‘I’m Not Bad…I’m Just Drawn that Way’ preliminary c. 1946

Gil Elvgren’s preliminary sketch for the iconic pin-up painting, "I’m Not Bad…I’m Just Drawn that Way", is a study in charcoal that captures the essence of the final work. The sketch depicts a woman in a suggestive pose, her gaze lowered as she holds a cigarette, accentuating her alluring figure and creating an air of mystery. The bold strokes and loose composition of the sketch reveal the artist's focus on form and gesture, underscoring the essence of Elvgren's iconic pin-up style. The preliminary nature of the sketch is evident in the unfinished background and the lightly shaded areas, which contrast with the more defined features of the woman's body.