Artist Spotlight: Liz Heck - Interview

1. What is your own personal take on what makes a woman sexy and how do you translate that into your pin up art? Confidence is the key to being sexy. When you exude true confidence, you say to the world- I like me, so you should too! I can always tell if a drawing is going to be successful when I truly like it while I'm working on it. Of course, not everyone will like it, but the fact that I enjoyed myself while I was drawing it and I am proud of the result is what makes it a successful piece.

2. You have a popular tumblr site featuring your adorable and quite funny comics, how did you get started in the realm of comics? I started my Tumblr site last year as my New Year's resolution. I have always enjoyed drawing comics, but felt frustrated whenever I tried to draw them. I didn't know what I wanted to say, or how to be funny, or what to draw. My husband convinced me start a blog, and reminded me that sometimes you need to do the work in order to find the results. Eventually, I started to find my own voice and figure out what I wanted to say.

3. What have been your personal obstacles to overcome as a professional woman artist? As a professional woman artist, it's very important to me that I be taken seriously. I think in a male-dominated field, women sometimes get special treatment. This is not to say that all or even most men in animation treat women differently, but it does happen, and it has always been important that I stay employed and am respected by my coworkers for my hard work alone.

4. Where do you get your inspiration? When I started doing these comics, my inspiration came mostly from animals and their unique traits. Then, as I did more, I started to pay more attention to people and how they interact. Now, I get inspired by funny things that happen in conversation, things I see while I'm driving to work, or walking my dogs, or on TV- just stuff that happens all around me. 

5. What advice would you have for girls aspiring to take on an artistic career? My advice for women aspiring to take on an artistic career is do the work and don't give up! I have failed a million times in my career, or when I was working towards my career, and I still fail all of the time. It's important to keep working and believe in your abilities. Great things come from that! 

Buy Liz work online : http://www.etsy.com/shop/girlsdrawingirls/search?search_query=liz+climo&order=date_desc&view_type=gallery&ref=shop_search

And visite her blog : lizclimo.tumblr.com 

GDG Artist Spotlight - Silvia Ortega

This week, we talk to GDG's Silvia Ortega, one of our European members! Keep an eye out for more of her amazing artwork in upcoming shows and in one of GDG's many upcoming projects!

Welcome to the Girls Drawin Girls Spotlight, Silvia!

1. What's your name?     
I'm Silvia Ortega

2. Where are you originally from, and where do you live now?     
I'm from Barcelona, Spain, and I lived here all of my life

3. What do you do for a living when you're not drawing sexy pinups?     
I'm children's books illustrator and animator assistant

4. What's your favorite medium to work in?     
I love pastel crayons and photoshop painting

5. Why do you think the pinup girl has such a timeless, wide appeal?     
Because we all like to be one of them

6. Define what "sexy" means to you.     
Seduce with eyes

7. What's your biggest goal/ambition as an artist?     
Continue working in what I like

8. Why do you like drawing ladies?     
Because I reflect in them a part of me, and it relaxes me

9. If you could travel anywhere, where would you go?     
Anywhere, I love travel, but specifically Japan (I have a friend there and I would like to visit her)

10. Name three artists who have influenced you and/or you admire.      
Many!, but specially Arthur de Pins, Bill Pressing and (of course) Gil Elvgren

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Thanks Silvia!!

Check out more of her work at her website:
www.etcillustration.com

GDG Artist Spotlight - Amy Donohoe

This week, we talk to GDG's Amy Donohoe, one of our members from the Southwest state of Texas! Keep an eye out for more of her amazing artwork in upcoming shows and in one of GDG's many upcoming projects!

Welcome to the Girls Drawin Girls Spotlight, Amy!

1. What's your name?
Amy Donohoe

2. Where are you originally from, and where do you live now? 

I was born in Dublin, Ireland and raised in Texarkana, Texas

3. What do you do for a living when you're not drawing sexy pinups? 

I'm a graphic designer by day and a illustrator by night!

4. What's your favorite medium to work in? 

Digital, specifically Illustrator & Photoshop

5. Why do you think the pinup girl has such a timeless, wide appeal? 

I think the pinup girl is a timeless classic because she represents the ideal female form.

