UNSUNG HEROES OF ILLUSTRATION 74 HD 1080p

[@aidanisenor]

The Alberto Vargas work is stunning

[@petebeard]

Hello and I think there are plenty who'll agree with you about that.

[@dbensdrawinvids8390]

I don't know what's crazier about Vargas's story; him just hopping of the boat mid-voyage to start an art career, or that there was a time when New York theaters would hang a portrait of a movie star grabbing at her own naked breast. Between his pinups and Nicouline's illustrations of Arthurian legend, this episode has been a visual treat. I hope you've been taking care of yourself as we move out of the holidays, and look forward to the next installment.

[@petebeard]

Hello again and thanks for the comment. I thought that about the breast picture too. In France yes - but in prudish America? I'm still seething about Esquire ripping him off over royalties.

[@johannsmithe2570]

@@petebeard Read David Smart being what he was took advantage of Vargas' poor English and not reading his contracts basically took all copyrights, usage, royalties, etc.. paying for the orginals and keeping them, signed and unsigned. Considering Vargas was obligated to supply one painting a week which required three tracings and a vellum study over a period of years, that's a massive amount of work. Add on the twelve unsigned Calender illustrations. Assume since Hugh Hefner also worked for Esquire that was a reason Vargas and Hefner had a verbal agreement at Playboy. Yet, Vargas still managed to do mascot work for military personnel during WWII, guessing pro bono.

[@petebeard]

@@johannsmithe2570 Hello again and thanks for the insight into the detail of the sneaky bastard's treatment of Vargas. Never occurred to me that the circumstances would be recorded. And oh the tales I could tell about getting royally shafted during my 40 years weilding a pencil. The other post was funny but there's very little decent evidence of nose art. I looked when researching Vargas.

[@johannsmithe2570]

@@petebeard Hello Pete If anyone is interested in Vargas there are various case studies of Vargas v. Esquire, Inc. on the web including a "Alberto Vargas, Petitioner, v. Esquire, Inc. U.S. Supreme Court Transcript of Record with Supporting Pleadings" paperback by Ewins and Johnston. The AIGA (American Institute of Graphic Arts) has a manual on professional practices. As much as pneumatically proportioned pigs can fly wasn't expecting B.O.B. to get off the ground :) Enjoyed and appreciated your Vargas presentation Thanks

[@johannsmithe2570]

P.s. Yet another comment. While your Vargas presentation is 5 out of ( . v . ) ( . v. ) ( . ) ... the male unpneumatic anatomical appendage 11:04 ?

[@buddymc]

What a wonderful series. I'm so glad I found these and thankful that you put these together. Such wonderful art and interesting stories. Thank you!

[@petebeard]

Hello and thanks a lot for your favourable response to the channel. I'm glad you enjoy the work of these illustrators

[@WendyW123]

I just loved the work of Gertrude Kay ☺️. Her work reminds me so much of the illustrated books I read as a child.... Lovely memories 📚☺️. I really enjoyed watching this Pete and again, thank you for all the research you put into your videos. Wendy 🥂🙏

[@petebeard]

Hello and many thanks for your comment and appreciation of my work on these videos. Very encouraging...

[@Ellesmere888]

The inimitable Vargas ... an icon for all young boys growing up in the '50's & '60's ...LOL. Angoletta is quite a discovery for me. Thank you Mr. Beard and Happy New Year.

[@-MEL16-A.O.C]

My father was a young boy in the '60's and that's why I love Vargas too . He's comic collector...legacy 😏😉👍

[@petebeard]

Hello again and my usual thanks. And happy new year to you too. It's got to be an improvement on the last one, surely?

[@Ellesmere888]

@@petebeard Let's hope so !

[@LitHouseTieDye]

Thank-You Pete Beard!!!! I became interested in Art Nouveau and so the road led me to you. Now I am working my way through your unsung heroes series and It's really wonderful. I am discovering I have a real love of illustration. You have opened this world up to me and I am deeply grateful. I am 48 years old and suffer from mental illness. These videos are really helping me to get through a difficult time. My mind is enlivened and interested. I am reading up on artists I have a particular affinity for. I really appreciate your work. Thank-You.

[@petebeard]

Hello and your positive response to the channel has really made my day. I'm sorry to hear about your problems but if watching these videos is any way beneficial then that's a really good thing. Thanks again.

