My Entry in The New Yorker Cartoon Caption Contest #874

It's autumn so naturally aliens are raking the leaves. It's The New Yorker Cartoon Caption Contest #874 from the issue of November 13, 2023. My caption is shown below. Clearly I'm not too proud. The drawing is by P. C. Vey.

"Please! There are some things we just won't clean up."

November 23, 2023 Update:  The Finalists

December 3, 2023 Update:  I voted for the caption from Los Angeles. 

December 4, 2023 Update:  The Winner

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Pittsfield 2022: Pontoosuc Lake

October 22 found your blogger exploring Pittsfield, Massachusetts. It was the perfect time to observe the changing leaves and Mount Greylock would have been the perfect vantage point for taking photographs. Some unfortunate navigation and a lack of available parking at the summit forced a change in plans. So instead I offer views of Pontoosuc Lake.

The first two photographs were taken from what is now my favorite Dunkin' anywhere.

Away from the lake, the sun set over another part of Pittsfield:

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My Entry in The New Yorker Cartoon Caption Contest #738

Below is my entry in The New Yorker Cartoon Caption Contest #738 for December 21, 2020. The drawing depicts an alien abduction and is by P. C. Vey.

"Whatever you say, but the experiments won't be any fun."

And the also-rans:

"If we take the big one, we won't meet our quota."
"You and I are going to set the record for earthling abductions."
"I didn't hear anyone say what sort of earthlings to abduct."
"Are you sure you understood our directive?"
"Roswell sure has changed."
"Let's dump them all on Area 51."
"He seems stunned. Now we abduct him."
"When did you develop a conscience?"
"When did you become a vegan?"
"He's not upset yet, but watch as we beam them down in the next yard."
"Didn't I tell you our priority is abducting before composting?"

January 11, 2021 Update:  The Finalists

January 18, 2021 Update:  I was late to the voting booth this week, but I have to go with the caption from Chicago.

January 25, 2021 Update:   The Winner

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Autumn Leaves: Garrett Price New Yorker Cover Art

The autumnal equinox in the Northern Hemisphere arrives tonight at 10:29 p.m. EDT. Every year nature puts on a grand show with the changing of the leaves, and every year artists try to capture the fleeting fall colors.

Garrett Price's New Yorker cover of October 15, 1949 presents the season in all its glory. A lone car putters slowly through the riot of color, it's occupants having travelled from the city solely to experience this spectacular moment.

The close-up of the signature reveals that the paint has been applied rapidly and with great intensity. Seen up close it has an expressive--almost abstract--quality. The colors are extremely vibrant and could not possibly be captured by the offset printing techniques of the time.

The original artwork was in the collection of Charles Martignette. It was sold five years ago at Heritage Auctions for $2629. The piece has some condition issues, but it still seems a very good deal at this price.

Garrett Price, original cover art, The New Yorker, October 15, 1949

Garrett Price, The New Yorker, October 15, 1949

Garrett Price's signature and a faded dedication "For Charles"

Notes on the back of the frame. Who can remember everything?

Heritage Auctions, October 27, 2009, Lot 96239

Garrett Price, The New Yorker, October 15, 1949

Garrett Price, original cover art, The New Yorker, October 15, 1949

Note:  Other seasonal blog posts on the subject of autumn leaves are just a click away.

You're in luck! I also have a couple of earlier posts which include Garrett Price.

I believe original New Yorker cover art is one of the most wonderful topics to get lost in here.

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Paul Degen: Autumn Leaves

Autumn leaves are the subject of this original illustration by Paul Degen. It is hard to complete the task of raking while the leaves are still falling and one is daydreaming.

Paul Degen, autumn leaf raking

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Paul-Degen-Original-Painting-/140994939883?pt=UK_art_prints_GL&hash=item20d3f40beb

Paul Degen, artwork featuring autumn leaf raking

January 15, 2017 Update:  The artwork is indeed still available despite claims to the contrary and the seller has raised the price to 450 GBP. Of course, the pound sterling has weakened since the Brexit vote, rendering the price in U.S. dollars basically unchanged. Is the seller pricing this piece specifically for the U.S. market?

eBay Listing as of January 15, 2017

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Paul-Degen-Original-Painting-/141082422878?hash=item20d92aee5e:g:8d0AAOxyB-tSULi-

Note:  More artwork by Paul Degen is on view here.

An earlier post about autumn leaves may be seen here.

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