Erotic Pin-ups and Illustrations

Work In Progress--Carlotta Champagne

2012-03-06T14:47:00.000-06:00

While figure artists usually like to paint and draw many different models, they often find a particular one who inspires them to create, i.e., their 'muse.' According to Wikipedia, the word 'muse' comes from "the......nine goddesses in Greek mythology who control and symbolize nine types of art known to Ancient Greece, and are associated with artistic inspiration."

Anyone familiar with my artwork will note that Playboy model Carlotta Champagne could qualify as my muse. I first discovered her on the industry site, OneModelPlace.com, in December 2005, and immediately noticed a classical grace and beauty in her not shared by many models. She has an hourglass figure, a throwback to the Playmates of the 1950's and 60's, and a face that would inspire Renaissance artists.

Carlotta was very kind to allow me to use one of her images for my first drawing drawing of her, and she eventually agreed to a photo shoot in my rec room, photographed by my friend Rob Domaschuk. The photo shoot has resulted in 2 completed drawings, plus the nearly finished one to the left.

I actually started this drawing at Glamourcon 2008. While I am using the original photo as basic reference, I am taking some liberties with it to focus on Carlotta's face and breasts. I am trying to create more contrast in this piece than I have done lately, and also attempting to stylize Carlotta's hair than normal. What do you think? Please drop a comment here or on my Facebook fan page

Latest Commissions

2012-03-02T13:02:00.000-06:00

I recently completed two commissions for clients, my first in a while. As much as I like to draw or paint professional models and celebrities, I really enjoy doing this type of work for everyday folks. It always seems to come from the heart when people entrust me to create art, especially risque in nature.

This drawing was actually a referral. The lady who contacted me is friends with former clients of mine, who apparently spoke highly of my artwork of the wife. She commissioned me to draw her husband's favorite photo from a boudoir shoot she had done for him. Since it was a large size, I was able to add some detail in the shading, the hair. I hadn't done this size for someone since last year, and I tend to work in more detail and shading on bigger drawings.

The other commission was a Valentine's Day gift from the client to his lady friend. Simple pinup job, smaller size....he wanted something to frame and give her for Valentine's Day. He said they both love it.

I have uploaded both of these pieces on my website, please feel free to take a look, and offer comments. Thanks.

Happy Valentine's Day!

2012-02-14T12:12:00.001-06:00

Sabrina B.

According to Wikipedia, Valentine's Day has been celebrated since 496 BC, but has been associated with love and romance since the High Middle Ages. Nowadays, we shower our loved ones with flowers, candy, jewelry, cards and more....a "Hallmark Holiday" to be sure.

I just completed a commission for a client, as a Valentine's Day gift for his loved one. I do like creating that type of art, as I get a lot of enjoyment from people giving my art as gifts. It means a lot to most artists, if not all, that their work is enjoyed, no matter the subject matter. Just because I specialize in 'naked wives' doesn't mean that it can't be appreciated as a Valentine's Day present--it just may not be appropriate for all viewers. Not all of my Nude Wives were commissioned for this holiday, but the thought was always there.

I wanted to wish everyone a wonderful Valentine's Day.....treat your loved one(s) well today.

From Photo to Art--Alicia Burley

2011-12-21T11:34:00.000-06:00

One of my all time favorite Playboy style drawings is of Playboy Model Alicia Burley. Alicia progressed from Cyber Girl of the Week to 2004 Cyber Girl of the Year. She is a beautiful, curvy woman, who smoldered with such raw sex appeal in each of her photos, without even trying. This is one of those models that I "had to draw!"

I chose a photo from Alicia's Cyber Girl of the Month photo set, which was an outstanding series of photos. Alicia has a very curvy, almost voluptuous figure, and and exotic look that I thought would lend well to a portrait.

I chose a 20" x 30" heavy Crescent Illustration board, with a lot of 'tooth' (very grainy). While this type of board works well on larger pieces, it can be tough to get the exacting detail I strive for in some areas. On the other hand, it really helps me 'rub' in the shading that I like to do, particularly around a woman's curves.

One challenge was the full front lighting that was used on Alicia---while it was easy to distinguish her body from the background, it really made it difficult to distinguish her hair. I had to go over the reference pics over and over to make sure I captured it properly, and I'm still not sure if I did.

However, I am very pleased with how her figure came out. As I said, Alicia smolders with a very erotic pose and gaze, and I wanted that in the drawing.

As for the finished art, my wife liked it so much that she had it matted and framed and it hangs in our rec room. While I have created other nude Playboy style drawings, this is the only nude that she has hung.

You can see a larger version of Alicia at my Fine Art America site. I'd love to hear your comments on this piece.

On Models, TFP's and an Artist's Worth

2011-11-22T15:02:00.000-06:00

Usually, when models start out in the industry, they do not charge money. Rather, they will exchange services with the photographer in an arrangement know as Time For Prints (aka TFP, or Time for CD). This is a way for them to build up their portfolios, without having to pay the photographer. Once the model's portfolio is established, she will start charging for her time, and quite often will no longer do TFP, once established as a professional.

I am currently listed on several modeling industry sites, and I occasionally get requests from models to draw them. Typically, it's something like, oh, I love your work, and I'd love for you to do one of me. When I ask them if this will be a commission, or what the financial arrangement might be, the reply is very often, oh I just want one, it will look great, etc. I find it humorous that many models want me to draw a portrait of them for free, when on their modeling site profiles they have this symbol displayed prominently:

Even though I use photos as my reference, it still takes me time, as an artist, to create a piece. As it takes time for photographers and models to create the fantastic images that they display in their portfolios. I don't necessarily have an issue with doing TFP artwork, but only under circumstances that I dictate. Sometimes I want to add a piece to my portfolio, or sometimes I come across a model or image I feel will benefit me. That's my prerogative, as it is the prerogative of the model to accept or decline TFP.

I have skills, and sometimes I charge for that skill, same as a photographer, or a plumber, or electrician. What do you think? I'd love some feedback on this.

On the (Almost) Sudden Loss of .....Me!

2011-11-08T12:37:00.000-06:00

"You're having a heart attack, we're calling the cardiac team down now!"

I heard those words two weeks ago today, as I write this blog. Chilling news--I had gone to the ER that morning, thinking I was suffering from acute asthma or pneumonia. I felt bad all weekend, and by the time Monday morning came around, I thought that my difficulty breathing was a recurrence of asthma or some lung infection, although I couldn't explain the pain in my right arm.

I had my heart attack while hooked up to the EKG in the ER. This probably saved my life---my attending internist told me that night I was lucky to be at the hospital, that he's known patients who waited a day or two with my symptoms, and they died. I had 90% blockage on my heart's lower right quadrant, and 80% on the left side. I was in the cardio surgery room 10 minutes after my 'event,' where they put in the first stent (the second surgery was performed 2 days later).

I'm now back at work, and feeling VERY lucky to be alive. What possessed me to go to the emergency room? I am someone who puts off doctor visits constantly (I postponed 3 check-ups this summer). I am lucky to be alive, especially considering what happened to my co-worker just a month earlier.

I have some lifestyle changes to make, one is to 'destress' my life. That means, after a long absence, I need to get back to my drawing board, and just create. Art can be a great high, and I already have couple of lovely ladies that I wish to capture.

