A particularly devoted subscriber, blog reader, and Matthew Draws participant [let’s call him Peter, because Peter is his name], was convinced that my drawing of Paula Abdul was actually a drawing of Isla Fisher. Upon learning that he had guessed incorrectly, Peter refused to accept that either his guessing skills or my drawing skills (or possibly both) were to blame. Instead, he threw a fit and sent me a photo of Isla Fisher, citing its close resemblance to my botched drawing of Paula Abdul in support of his argument that I had been trying to draw Isla all along.

The evidence before us:

My sketch:

Isla:

Paula:

I can see Peter’s point, but the truth is the truth. I was trying to draw Paula just as I was trying to draw Scarlett, just like Columbus was trying to find India when he landed on the shores of Hispanola. Things went awry but something else happened. Something arguably more wonderful and enduring.

Peter is a smart guy with a good job and a fine family. He has always seemed like the picture of rationality and reasonableness. If a citizen of his standing is going to come unhinged as a result of my utter inability to draw women, perhaps it’s time for Matthew Draws to become a single-sex affair. Or perhaps it’s time for Peter to get a grip.

I’m opting for the latter. More Matthew Draws to come. Stay tuned. And, as always, I welcome your submissions should you care to play Robbi and tell me who to draw.