I look for ambiguous messages to illustrate...I like some detail but not too much detail.

Many messages are just thanking a stranger for a kindness...I love those ones, because I imagine everyone else reading them feels encouraged by such examples of humanity and generosity and tenderness. And if they encourage us to reach out to strangers more often, that's a good thing.

Some people have recognized their friends in my paintings, but I'm not directly responsible for any hooking up as far as I know!

On the other hand, I'm drawn to top hats, and spats, and mustaches. I haven't read a Missed Connection yet with someone wearing a monocle, but rest assured I'll snap it up if I do.

I usually draw in silence, but listen to music or public radio when I'm painting, after all the important decisions have been made.

The fellow who wrote the post about sharing a bear suit with a girl at a party saw my illustration and emailed me, which was kind of thrilling. He sent a photo taken on the night, and that was a dream-like experience... but even though I've seen the "real" bear suit, my image of it feels real to me, and his photo the interpretation.

There's arrogance for you. I think all artists insert themselves into their subject matter.