On the Sudden Death of a Friend

2011-09-22T22:46:00.000-05:00

Last week I lost a friend and coworker--Bernie Fansler, the overnight supervisor at the Geneva, Illinois Home Depot store where I work part time, suffered a massive heart attack at home, and finally succumbed last Friday morning. It's been a very tough time for all of us. Bernie was a true gentleman; he possessed an infectious laugh, was always cheerful, and very accommodating to those of us who worked with him.

Bernie supported his handicapped sister and his seriously ill brother without complaint. Unfortunately, he had no life insurance, leaving the family with no money for a funeral. Our store is taking up a collection for them, and whatever we raise will be doubly matched by Home Depot's associate charity fund. I wanted to do something in my position as an artist to help out Bernie's family, so I have set up a couple of promotions of my artwork. All the net proceeds of these sales will be donated to our store management for the Fansler family.

One promotion is a special rate on one of my most popular pieces, a drawing of former Playmate Louann Fernald through Fine Art America. This is an 8" x 10" quality print on stretched canvas, for only $39. My net markup on this is $4, so if you purchase one, you'll be donating four bucks to the Bernie's family. And if you send it to me, I'll sign the print personally!

I'm also selling some of the prints in my own inventory for Bernie--Carlotta Champagne, Lindsey Vuolo, Farrah Fawcett and others. Almost all of these are 13" x 19", printed on photo paper, & perfect for framing. They are available on eBay, please see them all.

I realize that things are really tough for people these days, and I understand money is tight. This is a family that REALLY needs help, and anything that can be contributed by next week will be matched by twice as much. So besides the personal donation that I am making, I hope that that I can do more for them with my artwork and your kindness. Thank you.

From Photo to Art--Marilyn Monroe

2011-08-22T13:41:00.000-05:00

While watching television on Sunday, I noticed that Turner Classic Movies was featuring screen goddess Marilyn Monroe, in some of her best roles, like "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes," How To Marry a Millionaire," "Bus Stop," and others.

I wrote a blog about her in June, in recognition of what would have been Marilyn's 85th birthday. I included images of the two drawings I've done of her. However, I have never featured her in a "From Photo to Art" entry, and since that blog was posted, I have updated the jpeg of the original drawing.

This artwork is based on a photo taken by photographer Bert Stern in 1962, from a series now known as "The Last Sitting." Shot 6 weeks before her untimely death, Mr. Stern shot her over 3 days in LA, capturing a flirty, sexy, playful sex goddess (Bert Stern recreated the Last Sitting with actress Lindsey Lohan for New York Magazine a few years ago). The results

I was greatly inspired by this photograph, as I believe it one of the sexiest, most erotic I've seen of Marilyn. Who couldn't gaze upon a beautiful screen icon, laying nude on her bed, with just the sheets to partially cover her, and a 'come-hither' look on her face, which is almost post-coital.

Of my two Marilyn Monroe portraits, this was actually the first image chosen, although it was the second one drawn (they were both gifts for family members). I opted to create this on a buff colored illustration board, instead of my customary white board, and, along with graphite pencil, I also added some colored pencil in a few places to highlight it.

There are some differences between the original reference photo and my art---I added dark tones behind her head because the back light Mr. Stern wonderfully incorporated into the shot, unfortunately took away some of the definition of Marilyn's hair. I also changed the sheets to make them more rumpled, as if they were "well-used." I also showed more of the side of her right breast, as a bit of a glamour tease.

I am hoping to create another Marilyn Monroe illustration in the near future. She is the epitome of the Hollywood sex symbol, and her untimely death only made her legend grow.

To see more of my artwork, please visit Fine Art America.

On a Nude Work in Progress

2011-07-20T13:40:00.003-05:00

I often post 'Work-in-Progress" (WIP) images on my Facebook Fan Page, but have never done so on my blog before. I enjoy viewing the WIP images from other artists, as I really like the process of creating art---how the artist gets from point A the point B, to the end product.

Below is my current project, a pinup style portrait of former Playboy Cyber Girl of the Week Misty Dawn. I became online friends with Misty in 2004. I found her funny, honest, refreshingly blunt and self deprecating. And absolutely gorgeous--she's a petite blonde who was a workout fiend and has great figure, as you can see below.

This portrait is an amalgamation of a few photos of Misty, as I wanted to create something truly unique to her. This is also the largest size I have ever tried in a drawing----3 feet by 4 feet. There is a lot of detail to put in when working this size, which has probably the reason why it's taken me 6 years just to get to this point!

I would love to hear your feedback on this WIP--what you like, what you think can be improved. Thanks.

Published in Flip Magazine...Again!

2011-07-06T15:57:00.000-05:00

I'm pleased to say that I have been again published in the online magazine, Flip. The current issue, found here, reruns an interview I did several months ago, along with some artwork (and the original reference photos) of Playboy Model Heather Bauer & Playmate Lindsey Vuolo.

Plus, they are featuring an interview of my friend Jennifer Bollinger, along with some photos of her taken by various photographers. Also included is a drawing I did of her a few years ago, based on a reference image by photographer Dave Burdick. I wrote about this drawing a couple of months ago; it is one of my favorites.

Please check out Flip Magazine and let me know what you think of the magazine.

From Photo To Art--Lindsey Vuolo

2011-06-29T12:40:00.000-05:00

Lindsey Vuolo, Playboy's Miss November 2001, was the very first Playboy model to grant me permission to use an image from her own website to draw (for which I will always be grateful). I had been a fan of hers for several years; she has a unique beauty, as well as a gorgeous, curvy figure that is more like the Playmates of the 1950's and 1960's. As many of you know, I'm a fan of curvy women.

Lindsey and I corresponded by email several times about doing a portrait of her, and she said to choose some images, then send them to her for her approval. I chose an image from a set of photos shot by noted Baltimore based photographer Justin Price (a terrific photographer, check out his site). The reference photo is dramatic, both in the lighting and the pose, and Lindsey's over the shoulder glance is sexy and erotic. The challenge for me was to recreate Lindsey's great expression, and to soften some of the shadows so that the drawing would have a more subtle, sensuous flow.

Version 1

This drawing is one of the very few where there are actually 2 versions. After I originally completed the drawing, I had it shot professionally for high-resolution giclee prints, a step that finalizes a drawing for me. Not long after, I signed up for a table at Glamourcon 2007 in Chicago. My family urged me to update the drawing to make it more sensual and softer, as an showcase piece at the show. So, I reworked the arch in Lindsey's back, deepened some shadows, and used an old tick of graphite artists--kleenex--to soften the shadows. The results are below.

Final Version

I have to say I'm pleased with how this drawing ultimately came out. the softness of the reworking of the graphite seems to lend itself to the sultry, sensual nature of the pose. And by softening the arch in her back, the pose doesn't look as harsh as the first version. What do you think? I'd love your feedback.

On A Nude Wife Sale....

2011-06-14T10:55:00.000-05:00

I decided to run a sale....

or, perhaps the proper term would be a 'promotion.' It seems that many of the great folks who find this blog have used the search term 'naked wives,' or a variation of those words. As there is obviously a lot of interest in the subject, and I somewhat specialize in drawing 'naked wives,' I thought that maybe it is the time to promote some special pricing for Naked Wife drawings.

I am offering 10% off the published commission rates for any Naked Wife (or Almost Naked Wife) art commission until July 10, 2011. This is a great opportunity to immortalize your better half (or ladies, yourself) as the Pinup Goddess that you are. And 10% off my already reasonable rates can save you up to $65.

