Big Girls in Art: Duane Bryers
Our internet friend Steffi discovered this wonderful webpage, with dozens of pictures from the vintage Hilda calendars, painted by Duane Bryers. (The host of this page is a different artist who also paints plus-size women; Francesca will post some of his “pin-ups” next week.)
Here we go. Hilda!
From the website: “[These] are many of Duane Bryers’ incredible Hilda paintings done specifically for Bigelow & Brown’s Hilda calendars. These were illustrated between 1957 and 1970 … They were primarily rendered in watercolor employing the service of a number of plus-size models, but more often than not, he used no model at all, a feat most impressive.”
Francesca loves the life and personality in these paintings. Hilda seems like a real person that the Francesca could know.
Oh my gosh, those look like so much fun! And more proof that the very thin with large bust model hasn’t always been promoted as the only healthy body type for women, or the only desirable one.
Wow, she’s adorable. You can tell just from the way he painted her that the artist loves her and thinks she’s a babe. And she is.
I wish I could frolic around in nothing but daisy wreaths all day D:
Oh my goodness, these are FABULOUS! Thanks so much for sharing Hilda. The website is great, too.
Now I’ll think of how much fun Hilda has with her body. I envy how she can swing around and just play with nothing but daisy wreaths to cover up herself.
-Denise
Now the real question: Where can I find prints for sale?