Looking for Trouble 1950

Gil Elvgren made this oil on canvas painting called ‘Looking for Trouble,’ but when, I couldn't say. Elvgren was known for his pin-up art, and here, his process feels a little bit like sculpting with paint. Look at the way the light catches her satin slip. The paint is applied with such precision that it's almost like you can feel the slippery texture of the fabric. He uses thin, almost transparent layers to build up the form and volume of the figure. The way he handles the light is very theatrical, creating a sense of drama and intrigue. I find my eyes keep returning to the shattered vase at her feet. Are the roses a message? Elvgren’s work reminds me a little of someone like John Currin, who also plays with those retro tropes, but Elvgren's got a certain sweetness, even with that pistol. Art's a conversation, right?