6. Define what "sexy" means to you. 

To me, "sexy" means girls having natural bodies with different variations in body shape, size, and facial features.

7. What's your biggest goal/ambition as an artist? 

My biggest ambition as an artist is to become an illustration professor.

8. Why do you like drawing ladies?  

I enjoy drawing ladies because I like drawing organic shapes.

9. If you could travel anywhere, where would you go? 

Paris, France

10. Name three artists who have influenced you and/or you admire. 

Kerascoët (Marie Pommepuy & Sébastian Cosset,) Moyoco Anno, Duane Bryers, & Katie Rice

**********

Thanks Amy!!

Check out more of her work at her website:
www.amism.net

GDG Artist Spotlight - Laura Galbraith

This week, we talk to GDG's Laura Galbraith, one of our members from the East Coast! Keep an eye out for more of her amazing artwork in upcoming shows and in one of GDG's many upcoming projects!

Welcome to the Girls Drawin Girls Spotlight, Laura!

1. What's your name? 
Laura Galbraith

2. Where are you originally from, and where do you live now? 
I’m originally from Miami, FL, but am now living and working in Brooklyn, NY

3. What do you do for a living when you're not drawing sexy pinups? 
Creating web designs for magazines and occasionally doing some drawings for them! It’s not all that bad, helps pay the rent and keep me fed!

4. What's your favorite medium to work in? 
My favorite medium of choice is the… *gasp* ballpoint pen. I LOVE ballpoint pens, and although I usually use sumi ink or a brushpen to create finished inked drawings, there’s no other feeling that compares to scribbling with a ballpoint pen! Plus, I love the indentations it leaves on the paper if you use lots of pressure, giving it a sort of embossed look.

5. Why do you think the pinup girl has such a timeless, wide appeal? 
In the past pinups were definitely geared more towards men, to create a sort of ‘tasteful’ porn that could be shared with friends and subtle enough to be shown in public. I love that it’s evolved into a sort of womens empowerment movement, as the pinups in the present seem to not just glorify the female body, but also showing them as a figure of power and not just a ‘tease’.

6. Define what "sexy" means to you. 
Sexy is everything about showing confidence, and a feeling of a control, but making it seem effortless. A bit of mystery as well..

7. What's your biggest goal/ambition as an artist? 
Getting my work out into the world and seen by as many people as possible! I love it when people view my work and have such strong emotional responses to the subject matter. Just making that emotional connection between my art and strangers is what really drives me to keep creating work.

8. Why do you like drawing ladies? 
The fact that I am a lady is probably one of the biggest reasons. I like relating to the experiences I’ve had in my life through my art, and I feel like I do that best through my drawings of women. All of them may look different, but they all are different parts of me.

9. If you could travel anywhere, where would you go? 
Hmm… I’d say anywhere really! I have so many countries on my list… Definitely a few of my favorites: India, Iran (probably not going to be able to visit here for a few years..), Spain, Turkey, and Paris.  

10. Name three artists who have influenced you and/or you admire.

Just three??? Well, I’ll just go with the three most recent ones for now, which would have to be Diela Maharani, Saddo and Lisa Evans. (I covered them in my blog here: http://lauragalbraith.com/?p=499  where I’ve been trying to list all my inspirations) Of course, I have the usual traditional artists that I love like Klimt, Mucha, so on so on… but the three I listed above are more recent artists that have been a huge inspiration to me with their use of color, texture, and just… awesomeness… 

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Thanks Laura!!

Check out more of her work at her website:

http://lauragalbraith.com/

GDG Artist Spotlight - Aida Sofía Barba

This week, we talk to GDG's Aida Sofía Barba, one of our members from Central America! Keep an eye out for more of her amazing artwork in upcoming shows and in one of GDG's many upcoming projects!

Welcome to the Girls Drawin Girls Spotlight, Aida!

1. What's your name?
Aida Sofía Barba

2. Where are you originally from, and where do you live now? 

I'm from Guadalajara, México, and still living here.

