Live Drawing The State Of The Union

Biden was in top form and the GOP misbehaved a few times

Last night, President Biden delivered his second State Of The Union address. I think it was the best speech I have ever heard Biden give. He was powerful, nuanced, sharp and feisty. He spoke with passion. He improvised. He spoke on big topics and everyday American topics, international and domestic. He was heckled, and at times he spoke back to the negativity from a few members of GOP in the audience.

I drew as much as I could during the evening, and as always, I wish I could have produced more. There are so many interesting people— members of the government, Justices, military personel, wives and husbands, special guests. Strange outfits, unexpected facial expressions. So much!

Drawing the State of the Union address is something I look forward to every year, particularly since it is the event I cut my live-drawing teeth on, eight years ago. I drew President Obama’s address in 2015, and put the drawings out on Twitter immediately. From the positive response, I realized I was able to contribute in digital images: visual journalism.

One thing I added here below is a page of some notes I took as I listened to the final sentences in Biden’s speech. He was optimistic, idealistic, and I love it.