New Model (The Manifestation of Flop)
Floyd’s drawings were rarely explained, so we’ve no idea what connection this image has to the story of Flop, one of Floyd’s recurring characters. A simpler version of this concept is in his book; it may represent an earlier approach to the subject.
In a long career of editing, I’ve come to realize the issues many people— even writers who should know better— have with phrases in apposition, which tend to be irrelevant to the meaning of a sentence. But “apposite” means the opposite, and Floyd is correct here. I just like the leopards and daisies. Or are they jaguars? Floyd would know.
There are two iterations of this intriguing drawing. In this one, a hovering “do-gooder” offers fish bones to two men scavenging for scraps. A second version shows less detail in the scrap-pile and only one man.
Another category of Floyd’s drawings perhaps best fits the label “western,” involving cowboys, horses, mountains—or all of the above. This one of a mountain man working over a campfire includes a separate drawing of an elk in the margin.
I wanted to say something about this one, but words failed me. Even an inventory of the elements couldn’t do it justice: Playing cards, piano and keyboard, guitar, fish, and the sly-faced hearts (maybe valentines?) with an ocean in the background. And the nether half of a naked jogger superimposed on the whole thing. What the dickens, as Floyd might say, is that in the lower left corner?
Floyd’s workmen, which he dubbed “myfots,” are characters that appear in several drawings. In this untitled drawing, two of them appear to be taking a break to enjoy a small jam session high above the city.
Untitled drawing from Floyd, with a stylized western theme featuring three men on horseback in a circular motif.
This drawing is unlabeled (unless someone can interpret the title‐‐ FOXES maybe?), but a very similar drawing is labeled The Cognoscente’s Pets. It may have been a study for this drawing, but it suffered some water damage. This version has added elements: the child(?) next to one woman’s skirts and the Japanese lettering.
These elegant Asian-styled characters, the cognoscenti, are featured in about two dozen of Floyd’s drawings. More cognoscenti can be found in this post.
Another in the “joggers” series, which contains about 40 different drawings.
Three maids jogging
….. by the sea
Doffing toggery…..
taking tea
Floyd R. Peterson 
Written
on May 21, 2025