These two wonderful books were my introduction to the world of American pin-up painting. What struck me most was the quality of the drawing and the free application of paint. There is an illusion of simplicity that can be dismissed as caricature - but look a little closer and you begin to see the amazing observation and the deftness of touch only achievable by skilled artists. It was enough of an inspiration for me to have a go myself!
Here are a few favourites:
Gil Elvgren
Arguably the best, but certainly the most ubiquitous pin-up artist besides Alberto Vargas, his work is still very much in print, appearing on all manner of items today.
Over a 40 year career, he became the most important artist for the Brown & Bigelow publishing company as well as handling countless other major advertising illustration contracts. His bold application of creamy paint (a style picked up from more senior artist Haddon Sundblom) along with his cheerful, accessible subjects makes his work instantly attractive. For me though it's the quality of the observation that sets him apart. His ability to render those observed details in such an easy way is simply awe inspiring.
Fritz Willis
A man of many talents, his career as a pin-up artist started after a spell in the film industry (there's hope for me yet!).
It also led on to publishing a series of art instruction books that have never been out of print. Looking at his leaner, sketchy, sometimes 'unfinished' style, it's easy to see why his books should be so popular. Images from his 'Artists Sketchpad' series of calendars include loose sketches of the model in the background of the main image and offer a clue to the initial stages of his wonderful paintings.
Pearl Frush
Just to prove it wasn't all a boy's club, one of the most respected female artists of the day, Pearl Frush, approached the genre from yet another angle.
Working in watercolour and gouache, her paintings couple superb draughtsmanship with a luminosity of delicate colour that is only achievable with a complete mastery of the medium.
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