Create a retro pin-up piece

Speaks the language of pin-up as she paints a portrait that harkens back to the golden age of the genre

his is a really exciting chance to combine two things I love in one project: pin-up art and portraiture. I was so pleased when I received ImagineFX’s commission!

My approach is that the character should instantly tell the viewer how important it is to appear on the cover of the magazine, and be part of an issue dedicated to the subject of pin-up art. The woman’s expression should reflect her pleasure at being the first thing readers will see when they pick up the magazine.

TFirst, I present some options for the cover image to the ImagineFX team. Among them I have my favourite image, of course, and so I’m pleased that my primary choice is the one that’s selected. It’s like a present to me and I’m keen to convey that feeling in the image. That message should be transmitted by her eyes, by her smile and by her body movements (even if it’s only a close-up). It should catch the viewer’s attention because this is the genre’s style and language – its power, even.

The language of pin-up enhances her physical beauty in many different ways. A pin-up character is charming, appealing and, most importantly, sends a message to the viewer: “Feel the joy, life is beautiful and full of energy!”

I have a fundamental rule that I’ve followed in all my pin-up art, which is that the eyes must talk. If her eyes don’t talk then I’ve failed. And from my very first brush stroke I imagine her saying, “Hey! Look at me! I’m on ImagineFX! I’m the cover girl!”