Courtroom Artist
Author: Tyler
No disrespect to the profession as I’m sure that sketching a murder trial isn’t the only thing you do. However, I must question the job at hand. The judge has ordered no cameras in the courtroom? Correct? So the alternative is to make a drawing of what is happening during the trial? Hmmm? What am I to gain from viewing a sketch that attempts to convey the drama inside a courtroom? Am I to say, “OOOhh, he looks guilty in that drawing.” Seriously, what is the point? If anyone can justify my tax dollars for this seemingly insignificant position I will draw a picture of me throwing dollar bills into the ocean because that is what it feels like when I see an artist rendered trial. On the other hand the artist has all the power. If that one image is all the public will see, think of the possibilities. If I’m the artist I can draw up anything I deem necessary. If I want him to look guilty I’ll just draw a picture of him picking his nose during the testimony from his girlfriend stating she was physically abused by him before he went on that killing spree. If I want him to be sympathetic I’ll have him sobbing during that same testimony. Anyway, it’s 2011 not 1811. Either videotape the trial or don’t show me it at all. And certainly don’t make me pay for it.
Ty Christopher
Posted in From The Beach
Interesting blog. The courtroom artist is indeed a historical anachranism.
What does a guilty person look like in a drawing? I mean really.. my 3 year old could draw one up for ya ! I bet he draws better ; )
I do not believe that there is a lot of difference between the choice to draw an expression on a drawing and the choice to publish an expression on a photo. What becomes major it is the choice of the person that broadcasts the story.
I read your article having viewed “Into the West” (I liked this magnificent series filled with talented actors) and your article reminded me in the way thus a person tell the story. Because in this series, whether it is the pioneers, the Amerindians, the soldiers, the journalists, each sees and lives the story in its way.
I am French and I hope that my English is correct.
Kiss of France
I want a picture of him flicking those boogars, too! That would make him look even more angry and guilty!
Scandalous! LOL
This was an interesting blog post to read
but one must appreciate courtroom artistry if you will…it is so simple to portray the trial and all the people involved in it over video or internet or other mediums; but drawing the trial and the action taking place during the trial is something that we must appreciate in our technologically advanced society.
its is important to appreciate the emotion that a drawing can capture
I don’t know about the rest of you, but sketch artists scare the bejesus out of me. They have ever since I watched “The Stepford Wives” when I was little.
Remember? They’d throw a party for all the new residents of Stepford and there’d be an artist off in the corner, drawing all the wives.
Well, I’m 47 and I STILL can’t sit for even a caricature artist in Disney World!
Rose : )
wouldn’t it be great to see a court room artist draw stick figures
love it. lmao.
HILARIOUS, I almost spewed my coffee on the computer screen=the online equivalent of killing standup. Only you would see something as innocuous as a courtroom artist with such malevolence. But you’re right. Besides, most of them suck.
i agree i no longer see the need for the sketch artist in this day and age but alas if its out tax paying dollars being throwen away then they will keep right on doing it because we all know that there is nothing better that can be done with that money:) and loved your last show on gh hate to see you go but it was a great scene i cried all through it thanks for the great work
Hi Tyler!
You make some valid points. Two centuries ago a courtroom artist provided significant documentation of events and no doubt swayed many, but this is a new millenium. With cable channels like Court TV or Tru TV or whatever, people can see the real thing and don’t have to rely on someone else’s interpretation. However, I do like Becky’s idea for a flip book. With some of the more sensationalized trials, a flip book could become a souvenir. (yikes! lol)
ITA, great work on GH!! The writing was off the hook! You and JJ brought Nikolas and Lucky full circle from 1996 to 2011 in those scenes. Bravo!
I hope you have had the chance to see the old SNL shows where the court artist was a stick person. LOL
Hey Tyler!
Great points. Even if the artist is unbiased, a smile or frown or whatever expression made doesn’t always scream GUILTY or INNOCENT. Persons are as complex as their expressions & emotions can be. Best to do all or nothing i.e. tape the entire trial or nada. If they still want drawings, they’ll need a few more artists that will be feveriously sketching so the drawings can be put in a flip book, that may be mildly more accurate. Like I said great points. Keep the blogs coming, whenever you can. P.S. great work including writing between you and JJ. Fantabulous!