Matt Ryder Caricature

Houdini

2012-02-07T06:18:00.000-08:00

Watercolour sketch of the legendary Harry Houdini !

Nick Nolte Caricature

2012-02-01T06:30:00.000-08:00

I watched warrior at the weekend, a phenomenal film with a great performance from Nick Nolte. Here is my version of the aging actor

Zach Galifianakis caricature

2012-01-31T01:26:00.000-08:00

Here is a watercolour of one of my favorite comedy actors Zach Galifianakis.

Cranberries Hot Press Illustration

2012-01-26T05:01:00.001-08:00

Just picked up my copy of this weeks Hotpress magazine and was delighted to see my illustration got over half a page on the lead album review !

Danny Trejo caricature

2012-01-25T08:33:00.000-08:00

Danny Trejo Watercolour. Really enjoyed this one. He always plays great parts in great movies !

2012-01-24T09:06:00.000-08:00

Quick watercolour sketch of Obama. I worked in reds only, although the scan doesn't accurately represent this.

2012-01-17T07:10:00.000-08:00

I was delighted to be asked by Hotpress magazine to do an illustration of Maverick Sabre for their review section. Here it is in print format. I have just finished of my next illustration for them which I will put up soon.

Quentin Tarantino - Watercolour

2012-01-13T09:18:00.000-08:00

Sketch painting of one of my favorite directors

Michael Madsen Caricature

2012-01-11T10:15:00.000-08:00

Finished this one up today

Jeremy Clarkson

2012-01-06T05:02:00.000-08:00

This guy always seems to be in the news at the moment for saying all the wrong things. Regardless, I still love Top Gear ! Jeremy Clarkson, painted with watercolour

Clint & Happy New year !

2012-01-03T08:41:00.000-08:00

Happy new year to you, and thanks for the support over the last year. I hope to keep the blog updated regularly throughout 2012. Here is my first post of the year, Mr Eastwood in Watercolour !

2011-12-24T06:44:00.000-08:00

I was delighted to have been asked to design the book cover jacket for the book Bridget in Werewolf Rehab, by Maura Byrne. The project was fantastic to be involved with and is a great string to my illustration bow. I look forward to working on more projects like this. If your interested in purchasing the book then the link is below the image.

Link to purchase the book

Kim Jong Il

2011-12-21T09:47:00.000-08:00

I finished this watercolour off today. A dictator with a wonderful face for caricature !

Bill Gates

2011-12-14T10:32:00.000-08:00

I really enjoyed painting this one, Bill Gates - Watercolour

Masterchef Caricature

2011-12-14T03:57:00.000-08:00

Been working on this on and off between commissions, finally finished it off this morning. It's finals week in Masterchef the professionals, so here is my Michelle Roux jr and Gregory Wallace, with Monica making an appearance !

Amy Winehouse

2011-12-06T06:00:00.001-08:00

Been meaning to paint this for ages, finally got around to it today. A true talent but troubled artist.

Interesting new commission

2011-12-05T06:55:00.001-08:00

I had real fun with this commission which was for a chef who was retiring. It was 2 seperate pieces which would be hung in his kitchen either side of the cooker. Pleased with how they came out, and a really unusual size for me to work in

New Live Caricatures

2011-12-05T06:42:00.001-08:00

Well the christmas season is well under way and its busy busy busy. I am working on lots of christmas gifts at the moment and a few other exciting projects, all of which will be detailed in the new year. For now here are some of my favorite recent live caricatures from different events.

Nathaniel Rateliff

2011-11-22T02:04:00.001-08:00

Here is a watercolour of Nathaniel Rateliff that I finished off yesterday. His music is fantastic so check it out if you haven't already !

Snow Patrol Hotpress illustration

2011-11-17T08:35:00.001-08:00

Today marks a big day for me, with my first major publication commissioning an illustration. I have done some stuff for smaller magazines and papers in the past, but Hotpress is one of my favorite magazines so it's on another level for me. I was asked to do a illustration of Snow Patrol for their lead album review. I was delighted with the job and was pleased with the results. Here is the original illustration and also the print version.

2011-11-11T08:35:00.001-08:00

I had a great time caricature some faces at this corporate event yesterday. They had a great view on the caricatures and requested big noses.... honest....

Gift Caricature Ireland

2011-11-11T08:30:00.001-08:00

This was a last minute gift commission that I managed to get turned around within the day of request. If you are looking for a unique gift then dont hesitate to get in touch (ideally with a bit more notice !)

Noel Gallagher - Watercolour

2011-11-07T09:07:00.000-08:00

Just finished off this Watercolour of Noel Gallagher today

Stephen Fry - Watercolour

2011-10-24T07:37:00.001-07:00

This was a tough one, but please with how it came out in the end.

