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Grapefruit Moon Gallery

Original Art from the Grand Age of American Illustration

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Pin-Up & Glamour Art

The Swami Told Me

Artist:Walt Otto
Date:1962
Medium:Oil on canvas
Dimensions:Framed: 30" x 36.5" | Sight size: 24.5" x 31.5"
Condition:Very good with some scattered light craquelure in the sheen
Original Use:Published calendar art
Price: $4,500.00
Full view of oil on canvas painting
Full view of oil on canvas painting
The artist's signature
The artist’s signature
Published example (INCLUDED IN SALE)
Published example (INCLUDED IN SALE)
Published example (INCLUDED IN SALE)
Published example (INCLUDED IN SALE)

The Swami told me he could teach me some new tricks

The distinguished American artist and illustrator Walt Otto created this glitzy magic-themed original published pin up oil on canvas calendar painting. A curvy mid-century brunette heart-breaker with a smile that’s all magic takes center stage in “The Swami told me he could teach me some new tricks.” A published vintage calendar top of the image is included with sale. The published image differs very slightly from how the canvas appears today, the artist removed the star studded throne that appears in the lithograph, making the magician’s assistant appear to float in mid-air, and moved his signature from atop the model’s foot to a lower location. Otto likely made these small changes after the publication of the calendar in an attempt to re-commission the work for another paid use.

Framed view
Framed view
Frame corner profile
Frame corner profile
Detailed view
Detailed view
Verso
Verso

About the artist: Walt Otto

Walt Otto was born in Horicon, Wisconsin, in 1895. His interest in art began when he was a mere youngster, surrounded by the natural beauty of abundant wetlands, wildlife, and meandering rivers. He showed an early talent for drawing and a keen awareness of color.

The family moved to Oshkosh, Wisconsin, in 1912. As a teenager, his long association with illustrating began with a $15 correspondence course in art. A year later he opened his own photography studio that he operated until 1916 before joining the Army Air Corps. After World War I, Otto moved to Chicago where he accepted a position with the Edwards and Deutsch Lithography Company. There he worked with prominent artists Haddon Sunbloom, Montgomery Flagg, Andrew Loomis, Frederic Mizen and other well known American illustrators. Meanwhile, he attended night classes at the Chicago Academy of Art and enrolled in courses at the Art Institute of Chicago. This was followed by the opening of his own portrait studio in Chicago in 1933.

During World War II Otto again served with the Air Force, specializing in aerial photography. After his wife’s death in 1952 he returned to Oshkosh.

Known for his painting and illustrating, Walt Otto won numerous awards. His clients included the Schlitz Brewing Compan, J.J. Heinz Company, Anheuser-Busch, General Tire and Rubber, Miles Laboratories, Shell Petroleum Company, Mars Candy, Kellogg’s and other nationally known advertisers. His work was also published by the New York Graphic Society and appeared on the covers of Mother’s Magazine and Home Life, Woman’s Weekly and the Saturday Evening Post.

The Swami Told Me

Artist: Walt Otto
Price:  $4,500.00

Filed Under: Pin-Up & Glamour Art
Tagged With: 1960s, Brown & Bigelow, magician, pin up, risque, Walt Otto
Added to Gallery: July 8, 2017

 

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    About Grapefruit Moon Gallery

    Grapefruit Moon Gallery, based in Minneapolis MN, specializes in vintage pin up and original illustration art.  We are the proud home of the Bunny Yeager archives.

    Since 2003, Grapefruit Moon Gallery has been a leading dealer of exclusive original paintings by Gil Elvgren, Alberto Vargas, Earl Moran, Rolf Armstrong and Henry Clive, as well as vintage photographs, prints, and period decorative arts in ceramic and metal.

    All artworks featured are original, accurately represented, and guaranteed to be the work of the named artist.

    Interested buyers may view pieces by appointment and we are happy to answer any questions you may have. [Contact Us]

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