Barbecutie 1964

Gil Elvgren made 'Barbecutie,' sometime in the mid-20th century, probably with oil on canvas. The color palette is warm – a peachy yellow that seems to almost glow, as if lit from within. Looking at how the paint is applied, you can really see the artist's hand at work. Up close, the strokes that make up the billowing smoke are energetic and loose, almost like he's coaxing the wisps of steam into existence. It's a real contrast to the smooth, almost porcelain-like finish on the woman’s skin. The contrast between these areas creates a sense of depth. Elvgren reminds me a bit of classic Hollywood glamour shots, and in his work, as with pin-up art in general, the narrative is really left open-ended. You can decide what's happening before, during, and after this moment. Artworks are conversations, and Elvgren really reminds us that there's room for everyone to chime in.