Patrick Nagel...Turns This Grey Sky to Blue

We are spotlighting an original Patrick Nagel Playboy Painting. This original work on board, which measures 13"x9.75", was first published in Playboy Magazine in December of 1983 in the Playboy Forum section.

This is an exceptional example of Nagel's edgy and alluring work that he created for Playboy Magazine. The colors in the original are extraordinary with beautiful line work that can be seen in a couple of the close-up photos.

Hand signed in the lower right hand corner this original is marked on the back with Playboy's stamp, which reads "PLAYBOY'S ARTWORK REPRODUCTION PROHIBITED WITHOUT PLAYBOY'S PERMISSION."

This original is in perfect condition with no signs of age. With her beautifully squared off eyes, subtle tilt of the shoulder and slight aggressive lean in towards the viewer, she projects just as much sex appeal today as the day she left Nagel's studio!

As the interest from fine art galleries grew in Patrick Nagel's original works, his painting substrate evolved from illustration board to the more traditional and accepted fine art canvas. Many of Nagel's canvas works were adapted from earlier Playboy illustrations. The altered background design elements, different color schemes and omission of nudity were the most frequent changes Nagel made from his Playboy paintings to his canvas works. In the case of "Blue Sweater" as pictured below:

• The Playboy painting on the left contains a yellow geometric shape, where as the canvas painting on the right has a different background shape in a light violet.
• The Playboy version on the left has a classic Nagel paynes grey background, where as the canvas version on the right has a light blue background.
• And the most notable change is in the Blue Sweater itself; in the Playboy painting the cut of the sweater drops low exposing her breast, where as in the canvas painting her breast is covered by the cut of the sweater.

Most commonly referred to as "Blue Sweater", the image of the canvas was released in 1992 as an open edition lithograph measuring 24"x18". Pictured below is this poster which has become familiar to many Nagel collectors as it was mass reproduced.In 2009 Rachel Uffner Gallery held a show titled "Nagel Fades" featuring the photographic prints of Artist Barb Choit and subsequently the artwork of Patrick Nagel. Choit explored the effects of photochemical processes on found objects. She captured the impact of beauty salon materials and apparatuses; chiefly, UV-light-emitting tanning beds on Patrick Nagel’s iconic 1980’s fine art posters. To read more about Barb Choit's show "Nagel Fades" visit the Press Release. Below is an example of Barb Choit's exposure on Patrick Nagel's "Blue Sweater." The finished piece shown at Rachel Uffner Gallery was a Laser Jet Print on Adhesive Paper, Bleach Bath, 2009 digital c-print, measuring 24.75"x18.25" in an edition of 3.
And although it has faded to some...We still Love Living in the 80s

www.the80sgallery.com

Eyes Without a Face...the lost art of Manuel Nunez' Pioneer Illustrations

Working as a commercial fashion illustrator in Los Angeles for the majority of the decade, the 1980's were formidable years for now internationally recognized artist Manuel Nunez. While New York continued to be the center of high fashion in the United States; Los Angeles, with its celebrity driven culture, developed its own art scene. Patrick Nagel's style and imagery inspired a new generation of artists and commercial illustrators. Industries such as custom car and surf, with their highly polished finishes and techniques, were also influencing Los Angeles based artists. This glossy look became known as the “L.A. Look." Working for companies like Nordstrom, Redken, Pioneer, Capitol Records, and Levi in the 80s; Manuel Nunez developed a portfolio of commercial work that perfected the “L.A. Look” and brought him internationally known models and advertising accounts. One of the most striking bodies of work that emerged from this period of Manuel's career was his advertising campaign for Pioneer Electronics in 1986. Looking to promote their electronics as beautiful designs, Pioneer hired Manuel Nunez to develop a series of illustrations that would bring a new perceived level of fashion, design and beauty to their stereo faces. Pictured below are examples of Manuel's original Pioneer illustrations paired with the finished print work as they appeared as posters, ads, brochures and tear sheets.

Pictured above "If You Think This Face Is Beautiful, Wait 'Til You Hear It Sing." Promoting the KEX-900 this ad was released in 1986.

Pictured above "The Most Beautiful Face In The World." Promoting the DEX-77 this ad was released in 1986.

Pictured above "The Most Beautiful Face In The World." Promoting Pioneer's KEH-9020, KEH-6020, KEH-9191 and KEH-5151 in 1986.

Pictured above "The Most Beautiful Face In The World." Created in 1986, Manuel expertly hand illustrated the Pioneer stereo face onto the sunglasses. This poster promoted the DEX-77 in 1986.

Pictured above "The Most Beautiful Sound In Sight." Created in 1986, this ad promoting Pioneer's Maxxial speakers appeared in a 1987 issue of Rolling Stone Magazine.

Manuel's illustrations were arresting, the faces were gorgeous, the technique was flawless, the colors were extraordinary, and the tag lines were clever, but the images were ruined! Manuel's exquisitely rendered eyes were frequently covered in the finished print work. Pioneer had placed images of their stereo faces as sunglasses over Manuel's illustrated faces and speakers as irises in the eyes. By covering the eyes, the images lost the most beautiful part of the artwork, they lost their soul.

Most of the original illustrations from this series were created in 1986, measure approximately 25"x19" and can be referenced on our website. We're proud to showcase a number of Manuel Nunez' original illustrations as these works embody a lost time of art and design. In many ways the tradition and soul of American Illustration was lost with the 1980's.

Love Living in the 80s

www.the80sgallery.com

The 80s Gallery is on Facebook!

As a way of keeping our friends and collectors updated on the items we showcase, The 80s Gallery has joined Facebook. We will be posting images, information and updates regularly about our featured designers and pieces from our favorite decade. Our fans can post images and comments relating to 1980's art and design. To become a fan, simply search The 80s Gallery on Facebook or visit our page here