I've included examples of Naked Wives in this blog--one commissioned by the husband, the other by the wife herself. These projects were fun and very rewarding, and I believe the clients were happy with the outcome.

Contact me at vincewolff2004@yahoo.com if you are interested in learning more about this promotion. I'll send you prices and terms immediately.

Happy Birthday Marilyn Monroe!

2011-06-01T13:48:00.000-05:00

Today, June 1, would have been Marilyn Monroe's (born Norma Jean Mortenson, changed to Baker) 85th birthday. Marilyn Monroe is more than enduring sex symbol and icon; for pinup artists like me, Marilyn represents the ideal of flirtatiousness, beauty and raw sexuality.
She was Playboy's very first Playmate, while she was a major Hollywood star, and she was the desire of so many men during the sexually repressive 1950's.

I drew images of her twice, and have always wanted to do more. I hope to find the time. She is still a great inspiration--a beautiful blonde with great curves and expressions that leave little to your imagination. Happy birthday, Norma Jean--you were taken from us way too soon.

On (Almost) Nude Wives

2011-05-23T12:50:00.000-05:00

I recently completed a commission, one that I started in the winter. The husband who hired me wanted a drawing of a photo of his wife, from a series of boudoir images she had taken while he served in Afghanistan. He was so taken with the photos, that he wanted to surprise her with artwork based on one of them. We mutually agreed upon the photo, and I got to work.

My aim with this piece was to make the model look nude, even though she is wearing lingerie in all of the photos. Implied nudity, as it is called, can be much sexier than nudity in many cases---the mysteriousness of the implication can be quite erotic. Think of any Playboy Playmate ever shot---they almost always are wearing some small article of clothing, or high heels. The 'half undressed" look, as opposed to complete nudity of fine art nudes, gives the image a more sexual charge.

As I've said before in my blogs, I really enjoy doing nude portraits of wives. The husbands are always so proud of their spouses, sometimes gushing about the lady's figures, and I've found that, even if she doesn't have possess "model looks." Every guy likes to think of his spouse as glamourous in some way, and that's very nice to hear.

On Birthdays...Lots of Them

2011-05-17T12:54:00.000-05:00

Today is my birthday, my 51st to be exact. I'm not looking for well wishes or anything, this post is more of a reflection.

30 years ago, I thought my life would be very different than it has turned out. Regrets, as Frank Sinatra sang, I have a few (more than a few). There are so many things that I would have changed "if I knew then what I know now." But, I recently read a book written for incoming college freshmen, The Naked Roommate, by Harlan Cohen (very much recommended). One thing I took away from Mr. Cohen is that "10% of things in college are bad, but 90% is awesome. Problem is, we focus so much on the bad 10%, we forget about the awesome 90%."

This statement can be applied to life as well. We have been given a lot of challenges in the past year or so, and, even being an optimist most of the time, I have been down a lot. But this bit of advice can be taken to heart---most of life is pretty good, and if you focus on that, then you can get through all the crap.

I'm very luck to have a wife that supports my choice of art--not many spouses are willing to let their husbands draw strange, nude women--not only does my wife stand behind me, she is very instrumental and always offers unbiased critiques. I am very lucky!

So, I wish all of you the best for the rest of 2011 and beyond. May you take what life gives you, and if it's lemons, make the proverbial lemonade.

From Photo to Art --Jennifer Bollinger

2011-05-06T11:28:00.017-05:00

In another of my series of "how did Vince get there," this post looks at a drawing of the lovely and talented Jennifer Bollinger.

Jennifer is a self described 'model, dancer, actress, singer, producer, editor, writer, choreographer, fitness representative, artist, entertainer, &... muse.'

I first contacted Jennifer about doing a portrait several years ago, and, while it took a some time, we finally agreed on the reference image. The original photo is by famed photographer Dave Burdick of Burdick Imaging.

What drew me to this photo is how Dave positioned Jennifer on the ladder: her very tasteful nudity, & the use of the glasses as a prop. Dave has the uncanny ability to highlight a woman's curves and make them look even more beautiful! This gives the photo a 'naughty' feel. Jennifer's obvious assets translated well to a black & white drawing. Since Jennifer is a dancer, her figure, muscle tone and body control made for an unbelievably fun project.

Jennifer is a delightful lady, a good friend who has always been very supportive of my artwork, and Dave was extremely gracious to allow me to use his original photo. Jennifer and I have discussed creating another drawing together, which I'm sure will turn out even better than this one.

On Drawing Breasts (or Boobies, if You Will)

2011-04-14T22:46:00.000-05:00

One my most favorite parts of the female figure to illustrate is the breast---and it is also one of the most daunting. Imagine on every drawing, you must properly and realistically shade and model not just one, but two round masses of flesh, that often times are the primary focus of the viewer. They must be symmetrical, beautiful, and the light must reflect off of them in a way that will not make them look contrived. In other words, one little slip, and you're doomed.

The history of the breast in art goes back to the beginning. Breasts have always been associated with fertility, since the most natural function of the breast is to suckle the young. In our culture, we also view them in a a part of a woman's sexuality. They are a the subject of countless jokes, nicknames---men are fixated with them.

But, breasts ultimately help define a woman's beautiful shape. The classic hourglass curves start up top, so to speak, and continue to the hips. The soft curves of a woman's body, starting with her breasts, help to define the female form as one God's greatest creations.

I have included a selection of some of my favorite breasts from my artwork. All these lovely ladies all possess stunning figures, and, of course, great mammaries. Can you guess to whom they belong? Check out the full versions at my Fine Art America site, and email me your answers here. I'll publish some names in my next blog.

From Photo to Art--Carlotta Champagne, Part Deux

2011-03-31T14:34:00.001-05:00

My most popular blog is about how I transformed a photo of Playboy Special Editions model & Cyber Girl Carlotta Champagne into a drawing, and the changes I made to create it. I thought I'd show another example from the same photo shoot.

As I wrote in the other blog, my friend Rob Domaschuk, who is a fine art nude photographer, shot Carlotta in my rec room. We had her pose by my bar in a variety of nude poses, wearing a tie & a fedora hat. Being the consummate professional, Carlotta struck a variety of wonderful poses--sexy, whimsical, & erotic--and Rob was able to take some great reference pics.My wife suggested this photo for my next drawing of Carlotta, as she really liked her playful pose and dazzling smile. Unlike the previous image from this set, I didn't want to deviate from the original photo too much. Carlotta has an extraordinarily ability as a model to evoke so may different facial expressions, and this one really captures her personality. I thought Rob's original photo was almost perfect as it was.

I started this drawing at Glamourcon 2007 in Chicago, so that people could see how I work while at the show. Carlotta and I had our tables set up next to each other, and she graciously offered to sign it for a prospective buyer at no charge. While she and I were off the show floor getting a bite to eat on the first day, my wife came to tell me that someone was, indeed, interested in discussing the drawing. The gentleman bought it even before it was completed, and he has it signed and hanging in his home.

I get great inspiration from the beautiful women that I am privileged to draw, and Carlotta is definitely pure inspiration. She has beautiful facial features, a great smile, and a tremendous, hourglass figure. I have started a 3rd drawing from this set, and will post it when it is completed.

See more great images of Carlotta here at Fine Art America.

