One of my favorite cartoonists is Gary Brookins, the conservative cartoonist who also draws the comics Shoe and Pluggers.  Gary had been the editorial cartoonist for the Richmond Times-Dispatch and was laid off recently in the national, newspaper bloodletting.  (In fact, it wasn’t long ago that the Times-Dispatch had two cartoonists; the other was Bob Gorrell.)

Gary was going to keep drawing editorial cartoons for syndication, but that seems not to be happening.  Some of our readers emailed me, noticing that Gary’s last cartoon posted with us was in July.  Here’s the latest from Gary:

I have taken a “vacation” from drawing editorial cartoons, and do not anticipate doing any more at least through the end of this year … Since being laid off from the Richmond Times-Dispatch in April, I’ve taken a long break from editorial cartooning, and have been focusing on my painting. In October, I was in a joint show with Richmond painter and portrait artist Loryn Brazier at her studio/gallery In December, I will also participate at Brazier Studio in a “miniature” show, as well as a show at Rockett’s Landing, a new, upscale condominium development on the James River in Richmond.

My subject matter would best be described as “Americana,” including landscapes, farm houses, diners, chickens, weathered old boats, and especially abandoned, rusty cars and trucks, mainly from the 1940s and 50s. I also do some portraiture.

In March, I will be teaching a workshop in drawing in graphite.

Some of my work can be seen at: www.brookinsart.blogspot.com

I also continue to enjoy working on “Pluggers” for Tribune Media Services and “Shoe” (King Features Syndicate), working with Chris Cassatt and Susie MacNelly.

Thanks again, Daryl.

Here is one of Gary’s recent oil paintings.  I see the Jeff MacNelly influence.