The Final Touch 1954

Gil Elvgren made this painting, "The Final Touch," and it's like stepping into a breezy day with a wink. Look at the way he handles the yellow of her dress; it’s almost edible, like lemon curd. Elvgren really knew how to use paint. The texture in the dress is amazing, especially where it catches the light. The paint isn't overworked, but it’s juicily applied. It’s like he’s saying, "Here’s the essence of fabric," and there's a sense of playful spontaneity. See the way the hem flicks? It’s got this energetic life that makes you believe the wind is really there. This breezy feel reminds me a little of John Singer Sargent. Both artists convey an immediacy, a sense of capturing a moment with a few assured strokes. Ultimately, art invites us to look, feel, and imagine, and maybe even to find a little humor in the unexpected gusts of life.