THE JAMES MASON COMMUNITY BOOK CLUB discussion

On 9/25/1995- while going to my job in NYC- I was on the NJ Transit Train - with the James Mason Bio- Odd Man Out- I decided to sketch a picture of him - with paper and pencil - I have kept this drawing for over 14 years- it is now framed and hangs in my room- I have decided I really want to share it with the Group- mind you- I am no artist- never took a lesson - but I tried my best to capture James Mason in pencil - I hope you like the drawing- you can see where I signed and dated it on the bottom right.
Rick

http://photo.goodreads.com/photos/127...

Cool art Rick,
you've got to be kidding, you never did art? well you're a natural!!!

Thinker wrote: "Cool art Rick,
you've got to be kidding, you never did art? well you're a natural!!!"

Thanks!! I always loved drawing and doodling- this drawing means alot to me- the only picture I ever kept
haha- shows I was a James Mason Fan for many years (actually since 1978)

Nice! I think you captured Mason as a younger man quite well, Rick. The expression in the eyes and demeanor are right on.

That is truly amazing! Very accurate portrayal of James Mason! Astounding that you have had no training, a natural talent that most people can not do without taking courses in drawing and/or art.

Brian wrote: "That is truly amazing! Very accurate portrayal of James Mason! Astounding that you have had no training, a natural talent that most people can not do without taking courses in drawing and/or art."

thanks very much Brian! really appreciate the very kind words! it was as if my pencil had a mind of its own when I was drawing the picture!

Rick wrote: "On 9/25/1995- while going to my job in NYC- I was on the NJ Transit Train - with the James Mason Bio- Odd Man Out- I decided to sketch a picture of him - with paper and pencil - I have kept this dr..."

Rick, did James Mason ever smile? He looks so tormented

Minnie wrote: "Rick wrote: "On 9/25/1995- while going to my job in NYC- I was on the NJ Transit Train - with the James Mason Bio- Odd Man Out- I decided to sketch a picture of him - with paper and pencil - I have..."

actually James Mason was quite a serious man- shy- ill at ease- unfailing polite- but suffered from depression and low self-esteem.

I would guess his acting was therapeutic. But apparently it didn't help his mental problems, just kept him busy.

Many writers write through their problems or depression, so why not go before cameras and expose yourself.

He looks very handsome in your drawing Rick. Well done!

Barbara wrote: "He looks very handsome in your drawing Rick. Well done!"

thank you so much Barbara!!!

great James Mason Website!

http://www.classicmoviefavorites.com/...

Hey Rick. How did you come to be such a huge James Mason fan? Was it a particular movie or acting role that you liked?

Barbara wrote: "Hey Rick. How did you come to be such a huge James Mason fan? Was it a particular movie or acting role that you liked?"

Barbara wrote: "Hey Rick. How did you come to be such a huge James Mason fan? Was it a particular movie or acting role that you liked?"

Interesting Question - In 1978- I was 11 years old- already a budding classic movie buff- Cable TV was pretty new at the time- my older brother was watching HEAVEN CAN WAIT on HBO (The only movie network at the time)- I was semi-watching it- and then I heard the most amazing voice I ever heard- it was of course James Mason- I watched the rest of the film and was very taken by his performance as Mr Jordan- I asked my older brother (12 years older then me) "WHO IS THAT ACTOR!!" he replied- "Thats James Mason- he has been a movie star for alot of years"
next day I went to the local library (there were no computers at the time!) and looked him up- I was astounded at the amount of films he was in and what a magnificent career he had- it was at that point that I became a fan of his- and my admiration grew as I saw more and more performances of his. In 1983- when he was nominated for The Verdict- I was never more excited about the Oscars in my life- I still remember seeing him in the beginning walking with his wife up the red carpet- when he lost- I was devastated- and have not watched the Academy Awards since. I recall I was was working in a summer camp when I heard about his death on the radio- I was never more internally effected by a "star's" passing in my life- I still mourn him and the performances he still had in him- He had several films come out after his death- and anyone who thinks that at 75 he lost any of his immense presence- just watch THE SHOOTING PARTY- a film he made very shortly before his passing. I hope I answered your question! I am a fan of many actors- Paul Douglas, Thelma Ritter, Robert Walker, Peter Lorre ect- but James Mason was(and is) in a class by himself- in my humble opinion :<)
Rick

Rick.........I can't draw my breath so I am envious of anyone who has artistic talent which you have in abundance. A wonderful picture of our favorite actor and gentleman.

very nice

Courtney *Stark Lover* wrote: "very nice"

thank you!!!! Courtney

thats really good

Mackenzie wrote: "thats really good"

thanks- really appreciate you nice words!!!

no problem (:

Rick wrote: "Barbara wrote: "Hey Rick. How did you come to be such a huge James Mason fan? Was it a particular movie or acting role that you liked?"

