Drawing Arnold Schwarzenegger
The American Dream embodied
The American Dream is embodied by Arnold Schwarzenegger's journey from Austria to Hollywood, bodybuilding champion, Governor, and cultural icon.
As a staff artist at the San Francisco Chronicle, I had the opportunity to draw him during his 2003 recall election campaign for Governor of California. He was visiting the newspaper to be interviewed by the editors about his stand on various issues.
I took a position at the back of the room with a clear vantage point and began to draw. He shared his story, his opinion of the State and what he would do if he was Governor. The editors were skeptical at first, that an actor would run for public office. (But Ronald Reagan had done it.)
His uber movie star looks, strong jawline, distinctive hairstyle, and muscular physique were both aesthetic and intimidating to me.
Arnold’s narrative is as iconic as his physicality. As I drew him, I was impressed by his charisma and the unflinching gaze he directed at every one present. It won the editors over.
These drawings are not journalistic and the Chronicle ended up not publishing them. But I became a fan in that moment. He won the election as California’s 38th Governor and served effectively for the next seven years. He got a bipartisan agreement to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, increased the minimum wage and improved California’s aging infrastructure through his Strategic Growth Plan.
His story of determination and hard work is truly inspiring. It's one of personal growth and achievement. I had the opportunity to draw him, and even with just that brief encounter, I could sense the depth of his character. I couldn’t add anything more. There's enough to know about Arnold Schwarzenegger in the public sphere.