3. What do you do for a living when you're not drawing sexy pinups? 

I am a freelance illustrator, I have been working on editorial illustrations, and actually I'm planning my own business.

4. What's your favorite medium to work in? 

Vectors for digital media, and watercolor for traditional media.

5. Why do you think the pinup girl has such a timeless, wide appeal? 

Because Female body have been and will be always beautiful and admirable, all the curves of female anatomy are so armonic so I think they always catch our attention. We are beautiful!

6. Define what "sexy" means to you. 

Sexy is self confidence, self esteem, a sparkly personality and of course, lot's of curves!!!

7. What's your biggest goal/ambition as an artist? 

I really want to see my characters bring to life in a movie theater! I wanna be part of an animation movie.

8. Why do you like drawing ladies? 

Because the curves of the female body are very armonic, you can make wonderful feelings and expressions with just a turn of the hips.

9. If you could travel anywhere, where would you go? 

Right know I really want to take a cruise over the Bahamas, or the Caribbean. And other places I want to know are Brazil, Greek islands and Cabo San Lucas, a famous beach on my country, Mexico.

10. Name three artists who have influenced you and/or you admire. 

Glen Keane, Claire Keane, Britney Lee, Dean Yeagle, Chris Sanders 

**********

Thanks Aida!!

Check out more of her work at her website:

www.kimi-mo.blogspot.com

GDG Artist Spotlight - Ellen Crenshaw

This week, we talk to GDG's Ellen Crenshaw, one of our East Coast members! Keep an eye out for more of her amazing artwork in upcoming shows and in one of GDG's many upcoming projects!

Welcome to the Girls Drawin Girls Spotlight, Ellen!

1. What's your name?     
Ellen Crenshaw

2. Where are you originally from, and where do you live now?     
I grew up in North Palm Beach, Florida where I ran around in my bathing suit all day and caught lizards in my backyard.  Now I live in East Boston, Mass, where I decidedly am not in a bathing suit all day, but I get to experience fall.  It's a give and take.

3. What do you do for a living when you're not drawing sexy pinups?     
I'm a freelance illustrator.

4. What's your favorite medium to work in?     
Ink and watercolor.  I'm developing an interest in digital, however.

5. Why do you think the pinup girl has such a timeless, wide appeal?     
The female figure is so beautiful.  I think physical attraction to a woman transcends gender and orientation.  Artists will always love depicting beautiful women and people will always love looking at them.

6. Define what "sexy" means to you.     
Sexy to me is confidence, wit, nice arms, and a big nose.

7. What's your biggest goal/ambition as an artist?     
To never lack work.  If there comes a day when I can decline a project because I want to go on vacation, I'll have made it.

8. Why do you like drawing ladies?     
See #5.  Women are so fun to draw, and I am a woman so I can relate to them.

9. If you could travel anywhere, where would you go?     
I'd love to spend a warm day at Versailles.  I went last year with my husband, but we only got a taste of the gardens.  I want to bring a picnic lunch and stay in those gardens from dawn until dusk.

10. Name three artists who have influenced you and/or you admire.      
Chuck Jones, Craig Thompson, Graham Annable.

**********

Thanks Ellen!!

Check out more of her work at her website:
www.etcillustration.com

GDG Artist Spotlight - Aisleen Romano

This week, we talk to GDG's Aisleen Romano, one of our San Francisco members! Keep an eye out for more of her amazing artwork in upcoming shows and in one of GDG's many upcoming projects!

Welcome to the Girls Drawin Girls Spotlight, Aisleen!

1. What's your name?
My name is Aisleen Romano, a Celtic Italian blend.

2. Where are you originally from, and where do you live now?

I'm originally from South Brunswick, NJ and I just moved to San Francisco! It was a big move and me and my boyfriend drove across the country to make it.

3. What do you do for a living when you're not drawing sexy pinups?  

I just started working at Zynga, a video game company. I'm an Associate Artist which is basically like a 2D Illustrator. I draw vector images to be used in-game.