Steve Jobs - RIP

2011-10-06T08:27:00.001-07:00

A real loss for all those looking to inspire. Here is my watercolour painting of Steve Jobs

Caricature Sign in boards

2011-10-03T06:11:00.000-07:00

One of the most popular services I provide for weddings has to be the guest sign in boards, these are a great alternative to a guest book and are a lovely reminder of your day. If you would like some more information then don't hesitate to get in touch !

Tom Waits Caricature

2011-09-28T09:09:00.000-07:00

Finished this up today, really enjoying painting with watercolour at the moment.

Nicolas Sarkozy caricature

2011-09-27T08:41:00.000-07:00

I just finished this painting today of French President Nicolas Sarkozy. It's watercolour on paper.

James Vincent Mcmorrow

2011-09-21T08:50:00.001-07:00

Here is a watercolour sketch I completed of singer/songwriter James Vincent Mcmorrow. If you don't know this guys music it's well worth a listen so get googling now !

Live stuff from today

2011-09-20T07:39:00.000-07:00

Great fun all around at todays gig. Here's a few pics. If you would like to book me for your event then don't hesitate to get in touch !

Brian O'Driscoll sketch

2011-09-19T09:10:00.000-07:00

Here is a quick 20 minute sketch of Brian O'Driscol. Not really happy with this, I feel I achieved a decent likeness, but lost something in his right eye. Oh well, i'll have another go when I have more time.

Christmas party ideas

2011-09-16T00:46:00.001-07:00

Well it's not long until christmas, and it's time to start thinking about the party ! Why not book me to draw your guests and entertain at your company event. It's great fun and a lovely memento for the guests to take home with them. I have a few spaces left available for christmas party bookings so why not get in touch and i'll be more than happy to send over a quote.

I also have some great deals on gift commissions in place for the christmas period, so drop me an email or give me a call and I will let you know the details !

Halloween is coming !

2011-09-13T06:42:00.000-07:00

Amazingly Halloween is coming up soon enough (where has this year gone???). I am offering a unique service here In Ireland for both Live "Living dead caricatures", and also for commissioned Zombie caricatures. If you would like to book me for your Halloween party, or maybe for a special gift for a horror fan do get in touch !

Live caricatures at the Zoo !

2011-09-12T02:02:00.000-07:00

Here are a few photos from a recent event where I was drawing staff members of Dublin zoo for their annual party. Great fun !

Live caricatures Dublin

2011-09-07T08:04:00.000-07:00

This was my first gig since returning from the USA. It was great fun, and a nice event to come back too. I love working in colour and feel it really adds something to the caricatures. If you would like to book me for an event please don't hesitate to get in touch with the details and I will give you a quote.

Come Dine With Me Ireland

2011-09-06T06:52:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the lack of posts, I was away on honeymoon in America having an amazing time !

While I was away an episode of come dine with me was shown, where I was drawing caricatures of the guests at the party. It was a great night, and the caricatures went down really well. I think this link will only work if your in Ireland, but as soon as a Youtube link goes up, I will post that also.

Here is the link - Come Dine With Me Ireland

Wedding caricatures Cork

2011-08-12T04:03:00.000-07:00

I had a great day yesterday at Sean and Sineads wedding in Cork city. Here are a few photos from the day

Corporate event in Dublin

2011-08-04T12:29:00.000-07:00

I had a great afternoon drawing in the offices of my client. This is the second time I have done work for this client, and nothing says good business like repeat business. Here are a few pic's prom the day.

50th Anniversary gift

2011-08-04T02:46:00.000-07:00

This was commissioned for a couple who are celebrating 50 years together. It's an impressive feat by any standards. I put quite a bit of detail into this one, and upgraded the frame as I was so impressed with their story. If you would like to get in touch then drop me an email or give me a call and we can discuss your requirements.

Gift Caricatures Ireland

2011-08-02T10:35:00.000-07:00

I've been busy painting away with gift commissions as well as live entertainment. Here's a few recent ones that have been picked up. I have lot's waiting for collection that I will post after they have been handed over. All of my commission work is painted traditionally with Watercolour, so you get a unique original piece of art that will last a lifetime. Please do get in touch if you would like a quote and we will work out the best package for your budget.

