This is...(Part of) Pandora

This is the latest commission, of my returning client "Pandora." This wonderful lady wanted another, more 'explicit," piece of art for her significant other, and she chose one that really tested my skills as an artist.



As you can see, I cropped the drawing here because it is really NSFW. I'm not even uploading it on my website, for privacy reasons. However, Pandora has agreed to let me show it on my Tumblr page. Click here to see the full, unedited art.

I want to send special thanks to my wife, who pointed out a number of major things to improve the artwork. Pandora loved them!

GOING TO THE SHOW!
I'll be displaying some of my artwork at a local Pinup show on July 8. Called Cheesecake, Seconds Please, this show celebrates the classic American Pinup. I'll be there, along with one or two guests. You can find more information about it here. Hope to see you there!

 

vincent-wolff.fineartamerica.com

 

Sexy Nicole Art

Below is my latest drawing, a portrait of my friend (and fellow pinup artist), Nicole Brune. Before turning to art full-time, Nicole was a successful swimsuit model in California. I've been wanting to do art of Nicole for years, and finally she has become a part of my Lunchtime Pinup series.



The reference photo below was taken by her now-husband. As you can see, Nicole has gorgeous curves and a fabulous smile.



See Nicole's art here. Please contact me here with comments or commission or print requests. Thank you.

 

vincent-wolff.fineartamerica.com

The Art of the (Color) Nude

It's obvious that I love illustrating nude women.  I feel I am very proficient in graphite.  But I've decided that this is the year for me to stretch myself, and work in different media.

The below images are 2 of the 3 commissioned by a client of his (now ex-) wife.  Each was based on nude illustrations that he found, & I added her head to them.  Although I did have some nudes of the lady herself, they were only for facial reference.

I really liked this project, as I had only done a few colored pencil nudes before. This forced me to look at the female nude in color, rather than breaking down the reference photos into black & white tones.

I am really happy with these illustrations; I thought I did well establishing her skin tones, her curves, etc.  Almost the quintessential 'Naked Wife' in my portfolio. 

Contact me with any comments or questions.

FLiP Magazine Pinup Published

Art created in Color Pencil

Finally, the long awaited FLiP Magazine featuring my art of beautiful model/actress Jax Turyna is available to view online here. 

 The photo photo by Ralph Haseltine was changed quite  a bit, as you can see.  I also tried to create this artwork in the style of Gil Elvgren and Alberto Vargas.  I'm very happy with this piece, and I hope you are too.

Please watch FLiP Magazine for details on the upcoming auction for this original.  Also, you can buy a print right now, and ALL net proceeds will be donated as well.  Click here to view it on my website.

Original Photo by Ralph Haseltine

Of Models and Men

I recently read a post on Facebook by a beautiful nude model whom I follow there and on Model Mayhem:

"So tired of dudes with their fanboy shit who want to "date,me" or brag they are "dating a model" or have a model "girlfriend". Guess what? I'm an actual person with feelings,with emotions and it amazes me that people expect me to be an emotionless mannequin. Guess what? I cry, I get upset. I get angry because I'm a real person...It also makes me feel like I always have to "be hot" and dressed up..like I have to keep up an image, and that people will be dissapointed [sic] if I don't look "hot"all the time. idk. . I am not my persona. I am not "xxxxx" in real life. You need to like me for who I am as a person, not what I am.. I am not just a smiling trophy you can dust off and take off your shelf when you need to brag to your boys and show off, but then put back and ignored when you don't need to prove your accomplishment. You want to keep a trophy? Then treat her like one all the time..otherwise you don't deserve her. I'm not a damn "rent a gf" lol"

This disturbed me because I have heard similar stories from other models I know.

I realize I'm a lucky guy---I draw and paint beautiful women with very little or no clothing.  I am the envy of many of my friends.  But these ladies are not objects to me; they are my friends, my work associates, my muses, etc.  Like any other work environment, they deserve to be respected for what they do and how they do it, regardless of the amount of clothing they are wearing.

These ladies know full well what they have gotten themselves into; they realize they they will be objectified, that their photos are sued for spank material for many fans.  But there modeling persona is not the real them.  I've written before about how much work a photo shoot is, that even with a nude model, the job site is pretty devoid of any sexual tension.  Models and photographers (or artist, for that matter) are professional, who are doing a job.  It takes a lot of work to create glamour.

Brand New Color Pinup Art!

Finally I can reveal the pinup art I have been teasing on Twitter and Facebook of the beautiful model/actress Jax Turyna. The reference photo was taken by Ralph E Haseltine.

I was approached by Frank Monahan, the publisher of FLiP Magazine, about doing  an illustration as a donation to help veterans.  Jax, who is the editor of the men's side of the magazine, donated not only her modeling time, she also procured the make-up artist and the photographer.  (She is a human dynamo!) 