On Chasing Art Commissions

2011-03-24T15:59:00.000-05:00

Michelangelo did it, da Vinci did it, even guys like Raphael and Titian did it----they worked on paid commissions. Now , the circumstances are a bit different today than during the Renaissance era---these artists would operate a studio, and have apprentices help them on art commissions while they learned the business of art (it was a guild back then, a trade). But they still were contracted to create art, and were paid when they did it.

It was always my intention to become a commercial artist, i.e, an illustrator for hire. When I attended the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, I was called a 'prostitute' by some friends when I told them just that. We were expected to live for our art: to take a some time of job (anything), and paint, draw, or sculpt; get our work in a gallery, and provide for ourselves that way. Not for me. My dream was to be published in magazines like Playboy, Esquire--anything that featured art as editorial or in advertisements. I always found more value being viewed by the masses.

Fast forward, and I now work as a marketing director at a magazine agency, which hasn't really helped me become published as one might think. I also work at a major home improvement chain as a certified nursery consultant. No help there, either. So, I chase down commissions on the side, which normally consists of men wanting sexy images of their wives or significant others. Or the wife having me create an illustration of her for the husband. Either way, it's an eventual payday, and I'm not complaining.

Commissions are a nice balance to the work I do for me, my own personal "Michael Jordan" art (Jordan allegedly had a clause in his Chicago Bulls contract that he was allowed to play pick-up basketball games anytime, for "the love of the game"). There are rewards from both kinds of artwork. Doing commission work like these helps to pay the bills, but when I do a "me" project, it is always of someone that really inspires me. Unfortunately, they may sit for quite a while until I complete them.

I have been lucky so far this year---I am completing a commission of a lovely wife in the next week or so, have had a couple of serious inquiries on new art, and agreed in principle with a former client to produce a new one of his wife. I am lucky that people entrust me with this type of art, and I take it seriously.

From Photo To Art --Playmate Liz Stewart

2011-03-14T11:52:00.001-05:00

While going through some art to upload on my Fine Art America site, I reshot some old artwork with the digital camera, so I could have larger, clearer photos. One of them is this drawing of Playboy Playmate Liz Stewart, Miss July 1984.

This was very early on in my career as a pinup artist; in fact, I didn't even categorize myself as such at the time. I drew this piece in the summer of 1984, during a week long solo vacation (my wife had to work that week). My days were spent at the drawing board and watching Chicago Cubs baseball (1984 was the year of their first championship since 1945).
I fell in love with Liz Stewart---her exotic beauty and beautiful curves were a source of great inspiration. and this photo really presented me with a challenge

The illustration board used is a cold press surface, very toothy, which gives it the 'rough' texture that I wanted for the drawing. Cold press and hot press boards require completely different approaches---hot press is extremely smooth, which will give a very nuanced look to shading, and clear, jet black darks. Cold press is like canvas, with it's rough surface, it gives the artwork almost a stipple effect. It can create a lot of dynamic interest, and is my preferred surface on which to work.

Early on in my career, I was mostly concerned mostly with getting the drawing to look like the subject, so that she was recognizable. A great college course on black & white illustration taught me to really emphasize darks and lots for dynamic contrast. This drawing is represents some of what I learned in that class.

Looking at it now, I can see SO many errors I made in this drawing. Yet I am still happy with it overall. It's always good to look back on older work, to see your progression as an artist, to compare where you came from to where you are now.

On Glamour Nudes and Fine Art Nudes

2011-03-01T12:37:00.000-06:00

In my last blog, I commented on some of the recognized differences between fine art nudes and glamour nudes, and how often those boundaries are blurred. Some more thoughts on the subject.

The drawing to the right is of the very first model I contacted on a popular modeling web site, Ann Mitch. Ann does not possess the classic glamour figure to which I am usually drawn, but I was completely impressed with her ability to pose, her wonderful lines and pixie-like quality. She is by far one of the best fine art nude models I have ever seen. Yet, to me, she exhibits a beautiful sensuality that makes her work (and this drawing, I believe) wonderfully erotic.

Below is an image of my friend Unbearable Lightness. She is a phenomenally beautiful and talented model, and her nude photos are of amazing quality. To me, this image is a classic case of blurring the boundaries between fine art & glamour. She's nude, no heels, she is not looking at the camera, per the definitions of a fine art piece. Yet, there is a level of eroticism and sexuality involved in this photo that would bely the term "Fine Art Nude."

Dr Lightness has covered this subject in several of her blogs, and what she has to say on the subject is much more intelligent and thought out than anything I can offer. However, what appeals to me about both of these poses is that the female subjects are using their femininity to very subtly suggest their sexuality, which the viewer may interpret as sexual desire. Ultimately, that is the basis of any glamour or erotic nude--the model is ready for sex. Which would seem to contradict the sexualized nature of fine art nudes.

No matter the vision of the artist, or the talents of the model, to create a fine art nude or glamour nude, it always comes down to the viewer. Each viewer brings his or her own experiences, thoughts, feelings, etc., to a piece of art, and ultimately judges it through their personalized 'goggles,' if you will. So to categorize any piece as strictly a Fine Art or Glamour Nude can be disingenuous. Perhaps its best just to classify them as 'art.' What do you think?

On Full Frontal Nudity

2011-02-22T14:19:00.000-06:00

Recent blogs by my friend Unbearable Lightness, as well as threads at Model Mayhem, have touched on the differences between of fine art nudes and glamour nudes.

Playboy Cyber Girl Dana Dicillo

Fine art nude is usually determined to be free of any sexual references whatsoever; the human figure is shown in a complete naturalism, warts and all. Models normally do not gaze back to the camera or viewer.

Glamour nude, however, tries to elicit a sexual response from the viewer. The model will often look back to the camera or viewer, usually suggestively, and almost always in full make-up and wearing high heels (heels make the legs look even longer).

These are not hard and fast rules, of course, and there is some blurring of the lines. And the definition really depends on the viewer. But, when you show full frontal nudity (genitalia), does that become offensive to more people than hiding the pubic area? Is it okay to do so when it is 'strictly' a fine art piece, rather than glamour?

The image to the left of Playboy Special Editions model Dan Dicillo is a typical glamour nude, of course; I wouldn't pretend that she is a fine art piece. But, being that it is a completely full frontal nude, is this something that you, as a viewer, prefer not to look upon, much less display in your home? If she looked away, would this suddenly transform into a fine art piece?

I ask questions like this because, in my growth as an artist, I wonder sometimes if I create too many 'glamour' nudes, and not enough 'fine art' nudes. Listen, I love women....I think they are God's greatest creation, and I love to illustrate them. Do I objectify my models with my art. More importantly, is it wrong to objectify women in art? I have my views, but I'd like to hear from others about this.

NOTE: While I rebuild my website at www.erotic-pinups.com, I've uploaded most of my art on Deviant Art. Please check it out. Also, you may sign up for my emails at Fine Art America. they are less frequent than my posts here, and always of a different subject.

More Nude Wives for Valentine's Day

2011-02-10T15:37:00.000-06:00

Thanks to my wonderful client, I have the the other images for which I was commissioned in 2009 of his wife (the first one was published in Tuesday's blog. Since I had a really poor scanner at the time, it was great to receive these from him (as I mentioned, he is a photographer).
I love so much creating glamour images of 'regular' women, who are non-professionals. I've written several times of the many clients by whom I've been commissioned to draw either themselves (ladies), or their wives (men).

