Bare Essentials 1957

Gil Elvgren made this cheesecake pin-up, Bare Essentials, date unknown, using thin layers of paint. It's all about the process. See how the sharp, quick strokes form the tropical plants that almost obscure the model. The paint's not trying to hide itself; you can see the gesture in each leaf, a real contrast to the figure, who is softly modeled. Her skin is a study in translucence, shades of peach and rose blending into an idealized form, and the shadow that falls on her leg from the jungle is the same shade as the parrot's feathers. It's these moments of tonal awareness that make the painting so alive. Elvgren knew how to make paint sing, just like those magazine illustrators like Al Parker. They turn everyday images into something dreamy and a little bit naughty. Art doesn't have to be serious to be good, right?