Jax and I choice one of Ralph's fine photos, and I set to work laying out the photo reference and began to fill in with color almost immediately.  Jax came by my office several times to consult on the art, to make sure it would fit what she wanted for the issue.  My wife was very involved as well, and she insisted on one major change from the original that clearly made the art better (you'll see it when the issue is published!)

This illustration will be published in the next issue of FLiP Magazine, and it will be auctioned off to benefit a veteran's organization, to assist returning servicemen and women. To learn more or to comment on my art, please write me here.

Brand New Carlotta Champagne

One of my favorite drawings of my favorite subject Playboy model Carlotta Champagne, is the second one I did of her, and the first of the 3 based on the shots the my friend Rob Domaschuk took of her in my rec room.  Anyone who follows my work has seen this art numerous times, and in fact is my (usual) cover photo on my Facebook Fan Page.  Rob shot a full nude of Carlotta with a hat, and I added the whip since she was leaning against our bar stool, and called the piece "Indiana Carlotta."

Recently, my wife told me that, in her opinion, the portrait would look better if I added some sexy shorts, rather than have her in a full nude pose.  She also said that it would make the art classier.  Initially, I fought doing it, I told her that I didn't want to change anything, but quickly realized that she was right (she always is), and warmed up to the idea. So, since I recently had some time, we took it out of it's matte and frame home, and I set to work.

After downloading some reference shots of Daisy Duke shorts, I proceeded to sketch them in.  After going through a few transformations, including some skin tight versions that didn't work, we finally settled on a looser pair of cut-off jean shorts, which was actually sexier than the skin tight version I originally drew.

Other changes in the art included some work on Carlotta's waist and left shoulder, and darkening some tones to create a more dramatic effect.  I also added some white conte crayon to bring out some highlights.

The above images show the "after" and "before" of the drawing.  While both versions will be available for sale as prints (and the new one as an original), I'm waiting for the new version to be professionally shot.  I'd LOVE to hear your thoughts on the changes, please contact me below.

Modeling Into Maturity

I recently had an online conversation with a beautiful model friend of mine who has done Playboy, and I mentioned to her how she should be modeling for years to come.  She surprised me by say, " I hope you are right about doing this a long time."  Normally she seems very confident in her modeling,.


It got me to thinking about a model's "life expectancy," so to speak.  Glamour and nude models start at about age18, but when are they done? When will the agencies and photographers stop calling them to shoot nude?  30 years old? 40 years old?  


The mature model interest has really gained momentum in recent years, and the number of women posing nude over the age of 30 globally has increased significantly (over 6000 models age 30 and older on Model Mayhem in the USA alone).  A lot of this can be attributed to teh popularity of actress Jennifer Coolidge as Stifler's mom in the movie "American Pie," where the term MILF first gained real popularity.  A mature model really has to know how to pose her body for the best possible image.  This is something that most models know who to do, but imperfections can be magnified as a woman gets older.  Things sag, get out of place, the skin is not as taut. 

One of our very own on Blogger is the beautiful Unbearable Lightness, who started nude modeling in her late 50's, and is now 70 and still gorgeous and going strong.  She is a confident and realistic lady, she is shapely and Unbearable Lightness gets the most out of wonderful photo.  She exudes confidence in her abilities. 


I have a real fondness for capturing older models in my art; there is something that I really enjoy in helping her feel beautiful and glamorous.  Many of  my commissions are not even real models, they are everyday wives and mothers, who want to feel special.  Nothing wrong with that.

I feel confident that my Playboy model friend will be able to continue with her career for many, many years to come. 

Show Some Skin!

Lindsey Vuolo, Miss November 2001

In my line of artwork, I draw everything from clothed pin-ups to full blown nude images.  I have fans of just about every image I've ever created, but, as the title of this blog suggests, the biggest responses are from those that show the most skin; i.e., the full nudes.  

This is especially evident on my Facebook Fan Page.  I have a large contingent of fans from the Middle East, India---places that normally do not allow a lot of nude images.  But while a lot of fans are from Asia, most are still from the USA.  I have tested placing non-nude pinups, and nude drawings, and the largest number of 'likes" is always for the "nakey." 

Farrah Fawcett

Well, duh, you might say, and I guess I would agree. But I guess I'm a little confused at all of the attention for the full nudes, as opposed to the very sexy, very demure pin-ups.  Pinups, also know as "cheesecake," are the SFW way to view sexy images of women (or men, for that matter), covering up the essentials, yet showing a LOT of skin somewhere.

Pinups are not always fully clothed, mind you; there are plenty of semi nude and implied nude pinup examples.  I'm speaking of the contrast in responses to MY art, and the differences in the likes on Facebook.  Thoughts on this? 