[@Lougallops]

Too many talented people died young. Thanks so much for finding what you have of their life stories and sharing it with us. Had no idea Vargas did the Deco work. Love it. Thanks Pete.

[@petebeard]

Hello and thanks for the comment. I didn't know either, and I have to say I much prefer his early work to the Esquire and Playboy stuff.

[@Lougallops]

@@petebeard agree

[@gabriellew6467]

Four more illustrators, all new to me, all interesting in their own way. Gertrude Kay shone particularly with her own books, but the glimpse of "Alice" and others makes it clear that all her work was very likeable. Angoletto appeals with a very different style - extremely attractive costume and puppet designs, too. I thought the historical illustrations and the "Arabian Nights" by Nicouline fascinating. While, obviously,, Vargas would appeal to Playboy fans, he has a touch of exaggeration to his pin ups (i guess you'd have to be male to appreciate this). However, since his talent is undeniable, i definitely applaud the Art deco work. Thank you for once more introducing four unsung artists and their work.

[@petebeard]

Thanks again for another positive review, and I am in complete agreement with you about the varied qualities of each of the subjects. In truth I can't stand Vargas's work. It seems to be the 1950s in the USA where such pneumatic airbrushed figures became so prevalent, and perhaps persist even now. Give me the 1920s benchmarks of beauty any day.

[@TexRenner]

A good day to you. Glad you're here.

[@petebeard]

Hello again and I'm glad - and surprised - that I'm still here too.

[@tonygohagan2766]

"Pneumatically Proportioned" 😅

[@petebeard]

Hello and I thought it was quite descriptive. To be honest I probably stole the expression but I can't remember from who. So maybe it's mine after all...

[@tonygohagan2766]

@@petebeard Hello Pete! Yes why not claim it, you probably may've hard it elsewhere but I'd say, as I'd heard it here first, that for me: it's yours, now and ever!

[@karlal3683]

Thank you for putting this together. I was looking to know more about Vsevolode Nicouline and this was a lovely introduction

[@petebeard]

Many thanks for your appreciation.

[@desmcharris]

You did it again Peter! Each of these artists are an incredible story of talent and tragedy. When I look at the number views of the show I feel I’m a member of an elite club. How in the name of God are there not more viewers?

[@petebeard]

Hello and my gratitude for the comment. I'm just grateful for the numbers I do get - and they are rising somewhat recently, so I'm hopeful that world domination is just around the corner...

[@carlcotton1753]

I love your video! It was such a pleasant surprise to see Vargas, In the 60's I was an avid fan of Play boy magazine and remember the Vargas illustrations. This was a wonderful trip down memory lane. Thank you!

[@petebeard]

Hi Carl and you are from the only one who has responded this way to the work of Senor Vargas. An icon for many.

[@johnmorgan5495]

Brilliant Pete, always brilliant.

[@petebeard]

Hello again and thanks a lot.

[@RichardLaurence]

I’m so pleased to have found your wonderful channel! Thanks so much for all your hard work.

[@petebeard]

Hello and I'm pleased too. I hope you'll continue to find content that's of interest.

[@rukathehamsteratwork8896]

If it hadn’t been for this video, I wouldn’t have known such a great artist as Gertrude Kay. I LOVE her version of “Alice in wonderland”(2:40), especially. Thank you so much !🌟

[@petebeard]

Hello and I'm glad you like her work. There just isn't enough of it to see as far as I can tell.

[@andielines]

Fabulous yet again. Thank you.

[@petebeard]

Hello and your continuing appreciation is very gratifying. Thanks.

[@zecki4783]

I love you contend, seriously im teenager without knowledge about history of art and grand illustrator for the decades past. thanks for this gorgeous content

[@petebeard]

Hello and thanks a lot for your comment. It's very pleasing to know that as a young person you are discovering these great talents. It is one of the main reasons I started the channel.

[@jennymay4720]

Really enjoyable and interesting. Thanks Peter.

[@petebeard]

Hello and my thanks for the appreciation.

[@kennyhagan5781]

I subscribed recently because of the French art books that you highlighted in a recent video. I'm glad that I did that, one of the better decisions I have made recently. Your scholarship is undeniable and somewhat intimidating. Thank you for sharing this video. 🏆

[@petebeard]

Hello and I'm very grateful for your appreciation. I must confess to being a bit concerned about 'intimidating scholarship' though. Im proud to say that when teaching at one of Britain's worst universities I was hauled before a committee who accused me of having 'no academic rigour'. Think I'll have it on my gravestone...