Thanks Rick, for telling me how you became interested in James Mason. I'm always intrigued about how a seemingly small occurrence in someone's life (like tuning in to a movie your brother was watching, can have a big impact on a person.

ONCE A SPY FACEBOOK PAGE- JAMES MASON PIC INCLUDED

http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/pa...

Keith wrote: "My name is Keith and I'm pleased to be a member of this club. Thanks to Rick for inviting me. I am writer by profession and an avid reader when I have time (I am very much hoping Congress will legi..."

welcome Keith- Keith is the author of one of the most brilliant thrillers I ever read- I uh believe I mentioned it several Times..ONCE A SPY

YOU MUST ALL SEE HIS DRAWING OF JAMES MASON!! ITS ON FACEBOOK- THE OFFICIAL ONCE A SPY PAGE
for those not on facebook

The picture is now viewable by this link and in the photo gallery of the The James Mason Group

http://photo.goodreads.com/photos/127947...

Just an awesome drawing as was yours!

now that is a really pretty drawing Rick you very talented

OH MY G__!!!!!!!!

Rick wrote: "On 9/25/1995- while going to my job in NYC- I was on the NJ Transit Train - with the James Mason Bio- Odd Man Out- I decided to sketch a picture of him - with paper and pencil - I have kept this dr..."

Rick, that's awesome, you are a natural. I also draw sketches and have never been taught. (Doodled at school when I should have been paying attention to other things.)

You should do more of those drawings. How about drawing Elizabeth Taylor for us? (Sorry, I'm cheeky, I know. Bet you do an awesome picture though. Or maybe Robert Mitchum? Gregory Peck? You could have a book full of them and sell them.) :)

Patricia wrote: "Rick wrote: "On 9/25/1995- while going to my job in NYC- I was on the NJ Transit Train - with the James Mason Bio- Odd Man Out- I decided to sketch a picture of him - with paper and pencil - I have..."

Thanks so much!! I have not sketched in quite a while but do think I would like to take it up again!

Rick wrote: "Patricia wrote: "Rick wrote: "On 9/25/1995- while going to my job in NYC- I was on the NJ Transit Train - with the James Mason Bio- Odd Man Out- I decided to sketch a picture of him - with paper an..."

Rick, I used to sketch years ago, then never seemed to find the time. Recently I needed illustrations for one of my children's books, so I drew them myself. I wasn't sure I’d remember how to, but it all came back to me. I so enjoyed it and felt like a kid again. After reading your post, I’ve been looking for my old sketches. LOL.

Rick wrote: "On 9/25/1995- while going to my job in NYC- I was on the NJ Transit Train - with the James Mason Bio- Odd Man Out- I decided to sketch a picture of him - with paper and pencil - I have kept this dr..."

You are a man of many talents!!! Great artwork Rick!

Elizabeth wrote: "Rick wrote: "On 9/25/1995- while going to my job in NYC- I was on the NJ Transit Train - with the James Mason Bio- Odd Man Out- I decided to sketch a picture of him - with paper and pencil - I have..."

thanks so much!!

Patricia wrote: "Rick wrote: "Patricia wrote: "Rick wrote: "On 9/25/1995- while going to my job in NYC- I was on the NJ Transit Train - with the James Mason Bio- Odd Man Out- I decided to sketch a picture of him - ..."

When you find them- it would be wonderful if you can share some with our Group!

Rick wrote: "Patricia wrote: "Rick wrote: "Patricia wrote: "Rick wrote: "On 9/25/1995- while going to my job in NYC- I was on the NJ Transit Train - with the James Mason Bio- Odd Man Out- I decided to sketch a ..."

Oh, dear, I'll hunt them out. They were self portraits and some of my husband and kids. (I drew them with charcoal pencils, but they're not very good.)Hehe. If I find them, I'll post them on my blog, then you can all have a laugh. :)

Rick wrote: "On 9/25/1995- while going to my job in NYC- I was on the NJ Transit Train - with the James Mason Bio- Odd Man Out- I decided to sketch a picture of him - with paper and pencil - I have kept this dr..."

