A large preliminary rendering by Gil Elvgren of a work completed for Brown & Bigelow in 1948 with the title – “Do You Think I “No” Too Much ?” This image also appeared with the title “My Datebook’s Showing Signs Of Age”. This comes from a collection of Elvgren preliminary graphite drawings we acquired which were found in a house in Sarasota Florida where the artist once lived. Gil Elvgren took on average one week to complete each of the 400+ pin-up paintings he created for Brown and Bigelow. With this time frame, it was impossible to use a live model for the actual paintings – so Elvgren sketched quick charcoal and/or graphite reference preliminary ideas from life and enlisted Peter Darro–a pin-up artist in his own right– as studio assistant and photographer. Elvgren used these drawings and photographs for reference while at the easel working on his iconic pin-up paintings. Included for reference is a scan of the calendar image – we do not have a copy of the print to include but vintage printed versions are readily available on eBay.
There is moderate overall tanning to the paper, with handling creases and fold creases in the lower left corner, aside from that area, none of the above areas of loss or tears affect the image and are not visible when matted; matted to an overall size of 28 x 22 inches. Matted and ready to frame.