[@jerrystaley1563]

#74 I finally got a chance to have a look at your episode that includes the stunning works of Alberto Vargas. Your beautiful examples remind me of those I used to see in Hugh Hefner's "Playboy" magazine back in my college days. I wish I knew the artist that did the old "Breck girl" shampoo ads. His intense detail, especially with the young model's hair, almost approach that of Vargas'. Of couse, those Breck girls were much more chaste! Another enjoyable episode. Thanks. JJS

[@petebeard]

Thanks a lot for your appreciative comment. And regarding the Breck Grl there were several illustrators (all of whom were remarkably similar) who worked on that campaign over quite a few years. So it rather depends which decade you mean.If you google "Breck Girl ad campaign" you will find a fair bit of information about it.

[@NightTimeDay]

Just wanted to say that these videos have influenced my life in the most positive way. Thank you Pete, great video as always!

[@petebeard]

Hello and that is really good to know, so thanks a lot for the appreciation.

[@judyparker8459]

Really love Bruno Angoletta!! Very original and so fun to look at, knowing what the objects are even so different from reality. Our brains are a wonder. :) And I like large pieces of color and collage also. Sorry, a bit late commenting but catching up now.

[@petebeard]

Hello and there are quite a few more using similar techniques in the pipeline so watch this space...

[@melizen2]

Thank you for your marvelous texture of art/music/voice/information/POV - each illustrator was remarkable, I especially enjoyed the simple/complex geometry of Agnoletto’s work for children ~

[@petebeard]

Hello again, and Angoletta was something of a revelation to me too. The Italians seem to have many forward-looking illustrators but they do keep rather quiet about them.

[@johannsmithe2570]

ha, so Vargas did the Cars' Candy-O (Candy Moore) album. Inspiration for my illustration of a women riding a spark plug painted on a locker while in the military. Had to take it off by the management that decades earlier allowed nose-art on planes. (Triangles. Triangles worked into the compositional poses is used in glamour shots. Ol' renaissance device.) Thanks for 74

[@petebeard]

Hello again, and I did know about the cars album - not his shiniest moment though. If I'm honest I prefer his earlier work before the ladies got all pumped up.

[@johannsmithe2570]

@@petebeard "pneumatically proportioned" ... er, yes, yes, quite so

[@-MEL16-A.O.C]

Hello, thank you for bringing back to life all these artists 💪👍🙏 I really enjoy the mix between illustrations,the music,and your voice.(too proud to understand everything without activating the subtitle 🤣) And most of all thank you for Vargas(and his pin up)🙏👍 Bises

[@petebeard]

Hello again. My thanks as usual and I'm glad you continue to enjoy the channel.

[@wildfood1]

A wonderful episode, thanks!

[@petebeard]

Hello again and thanks.

[@simonward-horner7605]

Thanks, Pete, another little marvel. I'd never heard of Vsevolode Nicouline, his work looks wonderful! Happy 2022!

[@petebeard]

Hi again. I know that technically he was Russian, but his work was done in Italy, and in my scourings of the web it seems they are among the worst offenders in Europe for keeping valuable stuff to themselves. Mind you, we're not that much better. Glad you enjoyed it

[@simonward-horner7605]

@@petebeard It seems you found a nice selection of his work - what a treat for me!

[@albertcscs]

Hi Pedro Arturo, well you're over 40,000 subs, so good start to the new year. I loved this one, and glad you included another Pyle lady. They were the best, maybe worth their own unsung video. I was an adolecent boy in the 50's too, so naturally I grabbed all the Vargas I could. I never grow tired of seeing his pin-ups. His American Weekly covers are hard to find and the most expensive.

[@petebeard]

Hello again mi amigo. It seems that since Mucha I've aquired a lot of new subscribers and views of other videos too. Even I struggle to be pessimistic about that. I had no idea Vargas had created iillustrations for the American Weekly, but I must say I prefer the earlier pinup work, if I'm being picky.

[@ArtfulShelley]

You are an amazing resource. Thank you!

[@petebeard]

Hi and thanks again. Your appreciation is gratefully recieved.

