Up in the Air 1965

Gil Elvgren made this cheesecake illustration, "Up in the Air," using oil paint. You can see a real dedication to a certain kind of idealized form, but what I love is the clear commitment to the process of art making. I find myself drawn to the physicality of the paint itself: how Elvgren used layers to build up the textures of the woman's dress, the way the wind catches it, and the playful, almost cartoonish treatment of the luggage. The paint is applied with a real sense of purpose, thick in some areas to create volume and thin in others to suggest movement and light. Look at the way the paint seems to swirl and blend, especially around the red heels of her shoes. It's like Elvgren is inviting us to see the world through the lens of the imagination. Elvgren reminds me a bit of someone like Mel Ramos, sharing that sensibility for the pop art nude. But ultimately, the meaning is open to interpretation, a space where the viewer can project their own desires, fears, and fantasies.