Happy ThanksGiving- A little early

The next few weeks will be very busy indeed.


I didn't want to get to caught up in the end of year holidays without saying  Happy Thanksgiving to all of my old and new friends.

A couple of years ago when I was looking for figure drawing inspiration for my Paper Doll fashions, I stumbled across a Flickr site called "I Love my Calendar Girl- Pin-Up Girls before 1970".

WOW! I was mesmerized by the talent.  Earl Moran, Freeman Elliot, Al Brule and so many others. Many of these illustrators were from the Midwest and congregated in Chicago attending the famed Art Institute of Chicago school. Most were hired to submit images to the calendar printing companies of that time period. Many went on to do illustrations for the top Ad Agencies of Madison Ave. in New York City.

 

I was very surprised that this industry had several women that contributed to these pin up calendars. Zoe Mozart, and Joyce Ballantyne were two such women. They even modeled for themselves. Now that takes chutzpah! I have a hard enough time drawing a model in front of me, let alone trying to strike a pose -in a mirror- and try to draw it. Who knew? 

This final illustration  is my one attempt at doing my own pin-up girl. Although she is more of a Burlesque fashion image than a true pin-up girl. And believe me I did not stand in a mirror and draw myself!

This Thanksgiving season I am very thankful for SO many things...the internet that shines light on forgotten artists/illustrators that came before me. My crafty cleaver cousin who helps me find my way in this virtual world. My friends close- when you stop in to say hello it makes my day. And friends far from me- I think of you all often, and blow you a kiss. I am most thankful to have someone who believes in my talents.  Medusa's Emporium would not exist without him.


So what are you thankful for? Another day to do the things you love?


Medusa's Emporium will be hosting it's first Holiday Show on December 3rd, and there is much to do between now and then. So off I go to start piecing the puzzle together.


Happy Thanksgiving one and all.
later
sheree