If you’ve caught the first two episodes of Project Runway, season 5, you’ve probably noticed a standout designer/contestant Kenley Collins. I say she’s a standout because of the classic 40’s pinup girl look she sports and because her creations for the show so far are classically beautiful. What’s classic pinup about her look? Well, there’s the red lipstick, superbly coiffed hair (typically embellished with some sort of hair piece), and the Lucy dresses and pedal pushers she sports while sewing away. It’s my understanding that Kenley has her own boutique in NYC - and I’m itching to check it out! Any designer who is inspired by Gwen Stefani, Grace Kelly, Audrey Hepburn, and Betsey Johnson - and listens to the Horrorpops is all right in my book
To read more about Kenley, you can check out a recent interview she did with Gothamist.com and view her “Project Runway, meet Kenley” video on myspace.

What makes retro pinup art stand out from racier, more modern forms of pinup art? Ever hear the phrase, “a wink and a nod”? Well, if you’ve ever watched an old Bogie and Bacall movie you know what I’m talking about. Women like Lauren Bacall could seduce their leading man with a just a look - it’s all in the eyes!

In every piece I create, a lot of attention is paid to the look in the model’s eyes - trying to draw the viewer in despite all her other, more obvious assets. After all, the eyes are the window to the soul.

Need some pointers on how to approach one of today’s stylish retro gals at a local watering hole or car show? Pinup model Heidi Van Horne gives some sage advice in an article written for Primer men’s online magazine. Hope it helps!

“Susan Heidi is one of the best pinup illustrators of today…”

I was thrilled to read this comment by pinup artist (and pinup art authority) Edward Reed. The comment was left following the write-up of my work on pinuppost.com

Edward has been creating pinup art since the late 1980’s. His works are currently published by SQP and he is a contributing editor for Art Scene International. (excerpted from Wikipedia)

I had to make the tough decision to close my e-bay store front this week. Although I have been able to court some loyal collectors through e-bay, I’ve made many more sales directly through my website. So, my website is now the primary online retail space for purchase of prints ranging in size from 5.5 x 8 inch postcards to full size limited edition prints. I still have an account on e-bay which I look forward to using from time to time to auction specific pieces. Announcements for these auctions will be made here and through my newsletter. Many thanks to those of you who have supported my presence on e-bay in the past

I have several pieces in the works right now that are at different stages of the painting process. Below are some pics of the drawing on illustration board of a cabaret style piece. The model, Robin, is a fantastic and versatile artist’s model from Kentucky.

and below is a detail pic that I’ve darkened to show her expression:

There’s a new pinup painting posted in my online gallery titled “Classic Pink & Black”. You may recognize the model (Sabina Kelley) and outfit from an earlier piece I did. Prints are available in sizes ranging from 5×8 postcards (for the cost conscious collector) up to full-size limited editions.

Every once in a while (and even more often lately) I get reaffirmation that pin-ups are in from the big names in fashion and beauty. Such is definitely the case with OPI’s Retro Summer collection of “pin-up perfect shades for summer”. I LOVE the cute red polka dot swimsuit that the model is wearing in the ad, and the cute bi-plane’s banner calling out to “retro-girls” fits the bill to the “T”. I’m not sure about all the different nail colors, but the coral and red shades seem right on target for super pin-up style, and the retro ponytail holder brings me back to when I was five years old!

There will be an opening reception on Saturday, June 28th from 6-9pm for the show titled “Now Serving Cheesecake”: Classic Pin-Up Art at Fantagraphic Books in Seattle. If you are in the area, this looks like a great way to check out original artwork and artifacts by Jack Cole, Dan DeCarlo, Don Flowers, Bill Ward and Bill Wenzel. The event’s organizer, author Alex Chun, will be on hand to sign his many books on classic pinup art. Live cartooning demonstrations, 50’s music, and pinup art - what could be more fun?

I’ve added a new press kit download to my web site to assist anyone looking for more info about me and my work.

As a working visual artist, it is always a struggle to juggle time creating with time answering requests from publicists, private individuals seeking commissioned work, fan requests, and business propositions. I rely a lot on my website to convey info and I hope this is helpful.