Cheryl J
techmanRetro Pin-ups - Varga Girls
January 5th 2009 05:00
I don’t know about you but I think the Varga girls have to be some of the most beautiful, glamorous and sexy pin-ups of the art world making some of todays pin-ups seem tacky and sleazy in comparison.
I love retro art and thought I’d share a few of these lovely images with you that were painted by Alberto Vargas.
Alberto Vargas became famous in the 1940s as the creator of iconic World War II era pin-ups for Esquire magazine known as "Varga Girls."
The son of a famous Peruvian photographer, Vargas moved to the US in 1916 after studying art in Europe. His earlier career saw him working as an artist for the Zeigfield Follies, Hollywood studios and pin-ups for Esquire magazine. Many World War II aircraft had “nose art” adapted from the esquire Pin-ups. His most famous film artwork was a poster for the film The Sin of Nora Moran, which is thought of as one of the greatest film posters ever made and features the lead actress Zita Johann in a near naked pose.
After a legal dispute with Esquire magazine of the use of the name Varga, in which he lost the rights, Vargas struggled financially. It wasn’t until the 1960s when Playboy Magazine began to use his work under the name Vargas Girls that his career once again thrived and major exhibitions of his work were shown worldwide.
His work was usually a technique combining both watercolours and airbrush . His proficiency with the airbrush is so respected that the highest achievement in the community of airbrush artistry is the Vargas Award, awarded annually by Airbrush Action Magazine.
Born on 9 February 1896, Vargas died of a stroke on 30 December 1982 at the age of 86.
I love retro art and thought I’d share a few of these lovely images with you that were painted by Alberto Vargas.
Alberto Vargas became famous in the 1940s as the creator of iconic World War II era pin-ups for Esquire magazine known as "Varga Girls."
The son of a famous Peruvian photographer, Vargas moved to the US in 1916 after studying art in Europe. His earlier career saw him working as an artist for the Zeigfield Follies, Hollywood studios and pin-ups for Esquire magazine. Many World War II aircraft had “nose art” adapted from the esquire Pin-ups. His most famous film artwork was a poster for the film The Sin of Nora Moran, which is thought of as one of the greatest film posters ever made and features the lead actress Zita Johann in a near naked pose.
After a legal dispute with Esquire magazine of the use of the name Varga, in which he lost the rights, Vargas struggled financially. It wasn’t until the 1960s when Playboy Magazine began to use his work under the name Vargas Girls that his career once again thrived and major exhibitions of his work were shown worldwide.
His work was usually a technique combining both watercolours and airbrush . His proficiency with the airbrush is so respected that the highest achievement in the community of airbrush artistry is the Vargas Award, awarded annually by Airbrush Action Magazine.
Born on 9 February 1896, Vargas died of a stroke on 30 December 1982 at the age of 86.
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Comment by Janet Collins
Acceptable Etiquette
The Social Critic
Janet Collins Blog
Comment by Johnny Come Lately
Jack's Back
Did you know there is a cafe in Newtown called Varga's? They have posters of the girls on the walls. it's a cool little place.
I can't belive they wer done with an airbrush!
Comment by Bryn
Horrorphile
I used one of his bombshell images for a DJ mix CD cover of mine.
The film poster is very cool and very sexy.
Comment by Bryn
Horrorphile
Comment by Cheryl J
Rhythmatism
Zentertainment
Budget Centsability
The film poster is great! Some of the vintage posters leave modern ones for dead.
Comment by Kleonaptra
Kalikapsychosis
Ive been beating myself up lately because all I seem to sketch is girls - Now Im thinking, thats all I need.
Comment by Cheryl J
Rhythmatism
Zentertainment
Budget Centsability
Do you have any of your sketches online? I'd love to take a peek. Glad you liked the post
Comment by Kleonaptra
Kalikapsychosis
Comment by Raoul Duke
Style of Eye
Comment by Cheryl J
Rhythmatism
Zentertainment
Budget Centsability
Hello Raoul, i was hoping this post would bring you out of the woodwork
Comment by Raoul Duke
Style of Eye
Comment by Kleonaptra
Kalikapsychosis
My extremely 'busy' visual verbals developed because I felt it wasnt enough to just sketch the girls on a blank page, I wanted to keep the eye moving constantly and create something really messed up. So I cram as much into the negative space as I can, and then write poetry or squash book quotes in around the edges. This post has taught me that I dont need props - one well drawn girl is more than enough!
Comment by Shadow Dancer
Comment by Cheryl J
Rhythmatism
Zentertainment
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