Bert Heersema (1965) - ARE YOU READY MR ELVGREN?

Oil painting by the Dutch painter Bert Heersema from Zwolle, with an explicit artistic reference to the work and mood of the American pin-up artist Gil Elvgren. In this work, Heersema subtly plays with nostalgia, glamour and seduction, but translates this into a more restrained and psychologically charged portrait.

The depicted woman appears half-hidden behind a curtain and looks the viewer straight in the eyes, from whatever position you view from, she comes along and keeps looking at you. The title suggests a playful dialogue with Elvgren's iconic pin-up aesthetic, while the execution actually evokes more intimacy and tension than overt glamour. The combination of soft skin tones, a warm color palette and the strong red of her lips enhances this effect.

Brushwork is loose but controlled, with visible brushwork and a focus on expression. The work balances between figurative realism and a lightly narrative approach, making the painting feel both recognizable and personal.

The painting is done on canvas 40x50 cm, and is in excellent condition and has a brand-new high-quality wooden box frame, which gives the painting a contemporary and luxurious look and makes it immediately suitable for display. It will be carefully packed and shipped insured.