Joaquin Alberto Vargas y Chávez (1896-1982) was a watercolor and airbrush artist, who started his career with the Ziegfeld Follies and for numerous Hollywood studios. He is considered one of the finest artists in his genre. He created a mastery of watercolors and airbrush technique; so much so that today the highest acknowledged achievement in airbrush artistry is called the Vargas Award. His most famous piece of work on film was in the 1933 film The Sin of Nora Moran, but later in the 1940s he created iconic pin-up girls for Esquire magazine known as "Varga Girls" in the WWII era. Later, after a dispute in the use of the term "Varga Girl". Hugh Hefner began featuring his work in Playboy magazine during the 1960's under the name "Vargas Girls". Mr Vargas died on December 30, 1982, at the age of 86 but to this day continues to be recognized as the leading artist for pin up girl art. I hope you enjoy today's somewhat edited installment of The Sunday Art Review: Varga(s) Girl Pin Up Art
Thanks for stopping by today's Sunday Art Review. Have a great day!
-Rick Rockhill
Beautiful pictures! Thank you :)
ReplyDeleteI did enjoy it thank you! They certainly are great works of art.
ReplyDeleteI love vintage pin up girls... hubby's favorites are the girl in the black stockings and the one in the red bathing suit.
ReplyDeleteWhen I was a young teenager, I did some babysitting for the family next door. The father took Esquire magazine and I used to love looking through them at the Vargas girls. I was planning to be an art major in college, and his illustrations were the very best. I love seeing them again, Rick.
ReplyDeleteThese are really lovely.
ReplyDeleteI am a HUGE fan! So Very Glam.
ReplyDeleteWhat a talented guy he was with the airbrush!
ReplyDeleteThey really knew what sensual was back in the day, didn't they? It was appreciated. Great works. Thanks!
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