Drawing on looney traits of Rockhampton region politicians
THE Bulletin's cartoonist Harry Bruce hopes 2013 is a lively year for the region so it will provide him with plenty of fodder.
The former teacher, who walked out of the classroom 21 years ago and has been behind the drawing board ever since, said he focused more on local issues rather than politicians when he put his pieces together.
However, it was always easier when a colourful politician stepped into the picture.
Harry said it was far easier to capture the essence of some politicians than others.
For example, Rockhampton Mayor Margaret Strelow was hard work.
"I draw Margaret (Strelow) a fair bit. She's hard to draw because she's a good-looking woman," he said.
"Kirsten Livermore is another. She has really strong features. I've just worked out how to draw Kirsten and now she is going."
He said he would miss Robert Schwarten.
"There was no one better than him," Harry said.
"He had the big jaw and chin, the mouth and eyebrows and he had the personality to go with it.
"Brad Carter (former mayor) was also ideal. He was a big man with a funny hair style."
As for the new pollies Bill Byrne and Bruce Young, the members for Rockhampton and Keppel respectively.
"They're still settling in and I haven't really picked their personalities yet," Harry said.
"Having said that they're pretty easy to draw."
He said capturing a pollie's essence took time.
"It's not just how they look, but also their character," he said.
"With the politicians it's the amount of noise they make that makes them attractive to me.
"It's always good when there's a bit of controversy."
Harry's view
Harry's comments on other pollies:
Qld Premier Campbell Newman: It's hard to get a handle on him. There's the bald head and big lips, but it's taking time to get the right balance. At one point I was toying with the idea of drawing him as Napoleon all the time, the little dictator with the hand in the pocket.
Prime Minister Julia Gillard and Opposition Leader Tony Abbott: There are some faces to draw that are quite easy because they have particular facial features that stand out, like Julia with the big nose and Tony with the big ears. I don't like being cruel to women ... except Julia.
He said Bob Katter and Clive Palmer were among his favourites.
