Low Down Feelings c. 1955

Gil Elvgren made this painting, Low Down Feelings, sometime in the mid twentieth century, using oil on canvas. I love the way Elvgren's brush strokes seem to disappear, creating a smooth, almost hyper-real surface. Look at how the light catches the curve of her thigh or the delicate folds in her dress. It's all about illusion, a kind of magic trick with paint. The way Elvgren uses color is so interesting. The bright yellow of the chair pops against the muted tones of her skin and the soft pink of her dress. It's a playful contrast that adds to the overall sense of fun and flirtation. There's a certain knowingness in her eyes, a sense that she's in on the joke. I'm reminded of other artists who played with similar themes of femininity and desire, like John Willie, but Elvgren's approach is somehow sweeter, more innocent. In the end, it's up to us to decide what this painting means, and that's part of what makes it so compelling.