4. What's your favorite medium to work in?
My favorite medium is a tie between gouache and markers. I love the freedom in colors I have with gouache and the nice crisp lines it gives me, and I love the easy cleanup of markers! Sometimes when I'm feeling a little lazy I'll finish a piece with markers just because I don't feel like dragging out my paints and setting it up.

5. Why do you think the pinup girl has such a timeless, wide appeal?  

Because curves are sexy! Theres something really welcoming and charming about a sweet pretty lady in adorable outfits.

6. Define what "sexy" means to you. 

I think sexy is confidence. Being sensual, wearing revealing clothes, looking sweet and edible is very sexy!

7. What's your biggest goal/ambition as an artist?
My biggest ambition as an artist would be to make a living as a concept artist. Theres nothing in the world I like doing more than sitting down and conceptualizing something that will be used in a game or animation. Working with a team of artists towards a goal is very exciting to me!

8. Why do you like drawing ladies?
I love drawing ladies because of their curves and sexy nature. Its fun to draw a little cute fashionable girl who goes to college, then draw a tough chick who loves to drink! Such a wide range of possibilities. That, and I like to draw outfits that I would love to own haha

9. If you could travel anywhere, where would you go?
This is tough. I'm not a big traveler, as I like to stay home on my vacations. So I'd say, anywhere theres a beach and I can go swimming in the ocean! I'm happy to be in San Francisco where I have just about anything I could want right here.

10. Name three artists who have influenced you and/or you admire.
Scott Wills is an incredible painter, and one of my favorite artists. His clean lines and details are something I aspire to! Ashley Wood is on the other end of the spectrum, with his fat brush strokes and wonderful muted color sense. And of course I love his ladies! And Bruce Timm. His ladies are something I've looked at for years, trying to figure out just how he constructs them. They're so simple and elegant!

**********

Thanks Aisleen!!

Check out more of her work at her website:
spooypress.blogspot.com

GDG Artist Spotlight - Jessika von Innerebner

 

 

This week, we talk to GDG's Jessika von Innerebner, one of our Canadian based members! Keep an eye out for more of her amazing artwork in upcoming shows and in one of GDG's many upcoming projects!

Welcome to the Girls Drawin Girls Spotlight, Jessika!

 

 

1. What's your name?
Jessika Marie Renee von Innerebner...just counted...that's 30 letters :O

2. Where are you originally from, and where do you live now?
Born in Yellowknife, NWT, Canada...BBBBrrrrrr!
But I call the west coast home, Vancouver, Victoria and currently living in Kelowna. Fun to move around there are so many wonderful places I want to live :D

3. What do you do for a living when you're not drawing sexy pinups?
I'm an animator at Club Penguin by day and have at least 5 projects on the go at all times by night. Love creating and new challenges :D

4. What's your favorite medium to work in?
Sketching on good ol' fashion paper then work digitally with flash and photoshop.

5. Why do you think the pinup girl has such a timeless, wide appeal?
All those streamlined curves and pushed poses, from Betty and Marilyn to Dita Von T.

6. Define what "sexy" means to you.
Au Natural, fresh, happy and lots of laughing...nothin' fake :P

7. What's your biggest goal/ambition as an artist?
Keep creating, pushing, challenging myself and motivate others to do the same!
Always up for a good collaboration!

8. Why do you like drawing ladies?
No straight lines, all curves baby!

9. If you could travel anywhere, where would you go?
I'd love to travel through-out all the warm locations in the world. When I've visited em' all I'd do it again!

10. Name three artists who have influenced you and/or you admire.
Jessica Borutski, Cale Atkinson and watching kids with crayons...they seriously inspire and remind me to let my imagination run wild!

**********

 

Thanks Jessika!!

 

Check out more of her work at her website:
thekartoonkid.blogspot.com

GDG Artist Spotlight - Carla Wyzgala

This week, we talk to GDG's Carla Wyzgala, one of our Chicago based members! Keep an eye out for more of her amazing artwork in upcoming shows and in one of GDG's many upcoming projects!

Welcome to the Girls Drawin Girls Spotlight, Carla!

