On the Fence 1959

Gil Elvgren created this painting, "On the Fence", with oil paint, and boy, it's got a real pop. The way the paint's applied gives a smooth, almost airbrushed feel, especially on her skin. Look at the red of her skirt, how it catches the light – it’s like he's sculpted the fabric with color. Then there’s the fence, each plank defined but softened, kinda like a memory. The little flowers peeking through add to the whole scene. Elvgren’s all about this playful tension, a wink and a nudge. It reminds me a bit of those old Vargas girls, but with its own twist. It's the kind of painting that knows it's a painting, and that's what makes it so interesting.