Seated in a wheelchair, wearing a green “Alexandria Inmate” jumpsuit, Paul Manafort appeared before Judge T.S. Ellis for sentencing after his tax and bank fraud convictions last summer. Facing a possible sentence of roughly 20 years, Manafort got off easy with just 47 months. Next Wednesday Manafort is scheduled to appear in DC before Judge Amy Berman Jackson for sentencing on two counts of conspiracy to which he pleaded in September; each count carries a maximum sentence of five years.
Courtroom sketching is a form of visual journalism or reportage drawing that is slowly dying out. Where once upon a time news organization each had their own artist covering a story, today a “pool” artist often sketches for all. It is a demanding and stressful discipline where the drawing is often done directly and under tight deadline.
After forty-five years of news sketching in courtrooms and congress I’m calling it quits. It’s been sometimes fun, sometimes frustrating, almost always interesting. I’ve been lucky to work with some really great people. Don’t think I’ll miss it, but a little scared of not having a deadline.
While I won’t be sketching in court anymore, I may continue to post to this blog from time to time. Not sure what that might be. I’m about to start a new assignment documenting infrastructure and construction. Could be interesting.
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Just a kudos for your staggering ability…as an artist, I’ve always been amazed by “courtroom” or “on the spot” artists…you’re, simply put, the BOMB my friend…????????
Thanks a lot, Marie. Now I’ll have a swelled head ! But seriously, I appreciate your comment.
-Art