1. What's your name?
Carla Wyzgala

2. Where are you originally from, and where do you live now?
Chicago

3. What do you do for a living when you're not drawing sexy pinups?
Currently working on Amy of Darkness graphic novel about hot Goth chicks!  Soo... drawing sexy pin-ups IS what I do for a living!

4. What's your favorite medium to work in?
WATERCOLOR!!!!!!!!!!!  J'adore.

5. Why do you think the pinup girl has such a timeless, wide appeal?
Because classy pin-up girls are just a TEASE.  Use your imagination for the rest.

6. Define what "sexy" means to you.
In my art it means sweet seduction behind her eyes and a glimpse of skin.
In my life it means passionate romance.
 

7. What's your biggest goal/ambition as an artist?
Success in getting  works published and seen worldwide, in which ever way it happens.

8. Why do you like drawing ladies?
I enjoy most drawing their long flowing hair. I feel most accomplished when their faces end up with Goddess-like Beauty.

9. If you could travel anywhere, where would you go?
Atlantis, you said anywhere right?   But in a real sense: New Zealand. 

10. Name three artists who have influenced you and/or you admire.
Alphonse Mucha, who isn't inspired by art nouveau?
Stephanie Pui Mun Law, watercolor at its perfection.
Gil Elvgren, we can all learn a thing or two about skin-tone from that man.

**********

Thanks Carla!!

Check out more of her work at her website:
www.carlations.net

GDG Artist Spotlight - Renée Kurilla

This week, we talk to GDG's Renée Kurilla, one of our Boston based members! Keep an eye out for more of her amazing artwork in upcoming shows and in one of GDG's many upcoming projects!

Welcome to the Girls Drawin Girls Spotlight, Renée!

1. What's your name?
Renée Kurilla

2. Where are you originally from, and where do you live now?

I'm originally from Scranton, PA but have been living in Boston, MA
for over 10 years.
 

3. What do you do for a living when you're not drawing sexy pinups?

I'm a lead artist at an educational multimedia studio in Boston. That
means I do everything from character design to book design to
storyboards and animation! Phew.
 

4. What's your favorite medium to work in?

I love Photoshop right now but I used to love oil paint. It's a shame
it got too messy and it became more and more difficult to find a place
to let my paintings dry for weeks on end. My cat, Timmy was always
walking on my palette!

5. Why do you think the pinup girl has such a timeless, wide appeal?

There are so many different types of pinups: the realistic figure, the
cartoon figure, crazy shape-y impossible poses, naked, clothed, sort
of clothed -  Regardless of what type...the female figure is
inarguably pleasant to look at!
 

6. Define what "sexy" means to you.

Sexy is knowing what you want and not giving in to any pressure that
leads you in another direction. (And if you can do that without losing
your smile...that's even better.)
 

7. What's your biggest goal/ambition as an artist?

When I was growing up, my biggest dream was to become a Disney
animator. But I've found that goals can change and rearrange
themselves over the years. Currently, my biggest ambition is trying to
figure out what I want to "say" through my art.
 

8. Why do you like drawing ladies?

I've discovered that I draw what I wish I could look like. Clothes I
wish I had - Personality I wish I could exude. I spend a lot of time
idolizing other women and I just draw what I see.
 

9. If you could travel anywhere, where would you go?

I've always wanted to live in Paris for one year. (I mean, I'd stay
even longer...but one year seems sufficient.) I went there when I was
in high school for three days and it wasn't enough. I'd love to go
back.
 

10. Name three artists who have influenced you and/or you admire.

Nate Wragg, Pascal Campion, Harley Jessup, Lorelay Bove, Craig
Thompson, Jillian Tamaki, and my dedicated co-workers inspire me on a
daily basis. Oh wait, you said three! :)

**********

Thanks Renée!!

Check out more of her work at her website:
www.kurillastration.com

GDG Artist Spotlight - Maria Danalakis

This week, we talk to GDG's Maria Danalakis, one of our New York based members! Keep an eye out for more of her amazing artwork in upcoming shows and in one of GDG's many upcoming projects!

Welcome to the Girls Drawin Girls Spotlight, Maria!