[@TheMarkEH]

Another splendid episode. Great work Pete. You should put your name to a specialist search engine that discovers forgotten illustrators, I'm sure it would be a big success.

[@petebeard]

Hello again and thanks a lot. Watch out for the updated archive with the next video.

[@kmg3658]

Thank you!

[@petebeard]

Hi and thanks for thr appreciation.

[@TheMikester307]

Wonderful video as always! I know I've seen a couple of these!

[@petebeard]

Hello again and thanks as ever for your appreciation

[@TheMikester307]

@@petebeard You're welcome!

[@glynstimpson]

Great video thanks

[@petebeard]

Thanks a lot as usual.

[@justicecommander9455]

Happy new year Mr. Beard! Hope you enjoyed your festivities and thanks again for bringing another set of interesting artists.

[@petebeard]

Hello and the same to you. Can't say it's looking too optimistic at the moment but if the damn plague goes Ill be a happy -ish man.

[@herbmerced7780]

Excellent

[@petebeard]

Thanks a lot.

[@irangel1958]

Happy New Year! and thank you for the video as always it is greeted with a warm smile.

[@petebeard]

And happy new year to you - and thanks for the comment.

[@madam-mim]

I love and appreciate the work you put into these videos. Thank you!

[@petebeard]

Hello and thanks a lot for your comment. It means a lot.

[@Banner_Bearer_of_Eternity]

Thank you Pete! Bruno Angoletta is marvelous and reminds me of Vladimir Lebedev (who also was featured in one of your earlier videos). It's amazing how people living thousands kilometers from each other discovered very similar graphic language. Each age probably has its own vibes, the only problem is to be sensitive enough to feel it.

[@petebeard]

Hello and it does seem that the drive to modernism happened pretty much everywhere around the same time. Although I think Britain and America were pretty slow to catch on. Are you aware of Nathalie Parain? She's about to feature soon.

[@Banner_Bearer_of_Eternity]

@@petebeard Hellow again and thanks for mentioning Nathalie Parain. No, I haven't heard her name before and in spite of being aware of your video coming soon, could not resist the temptation to search for her works on the Web. She's undoubtly great artist and reminds me Lisitsky, (early) Tatlin and Malevich at the same time. I'll be eagerly waiting for your video anyway!

[@mirajipalace319]

Thank you so much for these videos! Happy new year!

[@petebeard]

Thanks for watching and happy new year to you too.

[@joseantonioteixeira7974]

Very good video and excellent narration!

[@petebeard]

Hello and thanks a lot for your appreciation. It matters to me.

[@emptyentertainments7914]

A Happy New Year Pete. I look forward to what revelations you will give us this year..Angoletta was one of these.

[@petebeard]

Hello and thanks for the good wishes. Surely it has t be better than the last one? Angoletta was new to me too.

[@johannsmithe2570]

For wannebe illustrators or, any fans of Alberto Vargas see, "Vargas v. Esquire, Inc." court record of the event mentioned in the video 12:26 are on the web. Also, a book. Its of historical interest and will help identify potential employers you'll meet.

[@greggoreo6738]

thank U Mr Beard for making my life happier. U r truly a Christmas gift in one Scrooge of a Year! Gratefully Gregg Oreo long Beach Ca Etats Unis

[@petebeard]

Hi and thanks for your enthusiasm for the channel. It means a lot.

[@greggoreo6738]

Thank you for making many days merry throughout the year as you do so perfectly as you do on this December 25th. Happy Christmas. Cheerfully yours, Gregg Oreo Long Beach CA etats unis

[@petebeard]

Hi Gregg and your appreciation is most welcome. Season's best wishes and see you (so to speak) in 24.

[@greggoreo6738]

You all ways Cheer me. Yourself are Quite an internet Unsung Hero and it's a joy to sing your praises or --- at Least --- hum what can't be sung. Pleasant 2024 Days ahead, all 365 of them! GREGG

[@greggoreo6738]

Thx,

[@mijiyoon5575]

TS 3:33 luv this Autumn one by *Gertrude Kay* sorry to hear she died at age 55 ...too young ... *THX Pete*

[@petebeard]

Hi again and thanks. Yes these premature departures are a sobering reminder to us all that living for the moment - rather like a cat - is probably the wisest approach to life.