Ride 'Em Cowgirl!

Several years ago, I was commissioned to do some preliminary artwork for the owners of the license of the World Famous Mustang Ranch in Sparks, NV.  Having just purchased the license, the client wanted me to create some art for various pieces of merchandise to be sold under the Mustang Ranch name.  The art was to be sexy, with a cowgirl theme. 

I first had to create a preliminary sample sketch, something sexy and provocative, to see if I had the skills for the project.  (Drawing on left)

 
The art was based on  a beautiful Playmate, Jennifer Allen, who portrayed a Western theme in her pictorial.  I liked how she held the gun, her pose, and her expression.  This is a flipped version of one of her photos. (Photo to left)

After the initial sketch above was approved, the client asked for a full color version, but in a more 1950's style stylized garb and feel (think Michael J. Fox in Back to the Future III.  This was the art that was to be used for the merchandise.

Like with many projects, I don't know what happened to the art.  It was fun to work on, and I think I got a couple of good pieces out of it (a copy of the top sketch hangs in our bar).  Comments are always welcome, please email me.

The Naked Wives

Over the past few years, it seems that I have received more and more commissions for "The Naked Wives;" i.e, women who very happily want nude or semi-nude art of themselves for their spouses, or husbands looking to give their wives the same. 

I recall how I got started drawing nude wives.  The first commission was a depiction of a husband's wife for tattoo art; she didn't pose nude, we took a number of reference photos and 'pieced' them together to create the artwork.  Since then I have received numerous requests to create this type of nude art.

Personally, I love working with women over the age of say 30 or 35.  I find that it takes a lot of confidence for them to pose or be depicted in the nude, and they are always so pleasant to work with.  Some of my most challenging, yet rewarding, artwork has come from these commissions.  I hope you enjoy them

Why Draw Nudes?

I recently had someone come up to me and ask me, why do you only draw nude women?  The tone of the question threw me off quite a bit, as if I was being judged because of my choice of art.

I have been a figure artist since I was a youngster, drawing my own versions of Spider-Man, The Hulk, and other Marvel heroes.  When I got to college, I naturally gravitated to figure art. I excelled at life drawing class, and found that drawing female curves and muscle tone was challenging, yet rewarding. 

I cannot tell people enough how much I love my choice of subject matter.  I consider the female form God's most beautiful creation, and I am not alone.  Artists throughout history have constantly depicted the female nude in many different media and forms.

I especially love creating art of nude women, especially commissions of wives for their husbands.  I've had the pleasure to work with so many couples, and I realize what a special gift a nude portrait is for a loved one. 

So, to answer the original question, I draw nude portraits because I like it, I'm good at it, and it gives enjoyment to people.  It celebrates one of nature's most beautiful forms.  I hope you enjoy it too.

Holiday Commissions (Already?)

Believe it or not, the holidays will be here before you know it, and if you have been thinking about surprising a loved one with some custom artwork, now is the time to book a commission. Below are all examples of commission orders from some very happy clients.


Sizes and Rates for black & white are as follows:*

Size................Reg. Rate
11" x 14" ............. $300!
14" x 17" ............. $350!
19" x 24".............. $425!
20" x 30".............. $650!

Depending on the size, I need about 2-4 weeks to do a custom commission in black & white, and slightly longer if its color.
Contact me right away for more information.

*Requires a 30% non-refundable deposit. Does not include shipping charges. Balance due prior to delivery.


FACEBOOK FAN PAGE
Come join my Facebook Fan Page! I upload updates, news, Works In Progress and more. We have over 1800 fans already, and I'd like to include you. Click here to 'Like.'

MODEL MAYHEM PROFILE
Did you know I've had a profile at Model Mayhem since 2006? I have met numerous models, photographers, fellow artists, and other industry professionals there, and enjoy the networking capabilities that MM provides.

Meet the Fans!

I recently returned from a  trip to Indianapolis with the family, and while down there, I had the opportunity to meet a fan who asked me to personally sign a drawing he had purchased of Playboy model Carlotta Champagne. 

Richard McCullogh won a 13" x 19" print at the Chicago Glamourcon show in June, and he was very excited that the original art was available.  Richard asked me to sign it in person while I was in Indianapolis, and he also wanted a picture of me doing so. We enlisted the help of one of the hotel staff, and I happily personalized both for him.  

I love meeting fans of my art, and , while I do sign every illustration, I am more than happy to personalize any of them for the buyer.  Got a piece of art of mine you want signed?  Let me know, I'll be more than happy to make arrangements to do so.
..

Marilyn Monroe...A Work in Progress.

Selected images of the latest art of Marilyn Monroe, from the original Bert Stern reference photo, to the final image.  It really does change quite a bit in the face, as you'll see.

