1914-1980
Even the model's hairstyle was a significant factor - it could take up to two years for a painting to be published and the girl's hair had to be done in a style that would not date easily.
continued from previous gallery
Elvgren always planned each painting carefully. Beginning with an idea, he would develop the visual situation and then select the appropriate model for that specific setting. Next he would decide on the wardrobe, the background for his studio set, the props and the lighting. Finally, Elvgren photographed the scene with a 2 1/4 Rollei, after which he could begin to paint.
The distinguishing mark of Elvgren's pinups compared with those of his contemporaries is that the Elvgren Girls looked like real people. Elvgren Girls had personality and zest; they were lively, friendly beauties brimming with enthusiasm. They were sweet-faced, but also generously endowed by nature. They could easily kindle a twinkle in anyone's eye and often had one in their own. For more than thirty years, from the 1940s to the 1960s, they epitomized the All American Girl.
All Pin-up Files gallery images are subject to copyright and must not be considered to be in the public domain. All copyright information is shown where known.
Title: Double Exposure
Date: 1940
Notes: Louis F. Dow & Co
Title: Miss-Placed Confidence
Date: 1940
Notes: Louis F. Dow & Co
Title: A Lad-Her Problem
Date: 1940
Notes: Louis F. Dow & Co
Title: Belle Wringer
Date: 1940
Notes: Louis F. Dow & Co
Title: The High Sign
Date: 1942
Notes: Louis F. Dow & Co
Title: Tail Wind
Date:1942
Notes: Louis F. Dow & Co
Title: Sports Model
Date: 1943
Title: Finders Keepers
Date: 1945
Notes: Louis F. Dow & Co
Title: Everything Seems Awfully High Around Here
Date: 1946
Notes: Brown & Bigelow
Title: Dog Gone
Date: 1946
Notes: Brown & Bigelow
Title: Nobody Can Pinch Me!
Date: 1946
Notes: Brown & Bigelow
Title: I Must Be Going To Waist
Date: 1946
Notes: Brown & Bigelow
Title: He Thinks I'm Too Good to Be True
Date: 1947
Notes: Brown & Bigelow
Title: I Gave Him The Brush Off
Date: 1947
Notes: Brown & Bigelow
Title: This Is The Skin I Love To Touch
Date: 1947
Notes: Brown & Bigelow
Title: I've Been Spotted
Date: 1947
Notes: Brown & Bigelow
Title: It's Nothing To Sneeze At
Date: 1947
Notes: Brown & Bigelow
Title: The Verdict Was "Wow"!
Date: 1947
Notes: Brown & Bigelow
Title: Keeping Posted
Date: 1947
Notes: Brown & Bigelow
Title: I'm Not Shy - I'm Just Retiring
Date: 1948
Notes: Brown & Bigelow
Title: They're Easy To Handle When You Know How
Date: 1948
Notes: Brown & Bigelow
Title: The Cads Were Stacked Against Me
Date: 1948
Notes: Brown & Bigelow
Title: Is This The Right Angle, Professor?
Date: 1948
Notes: Brown & Bigelow
Title: Wait For Me
Date: 1948
Notes: Brown & Bigelow
Title: This Ought To Make A Good Shot
Date: 1948
Notes: Brown & Bigelow
Title: Now Don't Ask Me What's Cooking
Date: 1948
Notes: Brown & Bigelow
Title: I Barely Made It
Date: 1948
Notes: Brown & Bigelow
Title: Lazy Days Are Here Again
Date: 1948
Notes: Brown & Bigelow
Buy retro lingerie & nylons