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Grapefruit Moon Gallery

Original Art from the Grand Age of American Illustration

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Jewel Flowers

An original graphite preliminary pin-up sketch by Rolf Armstrong of his favorite pin-up model Jewel Flowers. Nicely framed and matted with an original color snapshot of Jewel as posed by Armstrong in a wide brimmed straw sun hat from this specific setting, (likely taken by Rolf Armstrong himself). From the Jewel Flowers estate, gifted to Mike Wooldridge the co-author of Pin-up Dreams.

Jewel Flowers in a Sun Hat

Artist: Rolf Armstrong
Price:  S O L D

Filed Under: Sorry, It's Sold
Tagged With: 1950s, american, bathing beauty, Brown & Bigelow, Great American Pin-up, Jewel Flowers, original calendar art, pin up, Rolf Armstrong, study
Added to Gallery: October 18, 2010

This is a unique and intriguing pair of original illustrations by Rolf Armstrong, created over the July 4th weekend in 1941, at the Brown & Bigelow holiday company retreat at Breezy Point Lodge in Northern Minnesota. Armstrong, and his favorite model, Jewel Flowers, were celebrities at the event, and Armstrong was called upon to create this impromptu view of Jewel in all-American sporting poses, as an instructional event. Jewel sat lakeside modeling, as Rolf depicted her first beneath a tent, then with a dog, then finally, holding a newly caught fish, similar to the prized walleye she caught at Breezy Point that weekend. These two pieces provide a rare look at the process Armstrong used to develop his iconic pin up creations, and come from the estate of Mike Wooldridge the co-author of “Pin-up Dreams” the well regarded and thoughtfully compiled monograph on the artist.

Jewel Flowers at Breezy Point

Artist: Rolf Armstrong
Price:  S O L D

Filed Under: Sorry, It's Sold
Tagged With: 1940s, american, bathing beauty, boat, Brown & Bigelow, fishing, Jewel Flowers, original calendar art, pin up, Rolf Armstrong
Added to Gallery: September 7, 2010

From the estate of Mike Wooldridge, our friend sadly departed and deeply missed author, historian and advanced pin-up collector comes this new to the the market original pastel illustration by Rolf Armstrong. Pictured is Jewel Flowers, the artist’s favorite model and dear friend for decades. This beautiful pin up portrait dates to the war years of the 1940s and Jewel is depicted in a star spangled red, white and blue patriotic scarf as she readies herself to embark in an afternoon of sailing. Armstrong for several years in the early 1940s had a summer studio in Marblehead Mass, where he was able to combine his love of women, sailing and art and absorb the beautiful seaside imagery and bright vibrant colors associated with this historic beach town.

Embarking On a Sail

Artist: Rolf Armstrong
Price:  S O L D

Filed Under: Sorry, It's Sold
Tagged With: 1940s, american, boat, Brown & Bigelow, Great American Pin-up, Jewel Flowers, original calendar art, patriotic, pin up, Rolf Armstrong, sailor
Added to Gallery: August 31, 2010

A framed presentation grouping including a thumbnail pastel preliminary sketch by Rolf Armstrong and large format promotional gelatin silver photograph of Jewel Flowers as posed by Rolf Armstrong. These were created for a Brown & Bigelow Cowgirl themed Pin-up calendar titled “Try This” which first appeared in either 1949 or 1950. From the estate of Mike Wooldridge, the noted Armstrong scholar and collector. Mike befriended Jewel Flowers in the course of his research into Rolf Armstrong, and he acquired this directly from Jewel. This is charmingly framed in a rope adorned Western Americana wood frame behind glass and comes with the published B & B calendar of the finished pastel illustration. A unique and effective presentation of the work process of modeling, staging and creating a calendar commissioned pin-up pastel.

Jewel Flowers as a Cowgirl

Artist: Rolf Armstrong
Price:  S O L D

Filed Under: Sorry, It's Sold
Tagged With: 1950s, american, Brown & Bigelow, cowgirl, Great American Pin-up, Jewel Flowers, original calendar art, pin up, Rolf Armstrong, study, western
Added to Gallery: August 31, 2010

This radiant, fabulously large original pastel by Rolf Armstrong was created in 1941 for the Brown & Bigelow Calendar Company. Titled “Figured To Win,” this original and previously undocumented beautiful illustration incorporates two of the artist’s great loves in life; sailing and Jewel Flowers. This pastel was owned for many years by Jewel herself, who was Armstrong’s favorite model and dearest friend for nearly two decades.

Figured To Win

Artist: Rolf Armstrong
Price:  S O L D

Filed Under: Sorry, It's Sold
Tagged With: 1940s, american, aquatic, bathing beauty, Brown & Bigelow, Great American Pin-up, Jewel Flowers, original calendar art, pin up, Rolf Armstrong, sailor, WWII
Added to Gallery: August 1, 2010

Jewel Flowers was Armstrong’s favorite model and closest personal friend. She passed away last year and is fondly remembered and sorely missed by the pin-up and illustration art community. Her zesty, sexy spirit, and the kinship between the artist and model are clearly visible in this wonderful pastel.

Here We Go

Artist: Rolf Armstrong
Price:  S O L D

Filed Under: Sorry, It's Sold
Tagged With: 1940s, american, Brown & Bigelow, cowgirl, illustration, Jewel Flowers, pin up, Rolf Armstrong
Added to Gallery: July 2, 2008

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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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