This commission was a 3 part series of color illustrations; all were drawn with colored pencil on Bristol board, one of my preferred surfaces. It was a fun challenge to get each to look like the client's spouse, using only the reference photos. That ultimately is the greatest challenge in any portrait---getting the final art to look like the person, even if it is an idealized version.

Just another reason why they make such great gifts for Valentine's Day. It's a wonderful way to be immortalized.

With my website down temporarily, I am trying to upload as many images as I can on other sites where I maintain a profile. You can see my artwork at the following websites:

DeviantArt
ModelMayhem
Model Insider
One Model Place

On Nudes and Non Models, Part 2

2011-02-08T13:35:00.000-06:00

One of my great pleasures, as I said in last week's blog, is that I have the pleasure of illustrating many women who are not professional models, but still look great.

I recently received this image from a former client. one of 3 colored pencil images I did for him of his wife. My original scans when the job was completed were crap, and he was nice enough to send me new ones. He's a part-time photographer, so he found some classic pinup images, and we recreated them with his wife as the subject.

I have always had a desire to do more color pieces, and I find colored pencil extremely challenging. I like graphite drawing pencils because I like to create shadows by rubbing the graphite with my fingers, which helps me to achieve the nuances of the light and dark. Can't do that with colored pencil--it's a gradual build-up of colors that can be very time consuming, very boring, but always rewarding in the end.

NOTE: My figure art website, www.erotic-pinups.com, will be temporarily disabled while I search for a new host and build a new site. For now, please visit my Model Mayhem profile, or look for me on Facebook. I will let everyone know when the new site is uploaded. Thanks

On Nudes and Non Models

2011-02-01T09:57:00.000-06:00

I've been very fortunate in my art career to have the privilege to illustrate some very beautiful, professional models. Carlotta Champagne, Lindsey Vuolo, Erica Campbell, Heather Bauer---the list is pretty long and impressive.

But I have also had the great pleasure to draw some non-professional models as well. Many clients have submitted images of themselves or their wives, to be drawn in the nude or as glamour/pinup. These usually are gifts for the loved one, and it seems to fall into basically two categories---men who adore their wives and like to show them off as glamorous and beautiful, and women who want to give their husbands or loved ones something a little more special.

I've written in this blog before that I think that it takes a really special person, as a non-professional, to pose nude or semi nude in a photo, or as the subject of art. To the right is commissioned art of Briana, a 50 year old lady who ordered two drawings of herself for her husband to hang on their bedroom wall. Besides Briana, I've had the pleasure of illustrating Kim, another 50+ lady, and others.

As my friend Unbearable Lightness proves at the age of 66, women can still be sexy and beautiful over the 'traditional' modeling ages. And why not? Women are more beautiful because of how they carry and project themselves. As a client once told me about his wife, "it's all about confidence."

With Valentine's Day approaching, a lot of people look for something special for their loved one as a gift. Though unconventional, a 'boudoir' piece of art can be a lasting gift.

On Bears and Packers

2011-01-24T16:54:00.000-06:00

The Chicago Bears lose the NFC Championship game to their oldest rivals, the Green Bay Packers, yesterday at Soldier Field. This football match-up was one of the most anticipated in years. the Bears & Packers have the longest continuing rivalry in the National Football League, going back to 1921.

The Packers prevailed over the Bears 21-14, and advance to the Super Bowl. I originally wanted to write about how great it was that these long time rivals got to play each other in the play-offs for only the second time in 90 years, but the big story in Chicago today is the questioning of Bears' quarterback Jay Cutler's 'toughness.' Cutler was removed from the game early in the second half, after hurting his knee late in the second quarter. Ultimately, an MRI on Monday revealed a knee strain. However, because no one was sure which play caused the injury, and the Bears only listed him as questionable (meaning he might return), many thought he gave up on his team in their most important game of the season. Other NFL players, analysts and fans began to question him in tweets, causing his teammates to rush to his defense.

Cutler is not popular among fans and players; he displays a 'who cares attitude' when dealing with the media. But in 17 games this season, he has been sacked 57 times, and hit about 130. He missed one game due to a concussion, and that was because the NFL requires concussed players to pass tests by the medical staff before being cleared. On Sunday, it was reported by the Chicago newspapers that he lobbied to go back in the game, but was pulled by the Bears medical staff. Cutler is also a Type 1 diabetic, which means he must take special care of his body to battle his disease.

To question his toughness is ludicrous--if he were to quit on his team, I believe he would have done so months ago. I'm sure he was understandably upset that he could not continue, if though he was having a poor game. But the amount of criticism that Cutler has received- even from players on other teams- is inexcusable. Football is a violent game, and the types of injuries players endure are remarkable. I would think that his brethren would understand that. Apparently, from the comfort of their own homes, they don't.

On Valentine's Day

2011-01-18T11:08:00.000-06:00

Valentine's Day has always been a favorite holiday of mine. Even while we are in the midst of winter here in the Chicago area, I always tried to embrace the romance of the day, and do something a bit special for my wife. Believe me, we don't have a lot of money, and I wish I could give her what she deserves. But sometimes it's just some flowers, or a massage, or little things to help you remember the romance.

Valentine's Day isn't even celebrated in Catholicism anymore as a saint's holiday, and it's romantic heritage seems to have started from Chaucer. Yet, it is one of the biggest "Hallmark" holidays of the year. Cards, flowers, candy, dinners, even engagements all are given on Valentine's Day to loved ones.

I have often received commissions for Valentine's Day. Many husbands like to give their wives custom boudoir or nude artwork of them--we all like to think of our women as glamourous. And many women commission me to do something like the attached for their men. It's a great was to feel sexy, and often it doesn't involve nudity.

Currently I am working on such a piece for delivery later in the spring. And we are talking to a couple of other husbands regarding commissions of their wives in sexy attire (or no attire) shortly thereafter.

I am running a special for Valentine's Day....8 1/2" x 11" custom black & white drawing for only $125. It's a nice gift for someone special in your life, and it's a great deal. But I need to know by Saturday, Jan. 22 to get it to you in time.

What is the wildest or most memorable photo shoot you've ever had, and what made it so?

2011-01-11T15:10:00.001-06:00

What is the wildest or most memorable photo shoot you've ever had, and what made it so?

Answer here

On Chiaroscuro and Nude Art

2011-01-07T14:37:00.000-06:00

While looking up art related stuff online yesterday, I came across one of my favorite art terms, something I try to use in my own illustrations.

The word chiaroscuro is defined as the strong contrasts between light and dark. By exaggerating these contrasts, you can create the illusion of 3 dimensions in a 2 dimensional piece, which makes it more dynamic, and more interesting to the viewer.

For me, that is often easier said then done. I struggle sometimes with being too literal in my art, and not taking 'leaps of faith' with the exaggeration of tones in the reference photos. And, graphite is not always the best medium for getting real black tones; since the darkest you can get in most cases is with the Ebony pencil, and that is still just a dark gray.

To the left is probably my best example of chiaroscuro--it is an illustration of Playboy's Miss June 1979, Louann Fernald. Although the reference photo was already a dark black & white, I really had to be conscious of recreating the dark tones, and press down as hard as I could to achieve this final result. Must have come out okay...Louann bought one last year!

I have new commissions starting this month, and my goal is to really work on these contrasts, and make the ladies 'starring' in them pop!

I'm very interested to learn from other artists how they achieve chiarascuro in their own work.