Corporate caricatures

2011-08-02T10:24:00.000-07:00

I attended a great corporate event recently in Dublin where I got to draw all sorts of fun faces. Here's the feedback -

"Everyone had a FANTASTIC time on Friday.... we’ve had such a laugh here all morning looking at the sketches. Some of the guys think that you were ‘exceptionally nice’ to the ladies though J

Both myself and the team had great fun and believe me the fact that you sketched ‘everyone’ was a major achievement as there were about 5 people there that I thought there is no way they are going to get this done! People in the office who didn’t go are majorly jealous and are delighted to know that we are going to get you into the office to finish the team off!"

Wedding Caricatures

2011-08-02T10:17:00.000-07:00

It's been a great season for me and I have been loving the wedding caricatures. I'm getting married myself in a few weeks, although won't be doing the entertainment !! If you would like to book me for your wedding, get in touch and let's see if I can help !

Dublin Zombie Walk after-party caricatures

2011-08-02T10:08:00.000-07:00

I had a great time drawing at the Dublin Zombie walk after party, and had plenty of takers for my living dead caricatures. If you would like some unique entertainment at your next event then why not get in touch !

Couple of new ones

2011-07-20T04:19:00.000-07:00

Phillip Seymour Hoffman sketch

2011-07-18T06:50:00.000-07:00

Living Dead Wayne

2011-07-14T07:36:00.000-07:00

Here is a living dead caricature of Wayne Savage, a fellow caricature artist. Getting warmed up ready for my set at the Dublin Zombie Walk after party !!

Liam Neeson sketch

2011-07-13T08:04:00.001-07:00

I really like Liam Neeson as an actor, he's had some great roles. Here is a 30 minute sketch of him.

International shipping

2011-07-05T01:03:00.000-07:00

Since leaving Dubai I still get all sorts of requests for caricature services in the UAE, as there is nobody locally based offering a professional standard of work. I have been flown back for a couple of events, and sent over pdf's of completed caricature artwork. This client wanted 2 framed watercolour caricatures to be shipped over. I'm pleased with how they came out, and the client was delighted with the final products. If you are looking for a caricature as a gift, or a present to yourself then get in touch, wherever you are based and I will see if I can assist.

Framed gift commissions

2011-06-30T06:52:00.000-07:00

I changed my framer a few weeks ago and think he is doing a great job. He offers solid advice on the frame choice as well as doing a top job. Here's a few he has recently done up for me.

Want your own caricature ? Get in touch with your requirements and I will be more than happy to send you a quote !

New live stuff - weddings weddings weddings !

2011-06-30T06:48:00.001-07:00

We are slap bang in the middle of wedding season and things are going well. Here's a few from a recent wedding in Galway

Michael Moore sketch

2011-06-15T07:56:00.000-07:00

Pencil sketch of the controversial film maker Michael Moore

Recent Commissions

2011-06-08T07:26:00.000-07:00

Here's a few new commissions that have been handed over. The Wedding ones have been used for invitations and sign in boards.

Working live at portfolio night

2011-05-27T00:27:00.000-07:00

A few photo's from last nights event in Dublin. It was an open portfolio night for students to meet with creative directors, looking to get a foot in the door of the industry. Great night, and the drawings went down really well. It was good for me as I could push the exaggerations a little further, and work in colour for the majority of the evening.

Osama Bin Laden

2011-05-24T07:19:00.000-07:00

So here is a sketch for today, Osama Bin Laden 1957 - 2011

Some new live ones

2011-05-23T06:23:00.000-07:00

Here's a few new live ones from recent events

Stephen King Sketch

2011-05-11T03:45:00.000-07:00

Just a quick one

Wedding Season !

2011-05-09T06:19:00.000-07:00

I have been really busy with various weddings over the last couple of weeks, so here are a selection of pics from a few of them.

Prince William, take 2

2011-04-26T06:53:00.000-07:00

As it's the royal wedding this week, here is a new take on Prince William, minus Kate (or is Kathryn) Middleton this time !

Busy busy

2011-04-12T08:31:00.000-07:00

Caricature were flowing today, and I had some great fun. Hope you like them. Leave a comment and let me know what you think !

A few live caricatures from todays gig

2011-04-11T08:12:00.000-07:00

Not many, but a few that I managed to get pics of

Hen Party caricature class

2011-04-10T04:44:00.000-07:00

I had great fun yesterday where I gave a 2 hour caricature class to a lovely bunch of hens. It was full of fun and prizes, and I did a live caricature of the hen at the end which was framed and presented to her. Here's a few pics.

30th Birthday Gift commission

2011-04-08T03:07:00.000-07:00

Here is a recent gift commission that I completed. Pleased to say he loved it.