[@mijiyoon5575]

@@petebeard 🐈🐈🐈😻

[@garymcguire8529]

Great video, as always. The only one I know from this lot was Vargas. I had a book on him at one time.

[@petebeard]

Hello again and thanks a lot. Judging by the comments Vargas seems to be the hit of this instalment.

[@JacksonTaylorandTheSinners]

Yes!!!

[@petebeard]

Hello again and thanks for the definitive yes. I watched some great videos by you recently, and I'm a sucker for a country ballad. I dont suppose you've ever covered Lowell George's Willin'?

[@JacksonTaylorandTheSinners]

@@petebeard I haven’t. Wasn’t he the guitarist for the band Little Feet? I’ll have to check him out today.

[@hurdygurdyguy1]

It seems you saved the best for last... Vargas! If you're ever enticed to feature another pinup icon go for Fritz Willis (or maybe you have, there've been so many of these videos it's getting hard to remember! And I'm NOT complaining)!

[@petebeard]

Hello again and thanks a lot. Vargas does seem to be the hit of this instalment. And thanks for Willis, although he's already waiting in line along with several other pin-up artists. And watch next instalment for a list of all featured artists to date.

[@iangillham9647]

Top stuff!

[@petebeard]

Hello again and thanks.

[@wallabybob3020]

Great series this Pete! 👍🏻

[@petebeard]

Hi to you and your better half. I hope all is going well with you. Other than going mental with frustration at not being able to travel I seem to be doing better than I deserve to. Some bits of me still work. Thanks for the appreciation and I'm glad I started doing these in my dotage. Finally the channel is getting some more repectable numbers.

[@wallabybob3020]

@@petebeard Hi Pete, you deserve the following you get! All’s well with me and ‘The Boss’ thanks. Also missing the travelling, but hopefully things might start improving this year (ever the optimistic!). Stay well and I’ll speak to you soon.

[@jimblack5596]

I recently came across your channel and have greatly enjoyed several of your videos. As time allows I will continue to watch. I could not find an index of artists nor a way to search for a particular artist. Would be able tell me if any of your videos feature Paul Burns, Al Parker or Harry Anderson? All three did work for Ladies Home Journal. TIA

[@petebeard]

Hello and thanks a lot for the appreciation. The next upload will be unsung heroes 75 and that will have a complete list of all in the series so far and who is in them, so that should help. Al Parker is in number 18, Harry Anderson is waiting his turn with others, and I had never heard of Paul Burns so thanks a lot for the info. Just took a look online and although there are plenty of images i didn't see any biography, but I'll investigate.

[@jimblack5596]

@@petebeard Great! Thanks for the feedback. I’ll check out the two that you mentioned. BTW, I have an original by Paul Burns. I could send a pic if you would like.

[@Mannock]

This is such a great series. I binge watch the entire series two weekends ago, and I am thoroughly impressed with the research and presentation, Pete. I was wondering if you plan on researching the life and art of Raphael Kirchner, who was a wonderful artist and illustrator. His American work was cut short in 1917, when he died at age forty-one. He is a seminal influence on modern pinup, and was a big influence on Alberto Vargas.

[@petebeard]

Hello and many thanks for your remarkable commitment to the channel. And I've been an admirer of Kirschners delicate pinups since I first encountered them in the early 70s. He is very much on the list, although I couldn;'t say with any accuracy when he will feature - I'm not that methodical. Hopefully sooner rather than later.

[@Mannock]

@@petebeard Thank you for your reply. Research on Kirchner may be difficult, as there is little about time after he left Vienna, so this leads to a daunting situation. Regardless, I look forward to new episodes of Unsung Heroes. And I am delighted that after showing my wife the first few episodes, she is also hooked.

[@petebeard]

Hello again. Actually I'm pleased to say that Kirchner's appearance is guaranteed. I have already got enough images and just about enough biography (if I waffle a bit) for him to be included. As I said though, no idea when. It's a dauntingly long list.

[@sethums7148]

Great video as always Pete! Your videos never fail to inspire and showcase the best of the best! I was wondering if you would know anything about some of the illustration work that Frederic Remington did. I know he's mostly known for his paintings and sculptures, but I've heard he did quite a number of illustrations for magazines back in the day. I would love to one day see you cover some of his work on this series! Thank you so much for everything you do!

