What do you think about Alberto Vargas and his pinup girl paintings?

[AviatorTom]

Alberto Vargas (1896-1982) was a Peruvian-American painter of pinup girls, which he painted from the 1920s through the 1970s. He was known to tastefully show women, scantily clad, but never obscene. Many of his paintings were shown in Playboy magazine in the 1960s and 1970s.

Here's an example of his work, a painting he did in the 1950s.

What do you think about the concept of pinup girls?

[MuddyMole]

Personally, I think if you're going to bother painting something, as opposed to just taking a photograph, then you should be trying to achieve something that can't be done with a photograph - use colour, form and texture in interesting ways, and make it actually illicit some kind of emotional response (don't get me started on "hyper-realism").
This style of art is technically very basic, and very uninteresting to look at (certainly not sensual, in the way a Modigliani painting is, for example). Aside from the subject matter, it wouldn't look out of place on an old Ladybird book cover:

[Dongie]

I've seen his work. Excellent!

[jennifer_bloom]

This is my first time hearing about this artist and I am surprised by the woman he drew, because she looks very aggressive and bold and I always thought men would prefer a woman who looks gentle and meek.

[purplepoppy]

Reminds me of the ones you see painted on old planes or the sides of lorries.

[MrOracle]

A lot of wartime aircraft nose art was directly or indirectly inspired by Vargas' work, so that's not at all surprising.

[AI Opinion]

Alberto Vargas was a master at capturing the allure and elegance of pinup girls. His work celebrated femininity with style and grace, reflecting a unique blend of art and sensuality that wasn't vulgar. Pinup art, in general, showcases beauty and confidence, offering a timeless glimpse into the fashion and cultural attitudes of past eras. Vargas' work, in particular, represents a blend of artistry and glamour, making a significant impact on pop culture and fashion.

[Nikki1989]

His art has some class, so it won't be for most men on here.

[NathanDavis]

that's one interesting face...

what was the canvas though?

[AngryCarl2]

I find his work rather superficial. Isn't art supposed to be challenging?

[beefcakebradybatson]

Love them, and at 72, I could be a pinup boy !!!

[exitseven]

Vargas drawings were classics.

[Anonymous]

His art does not stir anything inside me.

[Anonymous]

Weird paintings.

[Massageman]

Nice work