He Almost Scared Me Out of My Skin! 1948

Gil Elvgren probably made this painting with oils and a brush, but I’m imagining he used a wink and a nudge too. The title is "He Almost Scared Me Out of My Skin!" The figure is perched precariously on a bearskin rug. I can almost feel the artist's hand as he laid down each stroke, carefully building up her smooth skin tones and the furry texture of the bear. I wonder if he giggled to himself as he painted this, knowing he was creating something that would make people smile. Did he realize he was part of a lineage of painters who were invested in beauty, humor, and pleasure? The theatrical shadow looming behind the woman really steals the show. It's like a dark thought, a mischievous secret that adds a bit of an edge, and a surprise! And I feel like the shadow is having a conversation with the bear. It’s like this painting is a funny story told in color and light.