trump

"I don't like losers."  ~ Donald Trump