1. What's your name? 

 Maria Danalakis

2. Where are you originally from, and where do you live now?

 From Brooklyn NY, still living in Brooklyn, NY

3. What do you do for a living when you're not drawing sexy pinups?

I am a graphic artist for a childrens clothing company in New York City

4. What's your favorite medium to work in?

My first and most favorite is oil paint, but I also love working
with Illustrator. i like the graphic look of it, and i like that you
don't have to wait for it to dry :)

5. Why do you think the pinup girl has such a timeless, wide appeal? 

Because everybody likes looking at images of young, cute, carefree
girls being happy and having fun. I think pin up art is an escape from
real life.

6. Define what "sexy" means to you.

Hmmm i'm not sure, but a confident attitude, healthy body image and
perfectly applied red lipstick can't hurt!

7. What's your biggest goal/ambition as an artist?

Mostly I want to keep drawing what I enjoy drawing and hopefully
get more exposure for my artwork, do some more gallery shows and open
up an Etsy shop. I enjoy my day job for the most part, so finding a
balance between the two is also very important for me.

8. Why do you like drawing ladies?

I have always been drawn to the aesthetics and design of the 1950s,
so that's a big part of it. I also really like the happy, carefree
spirit pin up girls convey.

9. If you could travel anywhere, where would you go?

I have always wanted to take a trip across the US, there is so much
to see here!

10. Name three artists who have influenced you and/or you admire.

My favorite artists vary. I'd have to say I love the work of many
of the artists of the golden age of pin up such as gil elvgren, zoe
mozert etc. I also love the art of the northern renaissance painters
such as jan van eyck, Hieronymous Bosch and Robert Campin. Kind of
random, i know!

**********

Thanks Maria!!

Check out more of her work at her website:
mariartist.blogspot.com

GDG Artist Spotlight - Wendy Ding

This week, we talk to GDG's Wendy Ding, one of our Canadian based members! Keep an eye out for more of her amazing artwork in upcoming shows and in one of GDG's many upcoming projects!

Welcome to the Girls Drawin Girls Spotlight, Wendy!

1. What's your name?

Wendy Ding

2. Where are you originally from, and where do you live now?

I was born in China and lived in England for awhile when I was little. Then I moved to Toronto and it's where I'm now based.

3. What do you do for a living when you're not drawing sexy pinups?

I'm a freelance illustrator and I've worked on children's illustration, web design and digital art tutorials, art shows and conventions, and running my online shop. To mix things up I dance, go shopping for vintage clothing, and do wardrobe remixes to keep me inspired!

4. What's your favorite medium to work in? 

Digital (Photoshop and Illustrator) mixed with traditional (sketching, found paper, textures)

5. Why do you think the pinup girl has such a timeless, wide appeal?

Because who can resist a bubbly and feisty ball of happy in the shape of a sexy vamp?

6. Define what "sexy" means to you.

It means being confident, and a pair of killer shoes don't hurt either.

7. What's your biggest goal/ambition as an artist?

To spread joy, laughter and love of life to everyone. 

8. Why do you like drawing ladies?

Perhaps because I'm a lady myself, so it's something I'm always interested in and can relate to.

9. If you could travel anywhere, where would you go?

The 50's in the summer time. At a garden party with big skirts, oldies and classic coca colas!

10. Name three artists who have influenced you and/or you admire.

Charlene Chua, Tansy Myer and Michael Jackson.

**********

Thanks Wendy!!

Check out more of her work at her website:
wendyding.com

GDG Artist Spotlight: Erica Hesse

This week, we talk to GDG's Erica Hesse, one of our East Coast based members! Erica had a piece in our first NYC GDG Show, and helps GDG keep our Etsy up to date and filled with new items! Keep an eye out for more of her amazing artwork in upcoming shows and in one of GDG's many upcoming projects!

Welcome to the Girls Drawin Girls Spotlight, Erica!

1. What's your name?
Erica Angelique Hesse

2. Where are you originally from, and where do you live now?I'm born and raised in New Jersey. Still living here now. Everything you know about Jersey girls is untrue ;)

3. What do you do for a living when you're not drawing sexy pinups?
I'm a conceptual illustrator in the casino industry.

4. What's your favorite medium to work in?
I have a few. I love illustrating in ink, markers, and colored pencil. But I also love illustrating digitally on my Wacom.

