So Lush, So Deadly, paperback cover 1970

Robert McGinnis made this paperback cover, title “So Lush, So Deadly,” with paint, probably pretty fast. The brushwork is loose and expressive, particularly in the background’s vertical strokes, creating a sense of depth and texture. The palette leans heavily on greens, blues, and fleshy tones, setting a mysterious, slightly unsettling mood. It’s a mood that gets under your skin, kind of like a humid day. I’m interested in the figure’s back—see how the light catches the curve of her spine and shoulder blades? The artist really understood anatomy, and it’s all done with such a light touch, which makes her feel present. The overall effect is a combo of realism with an abstract sensibility. It reminds me of Alex Katz but with a darker, pulpier twist. It just goes to show, there are always different ways of seeing.