Toying With Greatness

Nicole Falzone’s detailed celebrity portraits are created with nothing more than two white knobs and the “magic ink” of an Etch-A-Sketch.

The Playa del Rey artist’s love for the classic toy began at age 2, when she sat for hours drawing on the silver screen. At 15, while traveling cross country pursuing a music career, Falzone rediscovered her talent, drawing a portrait of Jimi Hendrix.

“I love the challenge of drawing within the limitations of two dials and one line,” the artist explained.

She has produced hundreds of celebrity characterizations, from Cary Grant to Jim Carrey to Cher. Portraits can be preserved for posterity by drilling holes in the back of the screen and gluing the knobs.

Falzone is one of only a handful of Etch-A-Sketch artists nationwide.