Study of a Seated Young Nude Blonde, 1963

This is an original pencil, colored pencil & ink drawing on tracing paper which served as the basis for the final painting that appeared in the August, 1963 issue of Playboy Magazine. From the delicate flowers in her hair to the strategically placed purse to the freshly painted toenails, Alberto Vargas pays homage to the American woman in this exquisite study. 

It features hand-written notes by Alberto Vargas in the bottom right corner.

Collector's Notes:
This is a preliminary drawing used to propose a new Vargas Girl for an upcoming edition of Playboy Magazine.  

For each published piece, Vargas would first sketch a preliminary design such as this one for approval. He would ship several to Playboy's main offices where Hugh Hefner and the Art Directors would review each one. Once approved, they would be returned to Vargas and he would then use them to create an entirely new painting for use in the magazine. 

Although these drawings are not typically signed - as they are working designs rather than finished pieces - they do often feature handwriting from Alberto Vargas and/or notes from Playboy's Art Directors (Art Paul or Reid Austin) regarding colors, accessories, positioning etc. Occasionally Hugh Hefner has personally initialed and dated the piece, giving his final approval for the magazine.

These drawings are magnificent artifacts from the process of publishing the legendary Vargas Girl.

Ref# (SK-391)

22" x 30" Artwork Size
Pencil & colored pencil drawing
Original artwork -