From Photo to Art--Farrah Fawcett

2010-12-28T13:00:00.000-06:00

One of the most popular non-nude pieces I have ever created is actually one of my oldest---a portrait of Farrah Fawcett.

This artwork was actually created when I was in college. We were to create a drawing based on a photo of our choosing at the beginning of the quarter, and then reproduce it at the end. I have no clue what happened to the first one, but I was pleased with the second. So was my wife---this hangs in our rec room, and we have had several people ask for prints..

The drawing was based on Farrah's iconic Playboy cover from December 1978. At the time, she was one of the most popular celebrities in the US, but had not yet posed nude (that came in the 1990's, also in Playboy).

I was really attracted to the tease pose used on the cover, and the way she wears the man's shirt very provocatively. At the time, I was striving more for an artistic recreation of the original image, although later on my wife asked me to change the wine glass to a martini glass with green olive.

Farrah's hair was all the rage back then, and I really tried to capture that in the artwork. I also tried to overemphasize the smoothness in her legs, as I thought it looked like she was wearing nylon stockings, which are very sexy.

But, it always comes down to making the drawing look like the subject, especially when it is a celebrity. Everyone knows what the person looks like, and any mistakes or imperfections can ruin the art. It must be recognizable. Judging by the feedback I've received, I think I achieved that.

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year

2010-12-23T10:12:00.000-06:00

I want to take this opportunity to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas, a Happy & Prosperous New Year, and great health for 2011.

I'm personally looking forward to 2011, as 2010 was very 'challenging,' to say the least. I realize that most New Year's Resolutions are never kept; however, I've established some personal goals and will work hard to keep them. And a couple of commissions to start off the new year always help out too!

Please be safe in your celebrations this season.

Marisol, a Christmas commission from 2008

On An Artist's Self Promotion

2010-12-15T11:35:00.000-06:00

With the early, growing commercialism of the Christmas season, is it wrong for an artist like me to market his artwork and/or services? Usually I'm very busy each holiday season with commissions, until this year, probably because of the economy, the limited appeal of my subject matter---who knows?

I recall when I decided to leave the School of the Art Institute of Chicago in late 1981 to attend Northern Illinois University to purse a commercial art degree, several of my friends called me a 'prostitute,' as I my goal was to have a 9-5 job creating art (remember, this is before PC's, Macs and Illustrator). I only wanted to have a career in art, to somehow create things. I didn't originally intend to even do female nudes!

Now, working a regular job in marketing, learning art programs on the fly, I still get great satisfaction creating images of female nudes----what I consider the most beautiful of God's creations. And while it's very nice that people have purchased art from me, I still just enjoy drawing!

Please forgive my shameless self-promotion. As it is the holiday season, I do have some art available for gift giving this year. I have a couple 13" x 19" photo prints available of Lindsey Vuolo & Carlotta Champagne for only $10 (plus $3 shipping). Limited supplies available. Contact me www.erotic-pinups.com for information. Happy Holidays, all!

On Facebook and Censorship...Part 3

2010-12-10T11:12:00.001-06:00

UPDATE: After someone posted on a ModelMayhem.com thread that FB does specifically not allow implied nudes, I checked it out again....I did a more thorough search, and it is here, under General Guidelines, thrown in with excessive skin and cleavage. So I stand corrected....to a point.

Recently, I have written about Facebook's extremely vague Terms of Service, specifically here and more recently here.

Yesterday morning, I woke up to find over 20 Facebook Warnings in my email box, advising me that my images 'violated the Terms of Service, " & were deleted. (Note: more were removed today). As I pointed out in the recent blogs, the Facebook Terms of Service are very vague...there are no clear definitions of nudity, & while all but one of my images had little white boxes on the naughty bits, down they came.

As a member of ModelMayhem.com, an industry social site, there are specific methods to contact site moderators with questions, complain about another member or an uploaded image. There are very specific guidelines on what constitutes a nude (18+) image, and what will not be allowed. Unfortunately, Facebook doesn't have such definitions. Since Facebook is almost completely member-regulated, there is no 'due process.' Any image can be reported by a member, and they will take it down. No questions asked, no chance for the offender to appeal. Done.

One of the basic tenants of the US Constitution is the right to face your accusers. That is not possible at Facebook, unfortunately, and perhaps that is by design-----they can claim ignorance in such cases, especially with their vague Terms of Service.

As for me, I have decided not to fight Facebook, as there is obviously someone on my Fan Page that doesn't like my censored art nudes (ironic that he/she would join in the first place). I have learned the hard way that Facebook is close-minded to the arts, so I instead will invite people to visit my art website at www.erotic-pinups.com. It features most of my nude art with no censorship; I hope to have it revamped by early next year.

From Photo to Art--Carlotta Champagne

2010-12-07T13:30:00.019-06:00

This popular feature was actually started in my old email newsletters with this image of the wonderfully talented and beautiful Playboy model, Carlotta Champagne. Since I use photos exclusively as reference for my artwork, I'm often asked how many changes I make to the original photo in the final drawing.

There is no one answer; it really depends on what I want the final drawing or painting to look like. Sometimes, except for some minor changes, the reference photo is very close to finished piece. Very often, however, I make major changes from the original photo to create the illustration.

Here is an example of how I made some major changes to a photo for a portrait of Carlotta. The reference pic was taken by my good friend, photographer Rob Domaschuk, in my rec room. On some of the shots, we set up Carlotta by my bar, posing with a fedora and one of my ties, to capture some whimsical nudes.

I fell in love with Carlotta's pose and expression, but I did not like the tie in this particular image. Also, I didn't want a drawing of her next to a bar stool with that hat, as it just didn't fit the scene. The hat reminded me of Indiana Jones' fedora, and it gave me the idea of what to do with the hand that was leaning on the chair. The photo reference eventually turned into the art to the right.

To complete the drawing, I found some reference photos online of whips, and used my own hand to approximate the one holding the whip. Then, the fun part--getting this drawing to look like the beautiful Carlotta!

I recently ordered some 13" x 19" photo prints of this piece, and they came out really well! I still have the original drawing, too, and take to any shows where I happen to exhibit.

I enjoy posting these examples, and your feedback is always welcome, so feel free to drop me a line at vince@erotic-pinups.com, or on my Facebook Fan Page.

On Nude Art and Prints

2010-12-01T14:09:00.002-06:00

A short time ago, we posed this question on the Facebook Fan page: Will You Hang Nudes In your Home? We had several people write back that yes, they would do so, which is encouraging news, to be sure. All artists like to be recognized, and there seems to be a bigger hurdle for nude figure artists like me to jump over because of the subject matter.

My good friend Unbearable Lightness has been touching on the subject of fine art nudes in her blogs recently, about the connections between fashion photography and fine art, and the eroticism therein. So much art today is deemed not acceptable to be displayed, yet we see constant images in the media of an overtly sexual nature. Why the double standard?

This image of Alicia Burley hangs in our home

My wife has several of my pieces hanging in our home, one of which is a nude. So far, there have been no issues.....our 12 year old nieces are wonderfully bemused by "Uncle Vince's" art, and our seven year old nephew is too young to notice. And our assorted friends have not menitoned being uncomfortable at all.

Besides, we must understand that fine art nudes are just that---fine art. Just because an image depicts a woman in the nude does NOT make that image sexual in nature (do you hear that, Facebook?).