5. Why do you think the pinup girl has such a timeless, wide appeal?
The pin-up girl is so appealing, because I believe we all see a little bit of ourselves in pin-ups. Pin-ups are saucy, sweet, and sexy. Plus they have killer curves to boot.

6. Define what "sexy" means to you.
Sexy to me is being your own person, marching to the beat of your own drum.

7. What's your biggest goal/ambition as an artist?
One of my goals is having a gallery showing of my pin-up and low-brow work. Another is to be working in the comic book industry, whether it be sequentials or doing cover work.

8. Why do you like drawing ladies?
I love drawing women because they're beautiful in all shapes and sizes. I think you can capture that in so many ways in an illustration. From the look in her eye to the sway of her hips can be translated to the viewer in so many ways. Plus it's fun!

9. If you could travel anywhere, where would you go?
I would love to travel to Prague! One of my dreams is to visit the Alphonse Mucha Museum.

10. Name three artists who have influenced you and/or you admire.
One artist that influences me is Dan DeCarlo, he was and still is a defining factor in my art growing up. And I also admire the works of Gil Elvgren and Olivia.

**********

Thanks Erica!!

Check out more of her work at her website:

www.hesse-art.com

GDG Artist Spotlight: Lizzie Nichols

This week, we talk to GDG's Lizzie Nichols, another one of our Los Angeles based members!  She had some HOT pieces in our Bitter/Sweet show, and is certainly one to watch for more beautiful work! Keep an eye out for more of her amazing artwork in our upcoming shows and in one of GDG's many upcoming projects!

Welcome to the Girls Drawin Girls Spotlight, Lizzie!

1. What's your name?
Lizzie Nichols

2. Where are you originally from, and where do you live now? 
I grew up in Connecticut and lived in Massachusetts for about 7 years. Now I live in the Los Feliz neighborhood of LA.

3. What do you do for a living when you're not drawing sexy pinups? 
At the moment I'm still a student (graduating in April). Ideally after that, I'll be in Vis Dev for a feature animation studio.

4. What's your favorite medium to work in? 
For traditional media, nothing beats pencil and paper. For digital, Photoshop.

5. Why do you think the pinup girl has such a timeless, wide appeal? 
Humans have made images of sexy women for literally as long as they've been able to sculpt stone or draw with charcoal on cave walls. Everyone, no matter their sexual orientation, likes looking at beatiful women, and the pinup girl allows an artist to create what they consider to be the "perfect" woman entirely out of their heads. And, of course, humans like sex, and the pinup girl represents a kind of wholesome, clean sexiness.

6. Define what "sexy" means to you.
Everyone always says "confidence," and of course I agree, but what's even sexier to me than confidence is competence. Show me someone who is very very good at what they do, someone with effortless skill, someone who makes something hard look easy--that is a sexy person. I guess passion combined with skill is what does it for me.

7. What's your biggest goal/ambition as an artist?
Art director on an animated feature. I want to be responsible for the whole look of a movie, to design the color story, the shape language, etc. That would be incredible.

8. Why do you like drawing ladies? 
They seem to be the most natural thing for me to draw; women are my default doodle in the margins of notebooks. They're fun and easy to draw, and if you do it right they're sexy too!

9. If you could travel anywhere, where would you go?
Australia! I've never been and I've always wanted to go. Every Australian I've ever met has been a kind, warm, awesome person. Must be the water or the kangaroos or something. (Or maybe those are the people who leave and come visit LA?) Anyway, I want to go see Sydney harbor and Ayers rock and the great barrier reef and a wide variety of marsupials.

10. Name three artists who have influenced you and/or you admire.
J.C. Leyendecker, for his amazing paint handling and shape language. Bill Watterson, because Calvin and Hobbes is probably the greatest comic ever drawn, N.C. Wyeth for his color and light.

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Thanks Lizzie!

And don't forget to check out her website at
http://lizzienichols.blogspot.com/