[@petebeard]

Hello and thanks for the comment. And thanks for the suggestion. If memory serves - and these days it doesn't always - I think I attempted to include a piece on Remington early on but couldn't find enough illustration - as opposed to art - by him. I'll look again and hopefully there will be now enough to include him. Either way suggestions are always welcome.

[@hellbenthornball1153]

@@petebeard @Sethums There is a marvelous book published by the American Museum of Natural History, entitled "Frederick Remington - The American West," selected and edited by Philip R. St. Clair (Bonanza Books/New York). It is chockfull of Remington's black-and-white drawings for various magazines. A lot of cross-hatching, the kind of stuff we all love. A treasure trove of his less-known works, and all produced in black-and-white line work. I own a very well-worn copy for drawing reference of horses. Let me know if either of you need any further information on this book. Cheers.

[@hellbenthornball1153]

@Sethums Please check out my reply to Mr. Beard regarding your inquiry.

[@sethums7148]

@@hellbenthornball1153 thanks for the reply! I’ll definitely have to check this book out!

[@mikedirle520]

Y U M M Y ! As always! Tnx, Mr. B!

[@petebeard]

Hello again and thanks as usual.

[@jmminion9870]

💚💚💚

[@petebeard]

Hello and thanks a lot. I'm too old for emojis but I know hearts are good...

[@devlieg72]

Would you please consider doing a long piece about the cartoonist J.R. Williams?

[@petebeard]

Hello and I would like to feature his work. But there is nothing like enough biographical information or decent resolution imagery available to justify a solo spot. I will add him to the unsung heroes list so thanks a lot for the suggestion. But don't hold your breath - it's a terrifyingly long list.

[@danfrankkuhn]

Have you done Donn P. Crane yet? Incredible 3-color children's encyclopedia illustrations in the 20's and 30's, black, coral and teal.... Google him, please, or tell me which of your videos he's on. Or maybe he doesn't qualify... Loving your videos!

[@petebeard]

Hello and that's a particularly timely suggestion, for which I'm grateful. As it happens Crane was added to my list only a couple of weeks ago. So he will feature in a future instalment, but I can't say when. The queue he has joined is terrifyingly long (I'll be at this for years) but it isn't first come first served so he may well jump forward in the line.

[@danfrankkuhn]

@@petebeard That's great! I know him from The Book House for Children series. The volume I have is titled A Picturesque Tale of Progress, Explorations I. Pretty accurate-looking depictions of the childhood of Genghis Khan and yurt life, among many other things... beautiful Donn P. Crane illustrations!

[@flappoid]

I've watched all of your vids up to this one, and note that Michael Dolas has not yet been represented. Perhaps not really "unsung"? I never heard of him til I met and became friends with his daughter in Berkeley.

[@petebeard]

Hello and you're right. I am aware of his work and I would love to have included him in the series, and would say he was easily unsung enough to qualify. But sadly he was born just too late. It may seem spurious on my part but my cut off year of birth is 1910, so he just fails to get on the bus. But he is logged for possible use elsewhere. Thanks and I'm always grateful for suggestions whether I use those named or not.

[@TonyHaleLeo]

Why all the horses on the Unsung Heroes series cover images?

[@petebeard]

Hello and the rider on the horse thing started with the first in the series when I thought the drawing by Willy Pogony I used was a suitably heroic image. And then I started playing a game with myself to see how long I could continue the theme. I've 'cheated' a few times with fairies riding grasshoppers, bears on pigs and all manner of centaurs but I can't let the theme go until the series is complete, if ever it is.

[@wynnschaible]

Vargas' girls (and Annie Fannie) were always my most awaited parts of Playboy! Love to know who came up with all those dumb-blonde double entendre captions (is this what they mean by a formal affair?) for them!

[@petebeard]

Hello again. I don't know for sure but my admittedly unreliable memory tells me it was Harvey Kurtzman who wrote the dialogue, but don't quote me.

[@johannsmithe2570]

In addition to MAD Alumni Will Elder, Jack Davis, Al Jaffee and Paul Coker. Probaby as a take off of 'Little Orphan Anny'. (Little Annie Fanny: Tight Anal Butt ... not judging MAD, mind ya'.). Daddy Warbucks & Anny might have been featured in Playboy so demz guys could have been parodying the magazine they worked for, i.e. Hugh Hefner as Daddy Warbucks and his Bimbos. As Playboy's pneumatically proportioned images were heavily airbrushed wonder if Vargus didn't contribute or, influence more than his illustrations. Also, as far as early design the 20th century painter Piet Mondrain's black lines with primary colours inlaids for the centerfold backgrounds.