So, it was nice to hear back from some people on my discussion thread that, yes, they would hang nudes, as long as they are tasteful.

Let me hear from you---would YOU hang nude art in your home? What kind of art would you hang? This is intended to be a discussion opener, as so many people would like to, but may not be able to do so because of circumstances. Please comment below.

On Women and Curves

2010-11-24T16:30:00.001-06:00

I suppose it's no secret that, as a pin-up artist, I love women's curves. It's probably a prerequisite for the job. The curves of a woman's body are one of God's greatest creations, if not the greatest.

The female form has been celebrated in art since man first began painting on cave walls. Women are the child bearers, the nurturers, the gender that really keeps everything together. A woman's physiology is beautiful, in part, because of the way it was designed. Men are attracted to a woman's soft, flowing, sensual curves (which is scientifically proven, by the way).

The circle is the perfect shape in nature. A woman's shape is based in large part on a circle, unlike males, which are angular. They are the ultimate subject of any artist or photographer, in my view, because of their unique beauty. Renaissance artists such as Michelangelo & Botticelli, pinup artists like Elvgren & Vargas were on to something in their work. Nowadays, one can look at the art of TC Cor, Dave Nestler & Olivia, or the photos of Carrie Leigh, and see how beautiful they depict the female form ---erotic, sensual, powerful....

The ultimate subject.

Fineartamerica.com has set up a Discount code for its members to offer our clients. Save 25% off the cost of a print. Check it out on my page there

On Facebook & Censorship, Part 2

2010-11-19T17:06:00.000-06:00

My friend and fellow artist, Joel Adams, blogs today on how his profile was deleted from Facebook, after he posted the cover of the newest edition of Carrie Leigh's NUDE magazine, due on newsstands shortly. Joel explains his difficulties and position very well in his blog, so I won't repeat it here.

However, when you read Joel's issues with Facebook, it goes back to the same issue I had--the ambiguous "Terms of Service." They plop all of the violations into one blanket statement, including "drug use, violence, and nudity." Now, with the number of people under the age 18 on Facebook, I feel that we ALL must be responsible with the content on our pages, and I have edited my nude artwork accordingly.

But Facebook doesn't define nudity.....is it nipples? pubic area? implied nudity? We have very clear rules on modeling industry websites such as Model Mayhem on what images can be displayed in the public areas, like avatars. But clear rules don't seem to exist on Facebook. Joel's page is private, so he can't get random visitors to his profile, either. And, as he points out, no live person responded to him to explain why this image violated the terms of service.

The cover that Joel uploaded is a great photo of a beautiful girl, photographed by Carrie Leigh, one of the most prominent fine art nude photographers in the world. I emphasized fine art for a reason.....it is NOT porn, it is not eroticism---it is a celebration of the beauty of the female figure. Not unlike Da Vinci, Michelangelo, even Vargas and Elvgren. And there is no explicit nudity in the photo. This magazine is sold openly in bookstores like Borders, where young kids easily have access (it's usually stacked in the "fine art/photography section at my Borders).

I have no issue with blocking inappropriate material on Facebook......we need to protect young people from adult images and content. But please, give us the guidelines as to what can and cannot be posted, Facebook. And apply them equally.

On Holiday Specials

2010-11-11T11:25:00.001-06:00

So, after I wrote my last post, I decided that I would, in fact, offer up a promotion on custom prints for the holidays. The two most popular sizes, 11" x 14? and 19" x 24", are now $50 off ($250 and $350, respectively).

Even though it gets busy during the holidays around our house, I do enjoy creating art for people, since I think it is a truly special gift.

Let's hope I spend the month of December on my drawing board!

And many thanks to Dr Unbearable Lightness for her great support!

On Holiday Prints & Commissions

2010-11-03T14:36:00.000-05:00

Every holiday season for the past couple of years, I have offered a reduction on my commission rates (or, for lack of a better word, a "sale"). That has made Christmas at the Wolff house a little busier than usual, and I have to thank my wife for allowing me the time to complete these sometimes numerous and massive projects.

While I love working for clients, commissions can be a double-edged sword. Will the client be satisfied with my final work? Can I make my deadlines? I always try to keep my clients as happy as I can, but it can take lot of emails, phone conversations to make the best art possible. There are different challenges that arise with commissions than those associated with my 'fun' work.

Example of a client commission

So I am struggling with offering a discount this year for the holidays. I did order prints of 3 of my favorite pieces, which will be inexpensively priced. But I realize that many people consider an erotic pin-up a wonderful gift to give.

Your thoughts are appreciated!

On Beautiful Women and Modeling

2010-10-19T11:00:00.000-05:00

It's no secret that I love women; as an artist , they are the single most beautiful subject that God created. I enjoy meeting these lovely ladies, particularly the ones that I have had the pleasure to illustrate. To most of us , they are just images, but when you finally meet, you realize that they are real people, like you...they just happen to look better than most!

I recently hosted an industry get together, and was very pleased that it was attended by Rachel Jay, Christie Gabriel & Jennifer Bollinger (That is Jennifer seen in the accompanying art), along with entrepreneur Alfred E Shirtman. It was a truly wonderful evening -- a lot of industry talk, gossip, laughs, and a dissection of scenes from "Ferris Bueller's Day Off").

The truly cool thing for me is to see these ladies in a relaxed setting, away from cameras, lights, etc, just being themselves. Often people ask what celebrities are 'really like.' Models and photographers are my celebrities, and I can tell you, they are really like...you and me.

I can't tell anyone enough how much I enjoy meeting people in our industry, and learning about them, how they approach their jobs. This even I hosted is a semi-regular event, and I look forward to the next one with great anticipation.

A Good Cause

2010-09-29T13:10:00.000-05:00

One of my model acquaintances on ModelMayhem.com, Suzan Golden, recently wrote about her young daughter's plight; she has been diagnosed as a High Functioning Autistic and is suffering from Epileptic Seizures, which came about quite suddenly (Click here to read her very moving story).

The lives of Suzan's family have literally been turned upside down--they've lost their home and their business, and moved to Florida to seek treatment for Lindsey. It's a very desperate situation, especially as Suzan cannot model right now.

We've tried to help out the Golden's by offering the net proceeds to all print sales at FineArtAmerica.com for a week, which ended last Friday. We had a sale, and an offer to donate a custom commission the the family. However, people can still help Suzan by contributing something to the family---even via PayPal.

With the economic downturn, people are really hurting.....but a story like this tends to put things in perspective.

I'm Published!

2010-09-22T10:11:00.000-05:00

I'm very happy to announce that the September issue of Flip online magazine, featuring an interview with me, is now available. It also includes 3 of my favorite drawings, as well as the photo references from which they were created.

Please click on the link to see it. Thanks.

http://www.flipmagazine.net/flipxysept2010.html

Flip Online Magazine

2010-09-17T11:29:00.000-05:00

I'm very pleased to announce that 3 of my favorite nude art pieces will be featured in the next edition of Flip online magazine. It goes live on the afternoon of Sept 18.

http://www.flipmagazine.net/

Along with the art, it will display the original photo references and an interview with me.

I'm pretty excited about this Please take a look at it ......tomorrow afternoon!

From Photo to Art--Heather Bauer

2010-09-09T15:07:00.000-05:00

A popular feature of my late newsletter was the "From Photo to Art" series, where I showed how I created my art from the original reference photograph. We have featured Carlotta Champagne, Jennifer Bollinger and former Playmate Lindsey Vuolo. Today's subject is Heather Bauer.