See my Marilyn Monroe prints at my page on Fine Art America.com 

Marilyn Monroe, Part 2

New Art

A brand new piece, a new version of my Marilyn Monroe Reclining Nude drawing.  Based on the  photo by Bert Stern, this art is completely updated.

This drawing is actually a very special birthday gift from my wife and me to our son.  He always like the original version, but circumstances prevented us from getting a good print.  So, we decided to just recreate it, only better.

My wife played creative director, and this is truly her vision of how she wanted it to look.  Using graphite pencil, colored pencil and acrylic pen, we varied greatly from Mr. Stern's original photo, and tried to create a more alluring and softer look than what he wonderfully captured on film. From changing the face to the vibrant folds and colors in the blanket, she directed me and pushed me to create a piece that we can say our son truly loves.

I would love to hear your comments on this piece, so please email me any comments. And see my Marilyn Monroe prints at my page on Fine Art America.com 

On An Art Client's ...Naughty Bits

Recently I was emailing my process of creating nude art for client's with a potential client, and he asked me, what do you do when you don't have a nude photo for reference?  I told him, I have to rely on the spouse for 'intimate' knowledge of her private parts.

This is actually a common occurrence for me in my job.  When I am commissioned to do a nude portrait for a private party, they normally have no nude photos that they can share with me.  So, I have to ask the client, what shape are her nipples?  how big are her aureola?  does she shave her pubic hair?

These all very delicate subjects, especially with complete strangers.  But I pride myself on my discretion and professionalism.  In the creative process of a nude wife commission, I have to know everything I can about her anatomy so that I can draw the most accurate image possible, one that they will enjoy for years to come.

Visit more samples of Nude Wives at my website.

Published in Flip Magazine Again!

Veronica Gonzalez

More good news! Yesterday my artwork of the beautiful Veronica Gonzalez was published in the online version of Flip Magazine, a publication dedicated  to pinups and the beautiful women who pose for them. 

This is my third feature in Flip Magazine, I was also included in the July 2011 Issue, as well as a previous issue.  It's a great honor to be included in Flip, as I got to explain the process of creating artwork of beautiful women in a bit more detail in the interview.  And Veronica was gracious enough to explain why she chose to work with me on this project.



This issue also includes  a feature on our good friend, model Jax Turyna.


I invite you to click through to see the new issue of Flip Magazine.  The print version is only $10.99, and I will more than happy to sign copies for free for anyone who purchases it.  Thank you.

My Art is Featured!

Recently, my art was featured on 2 modeling industry sites; in fact, both within the same week.

First, I received a Member Spotlight Feature on Model Insider. a newer site.  This had been in the works since June, and frankly, I thought I was passed over and forgotten, until I received an email from my contact there that I was in fact, featured on the home page, above the fold.

Later that week, I was featured on Model Mayhem on their EDU series of articles of pertinent industry information, featuring my latest art of the beautiful Veronika Leo, using my ubiquitous "From Photo to Art" features as the basis for the article.

It was a very nice week of unexpected notoriety, and I hope you all enjoy the articles.

From Photo to Art.....Veronica G.

I recently received a commission from a beautiful young model on Model Mayhem, Veronika Leo (Veronica Gonzalez).  She wanted me to draw a sultry pinup of her, based on one of her photos.  We did go through several of them, but when she realized that I could 'create' lingerie out of a bikini, so to speak, and because of her sultry expression, we decided on this photo as a reference :

Veronica asked me to change the photo reference to “..a pin up type of look-_ with lingerie…very sensual”, since this was a special gift for her boyfriend.  And since she already had lingerie pictures in her portfolio, I wanted something a little bit different.  So, after I laid out the drawing from the original reference, I started to sketch in some of the details and mulled over what type of lingerie I could create.

 

The trickiest part of smaller portraits like this (14” x 17”) it to get the drawing to look like the subject, not just the photo reference.  I usually hang about 3 different views of the model around my drawing board, to remind me of what she looks like.  At this point I was trying to get a lot done on Veronica’s face, then move my way down.  I knew she’d be wearing thigh high stockings; I just wasn’t sure about the actual lingerie outfit.

The cut off feet was a point of contention to some; most people didn't like it, but I wanted to get as much in to a  14" x 17" format that I could.  It's isn't easy drawing half a foot, but I used a lot of other reference, which was invaluable in giving me some perspective of the shoe, the stockings.

I played around with the lingerie a few ways, and kind of came up with an outfit organically that I think worked.  Then it was just a lot of shading, detailing, etc., before I finished up.

Veronica was such an inspiration for me to draw; she’s a beautiful young lady, and very expressive in her poses.  Her input was invaluable, and she was very excited about the art when she picked it up.  We hope to work together on something again very soon.