Killybegs Tattoo Convention

2011-03-28T06:28:00.000-07:00

Spring Clean for Charity event

2011-03-12T02:19:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow (Sunday 13th) I will be caricaturing at the RDS in Dublin at the Spring Clean for charity event - SPRING CLEAN FOR CHARITY It's going to be a great day, and 100% of all proceeds are going to the Society of St Vincent De Paul, and the Irish Famine Commemoration fund. Come down and see me if your in Dublin and get a caricature drawn for a great cause, and maybe pick up a bargain from one of the stall's !

Caricature Classes for Hen and Stag weekends

2011-03-02T06:06:00.000-08:00

If you are looking for a unique twist to add to your hen and stag weekend, or any other event then why not add a fun caricature class to the proceedings ! The class can be tailored to your requirements and is guaranteed to add a bunch of laughs and memories to the weekend. The classes I offer range from 1 hour - 4 hours and are are great craic even if you have never picked up a pen to draw before !

The class will cover the basics of caricaturing, including observation, head shapes and technique.
There is loads of participation, and you will be drawing each other before you know it !

All materials are provided, and at the end of the class I will give a live full colour caricature demo of the Bride or groom to be, which is then framed and given at the end of the class.

Give me a call or drop me a message for more info and prices.

Gaddafi watercolour

2011-02-28T05:24:00.000-08:00

Considering what is happening in Libya, I though this was appropriate ! Gaddafi, Watercolour.

And a Brain Dead Simon

2011-02-22T10:40:00.000-08:00

Simon is going to be helping me out at the convention, and hopefully doing some sketches of his own, so it's only right he get's his own caricature !

Braindead Self caricature

2011-02-22T05:33:00.000-08:00

This is a self promotion piece that I will be using for an upcoming tattoo convention, where I will be offering brain dead caricatures to the attendees. The colours are not quite matching the original, but it's as close as I could get it !

I have seen a few zombie caricatures kicking around recently, and other than the original zombie boys, Sean and Nick over at www.zombiecaricatures.com most of them are very much second rate. I like how this came out, and after a chat with the Sean, I will be offering this side of my business officially as "Braindead caricatures". Enjoy, more will follow soon.

Robert De Niro watercolour sketch

2011-02-17T09:39:00.000-08:00

I enjoyed the process with this, let me know your thoughts by leaving a comment !

Todays caricatures

2011-02-14T07:42:00.000-08:00

Live stuff from today

2011-02-10T09:12:00.000-08:00

I had a fun time drawing at a student gig today, lots of fun faces who were up for the laugh !

Here are a few pics I managed to get.

Tommy Lee Jones

2011-02-02T03:57:00.000-08:00

Pencil sketch of this great actor

Valentines day gift Ideas

2011-02-02T01:30:00.000-08:00

Are you looking for a unique and personal valentines day gift for your partner ? Look no further that a framed original caricature commissioned of your loved one, or how about a framed limited edition print of one of my paintings or sketches ? Drop me an email or give me a call to discuss pricing options (one to fit every budget !), but hurry, valentines is just around the corner !

Bono

2011-02-01T07:43:00.000-08:00

Sketch for today, Bono. Hope you like it !

Dr Sketchy's sketches

2011-01-31T02:55:00.000-08:00

I attended my first life drawing session since college at the weekend in the form of Dr Sketchy's anti art school, held in the Good Bits Dublin. They take a somewhat different approach to life drawing, which was great fun to be involved with. I found the session really challenging for many reasons, but mainly as I am so used to drawing faces, getting the bodies in proportion was something new ! I really enjoyed the session, and will definatley be going again. It make me realise that I really do have so much to learn. So here are a few of the sketches, 10 minute and 20 minute poses.

James Cromwell

2011-01-28T04:02:00.000-08:00

Pencil Sketch

Caricaturing in Abu Dhabi

2011-01-26T09:12:00.000-08:00

So I am just back from a fantastic event in Abu Dhabi, where I was caricaturing at the Saadiyat Beach Classic opening party. It was a very swanky do and I got to draw live caricatures of Zinzane Brooke, Gavin Hastings and Victor Matfield amongst others. It all took place in the amazing surroundings of the Emirates Palace. I didn't manage to get any pictures myself as I was so busy, however I am hoping I will be sent some photos taken by people at the event... watch this space !