This is great. I hope I can learn to draw better. Any tips?

QuotetheRaven wrote: "Rick wrote: "On 9/25/1995- while going to my job in NYC- I was on the NJ Transit Train - with the James Mason Bio- Odd Man Out- I decided to sketch a picture of him - with paper and pencil - I have..."

basically- just start with the eyes, they give you a center from which to build out from - nose, mouth, then sketch facial shape

Rick wrote: "QuotetheRaven wrote: "Rick wrote: "On 9/25/1995- while going to my job in NYC- I was on the NJ Transit Train - with the James Mason Bio- Odd Man Out- I decided to sketch a picture of him - with pap..."

I never thought of starting like that. Thanks I'll give it a try. :)

QuotetheRaven wrote: "Rick wrote: "QuotetheRaven wrote: "Rick wrote: "On 9/25/1995- while going to my job in NYC- I was on the NJ Transit Train - with the James Mason Bio- Odd Man Out- I decided to sketch a picture of h..."

quite welcome!

stunning

That's awesome; I have to say, you seem like a natural to me!

Ashley wrote: "That's awesome; I have to say, you seem like a natural to me!"

thanks!!

Who is James Mason anyways? lol.

Justin wrote: "Who is James Mason anyways? lol."

haha! my favorite actor- passed away in 1984- you might know him as Captain Nemo in Disney's 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea or Humbert Humbert in Kubrick's Lolita - was in 100 films- from 1935 to his death.
Great actor!! 3 Oscar nominations- last for The Verdict with Paul Newman

Just caught Julius Caesar on TCM the other day and James was great as Brutus. Brando wasn't chopped liver as Mark Antony either. Oh, John Gielgud, too. And more. A well-done film.

When I was in my early teens in the latter part of the 1970s, I remember seeing James Mason on TV in the role of Field Marshal Erwin Rommel in "THE DESERT FOX". (Jessica Tandy played his wife, Lucie.) Wonderful movie. Loved especially the ending in which Winston Churchill spoke of Rommel.

KOMET wrote: "When I was in my early teens in the latter part of the 1970s, I remember seeing James Mason on TV in the role of Field Marshal Erwin Rommel in "THE DESERT FOX". (Jessica Tandy played his wife, Lu..."

Steve wrote: "Just caught Julius Caesar on TCM the other day and James was great as Brutus. Brando wasn't chopped liver as Mark Antony either. Oh, John Gielgud, too. And more. A well-done film."

amazing how many great perfomances he gave- initial reason I started group 2 years ago- do my part to keep his memory alive- as if he actually needed me too!!!

Good work, Rick. You did that entirely with a pencil? Do you still draw? Would love to see more if you have any.

Jennifer wrote: "Good work, Rick. You did that entirely with a pencil? Do you still draw? Would love to see more if you have any."

thanks Jennifer- have not drawn for quite a while! yes just a pencil and my fingers to shade the pencil drawings

Rick wrote: "On 9/25/1995- while going to my job in NYC- I was on the NJ Transit Train - with the James Mason Bio- Odd Man Out- I decided to sketch a picture of him - with paper and pencil - I have kept this dr..."

Rick, that's awesome! You're talented. I'm talented, too. People tell me all the time how awesome my stick figures are;-)

Jewel wrote: "Rick wrote: "On 9/25/1995- while going to my job in NYC- I was on the NJ Transit Train - with the James Mason Bio- Odd Man Out- I decided to sketch a picture of him - with paper and pencil - I have..."

LOL!!!!

Rick wrote: "Minnie wrote: "Rick wrote: "On 9/25/1995- while going to my job in NYC- I was on the NJ Transit Train - with the James Mason Bio- Odd Man Out- I decided to sketch a picture of him - with paper and ..."

Yes...he had sad eyes. You captured him quite well. Do you still draw? You should!

Nora wrote: "Rick wrote: "Minnie wrote: "Rick wrote: "On 9/25/1995- while going to my job in NYC- I was on the NJ Transit Train - with the James Mason Bio- Odd Man Out- I decided to sketch a picture of him - wi..."

I haven't drawn in quite a while Nora- should take it up again- found it quite relaxing when I did- thanks!