[@wynnschaible]

@@johannsmithe2570 Well of course Annie Fannie was a takeoff on the li'l orphan! I meant who wrote those double-entendre captions for the Vargas girls. But while we're dropping names Shel Silverstein, too, did cartoons for Playboy! You raise a very interesting query about the airbrush. Certainly its use in photography way predates the Hef, but was it ever used on that type of subject before (as in Marilyn Monroe's famous early nude shot)? But you raise

[@johannsmithe2570]

@@wynnschaible O.k., what dumb blonde double entendre captions for Vargas' work per Pete's presentation? I was referring to MAD's 'Little Annie Fannie'. (Excusa, any confusion. Trying to be clearer but it hurts my pointy head.) I'll match your Shel Silverstein with Jules Feiffer and raise ya' Gahan Wilson. Don't get the first pretentious* two. Gahan is memorable, sorta like a car crash but funny in a cathartic way. Air Brush was branded in 1883 by Liberty Walkup, great name, and commercially used by 1893. So, if Vargas was already airbrushing in his father's photo studio before jumping ship at New York City 1916, gonna guess airbrushing was being used in glamour photography by then. Amusing people think photography is realistic when it was being manipulated from the start. Interestingly, Vargas was influenced by the Austrian illustrator Raphael Kirchner around Gustav Mucha's time. Pete, mo' T&A. Da Algorithm likes it. * yes, realize that remark could get me banned from this blog. Btw, after watching the Vargas segment over, noticed he did put a suggestive "far more overtly art deco styled" penis on the woman driver 11:04 ... not judging, whatever sells. Dem wacky illustrators with thar' surfacing proclivities.

[@wynnschaible]

@@johannsmithe2570 I know you were referring to Annie Fannie but it was in response to my question about the Vargas captions. Thanks for the info on the airbrush. Photography has been just as much a medium of artistic manipulation and technique as painting, virtually from its inception. Or as Camus put it in '53, "the only Realist artist is God, if he exists."

[@johannsmithe2570]

After deep contemplative thought I propose an addition to "Illustrative Propaganda of WWII" ... "Boobs Over B(insert noun)" Vargas and other's Golden Age of Nose Art from Walt Disney to George Petty's Memphis Belle finalizing with the Enola Gay's MOABoobs. (Intro with The Fugs' "Boobs A Lot" to Randy Newman's "Drop the Big One" finale.) A Bouncing Betty dot over the captions would be in line thematically. ( . V . ) appreciate ya'

[@johannsmithe2570]

Useless Illustrator Trivia: A Vargas Girl and two Petty Girls are on the cover of the Beatles "Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club" album cover. Vargas was George Petty's replacement at Esquire Magazine ... unfortunately. Along with Pete's "Unsung Heros" nice to see they made the grade. See Wikipedia: List of Images on "Sgt. Peppers Lonely Heart Club Band".

[@petebeard]

Hello and thanks for the trivia. I must have perused that album cover hundreds if not thousands of times and although I could name quite a few of those featured from memory I don't remember the pinups.

[@johannsmithe2570]

@@petebeard ya' welcome Pete For what its worth, from Wiki's List: Top row, no. 11 Vargus Girl Third row, no. 38 Petty Girl Front row, no. 55 Petty Girl ... and, for the tin-foil hatters, Third row, no. 35 Stuart Sutcliffe a.k.a Andy Warhola ("Angie/Andy" from the Stones song ... its on the Web so it must be true). So, sorta counts as an illustrator, one half perhaps. If ya' into the cover see the '1880s-1890s Clarks O.N.T. Spool Cotton Milwark Helix Needle Trade Card, A head of all of them' lithograph on ebay. The logo is similar to the drum along with the doll and four kids. So, perhaps a Unsung Heros History of the 'It' Girl, not necessarily pin-up girls, but the Gibson Girl, Varga Girl, Petty Girl and so on, in the far far future? The Algorithm likes T&A.

[@toomaskotkas4467]

Imagine being "blacklisted" by employers for demanding better working conditions? American "freedom and democracy"...