Marilyn Monroe; Red Velvet #3 2019

Greg Hildebrandt painted "Marilyn Monroe; Red Velvet #3" with a meticulous, almost airbrushed, approach. It’s a process that smooths and softens, turning flesh into something dreamlike. Look at the way the light plays across the velvet folds, how the red deepens and lightens, creating a sense of depth and texture. The paint is applied with such precision, such control, that it almost disappears. But it’s in that very act of obscuring the process that the painting finds its power. This isn't about raw expression, but about creating an image that embodies an idea. Take a close look at the line of her jaw, the way it curves and softens, the subtle blush of color on her cheek. This kind of imagery is straight out of Alberto Vargas, only perhaps dialed up to eleven. Ultimately, what's interesting here is not just the image itself, but the way Hildebrandt invites us to think about beauty, representation, and the ongoing conversation between artists across time. Because art, you know, it's never really finished.