Heather is a Playboy Special Editions model and Cyber Girl of the Week. She e-mailed me about doing an illustration of her a couple of years ago, and we discussed it over the phone afterward (what a sweet Southern accent!). She sent me a photo reference taken by an anonymous photographer, different from her Playboy style shoots, which are very glamour nude in style. Her photographer did a wonderful job of lighting her great figure in such a way as to emphasize her curves.

I drew Heather's portrait on 20" x 30" illustration board, and followed the original very closely. it was important to capture her remarkable beauty, as well as the wonderful and sensuous post that she struck. Heather has great presence in front of the lens; she really connects well with the audience.

This image will appear shortly in an online magazine called Flip, and we are hoping that it will be published in a major art nude title this winter ----more on that in future blogs. In the meantime, your feedback is greatly appreciated.

Facebook & Censorship

2010-08-26T13:30:00.000-05:00

Seems that online censorship reared its ugly face again. Many of you may know that I rebuilt my Facebook Fan Page about a month ago, because FB doesn't allow you to reclassify your fan pages (I had inadvertently placed mine in the "Local Business" category, rather than "Visual Artist." I also placed a Facebook ad at the same time to promote the new fan page, using the attached image and asked people to join the Female Figure Art of Vincent Wolff.

Playboy 2004 CGOY Alicia Burley

This ad ran for several weeks, to a target audience 24 years and older that liked Elvgren, Vargas, & Playboy---I occasionally switched from Male & Female to Female only, but the other parameters were unchanged. On Tuesday, I decided to add males again, and the ad went through a review, as FB always does. Wednesday morning, I got an e-mail the the ad was "disapproved," due to restrictions that had nothing to do with my ad.

So, I created a new ad, same image, same copy, same interests as before, except added "Nude Girls," and resubmitted. Again, the ad was rejected, some of the reasons being (but not limited to) that the image is 'irrelevant or inappropriate'.

Now, Facebook is a large social network, and many people of various age groups and backgrounds are members. You can't please everyone. I just find it disingenuous that they originally approved the ad (more than once), but now find it distasteful. While I have mostly samples of my nude art on FB, all of the 'parts' in question have been blocked out with white boxes so as to to offend people. Besides, if you saw my ad for the Fan Page, you were pretty much interested in seeing this type of art.

I'm not going to rail against Facebook; it is their site, their rules, and frankly, this saves me some money by not running the ad. I only wish to know why the ad was approved several times before, then suddenly it no longer conforms.

*********************************************************************************************************

On another topic, there is a great site called the PinupDirectory; it is a collection of some of the greatest pin-up artists, models and more. I'd love to be a part of it, and if you would like to see me there, please ask them to add www.erotic-pinups.com to their site. The 'suggestion box' is located at http://www.pinupdirectory.com/suggest-a-link/ .

Thanks all.

Would You Pose Nude?

2010-08-19T10:00:00.000-05:00

One of the topics on my Facebook Fan Page recently has been for the Ladies: Will you Pose Nude for your Spouse or Significant Other? It generated a lot of discussion the past couple of weeks, with almost all who contributed stating they they would.

Many of my recent clients have been either husbands or wives, regular people, who have expressed a desire to have an erotic portrait in their homes. It's actually kind of nice to see couples who still get a charge out each other--who wouldn't like to see his lady as a pin-up or Playmate? This is a fun part of my job, I really enjoy illustrating everyday women, who normally don't pose or do very little. Check out the Discussion in the Fan Page when you can.

The subject of today's image, Playboy model Carlotta Champagne, has a new, revamped website. www.carlotta-champagne.com lots of new content, pics, and more.Carlotta is a fantastic model & muse, and a wonderful lady. NSFW, but you will enjoy her new paid site. Take the tour.

Vincent Wolff
www.erotic-pinups.com

Welcome to My First Posting

2010-08-12T11:09:00.000-05:00

I'm very glad to start blogging about my art here at blogspot, and welcome you all, especially those of you who followed my through my newsletters via Constant Contact. While my association is ending with CC, it will not with you.

As I mentioned in my last newsletter, a reader complained directly to Constant Contact that my work was "offensive," and while investigating the complaint, they determined that I violated their "Terms of Service" by posting nude images in my emails. I was told to remove several images of my art and their photo references. Since I can't market my nude artwork through a service that won't allow them, I decided to cancel my Constant Account when my billing cycle ended this week-end.

My good friend, photographer Rob Domaschuk, suggested a blog, and I happened upon this space while looking at another blog of model Unbearable Lightness. At least, I can post 'adult' content here! :) And, this is a good way to remain connected with those of you who have subscribed to the newsletters for the past 2 years.

Please feel free to leave comments and thoughts, I'd love to hear them.

Erotic Pin-ups and Illustrations

Work In Progress--Carlotta Champagne

Latest Commissions

Happy Valentine's Day!

From Photo to Art--Alicia Burley

On Models, TFP's and an Artist's Worth

On the (Almost) Sudden Loss of .....Me!

On the Sudden Death of a Friend

From Photo to Art--Marilyn Monroe

On a Nude Work in Progress

Published in Flip Magazine...Again!

From Photo To Art--Lindsey Vuolo

On A Nude Wife Sale....

Happy Birthday Marilyn Monroe!

On (Almost) Nude Wives

On Birthdays...Lots of Them

From Photo to Art --Jennifer Bollinger

On Drawing Breasts (or Boobies, if You Will)

From Photo to Art--Carlotta Champagne, Part Deux

On Chasing Art Commissions

From Photo To Art --Playmate Liz Stewart

On Glamour Nudes and Fine Art Nudes

On Full Frontal Nudity

More Nude Wives for Valentine's Day

On Nudes and Non Models, Part 2

On Nudes and Non Models

On Bears and Packers

On Valentine's Day

What is the wildest or most memorable photo shoot you've ever had, and what made it so?

On Chiaroscuro and Nude Art

From Photo to Art--Farrah Fawcett

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year

On An Artist's Self Promotion

On Facebook and Censorship...Part 3

From Photo to Art--Carlotta Champagne

On Nude Art and Prints

On Women and Curves

On Facebook & Censorship, Part 2

On Holiday Specials

On Holiday Prints & Commissions

On Beautiful Women and Modeling

A Good Cause

I'm Published!

Flip Online Magazine

I'm very pleased to announce that 3 of my favorite nude art pieces will be featured in the next edition of Flip online magazine. It goes live on the afternoon of Sept 18.

Along with the art, it will display the original photo references and an interview with me.

I'm pretty excited about this Please take a look at it ......tomorrow afternoon!

From Photo to Art--Heather Bauer

Facebook & Censorship

Would You Pose Nude?

One of the topics on my Facebook Fan Page recently has been for the Ladies: Will you Pose Nude for your Spouse or Significant Other? It generated a lot of discussion the past couple of weeks, with almost all who contributed stating they they would.

The subject of today's image, Playboy model Carlotta Champagne, has a new, revamped website. www.carlotta-champagne.com lots of new content, pics, and more.Carlotta is a fantastic model & muse, and a wonderful lady. NSFW, but you will enjoy her new paid site. Take the tour.

Vincent Wolffwww.erotic-pinups.com

Welcome to My First Posting

Vincent Wolff
www.erotic-pinups.com