Jamie Heaslip - Birthday gift commission

2011-01-19T12:56:00.000-08:00

I finished off this commission last week for Ireland International rugby player Jamie Heaslip ! I was chuffed when his girlfriend called asking for the commission and it's a great birthday gift for a man who has everything ! I was more surprised when she said she didn't want it to be rugby related ! Anyway, I have the feedback and her exact words "He love, love, loved it". Lets hope it leads to more celebrity commissions :)

Owen Wilson

2011-01-18T06:50:00.000-08:00

Quick sketch of Owen Wilson

Jimi Hendrix - Acrylic on Canvas

2011-01-18T01:54:00.000-08:00

I have been working on this canvas, on and off for around 2 weeks. I gave up on it about 3 times for various reasons, but on a friends recommendation I hid it away for a few days and then got it back out yesterday with fresh eyes and finished it off. So here he is, my first acrylic in ages, Jimi Hendrix. Canvas is around 4ft x 3ft

Johnny Cash

2011-01-07T03:39:00.000-08:00

After yesterdays painstaking painting of bricks I decided to do a quick loose sketch today. Johnny Cash being the subject !

Dublin Street scene

2011-01-06T10:05:00.001-08:00

I have wanted to paint something like this for a while but never had the commitment to get it done. Finally had a go today and spent a few hours on it. Not exactly delighted with the result but not entirely disappointed either. Anyway, here it is a Dublin street scene painted in watercolour

Russell Crowe

2011-01-05T08:33:00.000-08:00

I think I forgot I was a caricaturist for this one..... oops !

Pete Postlethwaite

2011-01-04T05:04:00.000-08:00

A great actor and a sad loss. Here is my watercolour tribute

Happy New Year !

2011-01-03T03:14:00.001-08:00

Happy new year everyone, I hope 2011 is a happy, healthy and wealthy year for you all.

December 2010 was a busy month for me with lots of christmas gigs, weddings, commissions and sign in boards to work through. Below are a selection of some of my live stuff and a few of the commissions and wedding guest boards that I supplied, hope you like them !

Christmas gigs

2010-12-16T10:54:00.000-08:00

I have been really busy the last couple of weeks with christmas parties and christmas commissons so things are going well ! Here are a few pics from todays gig, it was a small office party where they wanted full colour caricatures. I will post more photos soon, and some of the commissions once christmas is over.

Brian Cowen in the news again

2010-12-14T05:54:00.000-08:00

My Brian Cowen piece has been used for another article in a well known Irish Paper, i'm delighted with the exposure. Here is hoping for lots more !!

Prince

2010-12-07T08:35:00.001-08:00

Pencil sketch of Prince/The Sign/Symbol ?? Hope you like it.

Limited Edition prints

2010-12-07T04:28:00.000-08:00

I am offering a new A3 limited edition print which is a collection of my favorite sketches completed over the last couple of years. Sketches include - Bill Clinton, Robert Di Niro, Elvis, Winston Churchill, David Hockney, Barack Obama, John Hurt, George W Bush and Al Pacino.

Prints are limited to 80, and are all signed, dated and numbered. Framed or unframed options available.

Please contact me for further information.

(Click for a closer look)

Newspaper illustration

2010-12-06T01:55:00.000-08:00

I was delighted when the Cork News contacted me to use one of my Brian Cowen caricatures for an editorial piece this weekend. I always love to see my stuff in print and hope more and more stuff like this will come my way. Here is the article.

Wedding caricatures

2010-11-29T00:29:00.000-08:00

I had great fun on Friday evening drawing at the wedding of Aisling and Jody. The caricatures went down really well and everyone seemed to be having a great time. I didn't manage to get many photo's, but I got a few.....

60th Birthday Commission

2010-11-29T00:27:00.000-08:00

Zombie Terrie

2010-11-29T00:23:00.000-08:00

This is the last of the girls form Zombie Tattoo Parlor. Looking forward to working with them all at the convention in March.

Zombie Liosa

2010-11-25T03:49:00.000-08:00

The second of the ladies from Zombiedoll Tattoo, Liosa !
I am aslo delighted to say that I have been invited to draw for 3 days at the Killybeg Tattoo convention in March next year, thanks to the ladies from Zombidoll for the invite, I can't wait !

Zombie Ruth

2010-11-24T00:28:00.000-08:00

I did this for Ruth who runs ZombieDoll Tattoo parlor in Donegal... seemed fitting !

Check out their awesome tattoo shop -

http://zombiedollstattooparlour.com/

Pictures from Wexford

2010-11-21T09:13:00.000-08:00

I was gigging away in Wexford yesterday, and had some great fun with the local folks. I managed to snap a few pictures from the day, let me know what you think ! Next week is uber busy with gigs taking me to Waterford, Blanchardstown, Cork, Limerick and Avoca for a wedding, loving every minute !

Some photos from todays gig

2010-11-19T11:21:00.000-08:00

Kate Middleton & Prince William

2010-11-18T06:10:00.000-08:00

I thought I would stay topical for todays post ! Other than my wedding, this is set to be the biggest event of 2011, for the Royal family anyway ! Hope you like it anyway....