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Chicago
artist Harry Ekman worked side by side with fellow Sundblom
shop veteran Gil Elvgren, developing a lush style in oils uncannily
like that of his mentor. His girls have the same fresh, wholesome
glow as Elvgren's, and are seen in such typical Elvgren-ish
situations as bicycling, wading, and walking the dog.
Assisting his colleague in the 1960s, Ekman may even have "ghosted"
certain Elvgren-signed paintings. His own work appeared under
both the Brown & Bigelow imprint and Shaw-Barton.
Like Elvgren, Ekman specialized in calendars but also worked
in advertising. The example here "Pearls for Polly" represents
a distinct sub-genre within the pin-up field: the glamour pose
of a girl in a gown.
This more sedate style of cheesecake could find its way to display
areas other than garages or work shops. The colorful parrot,
while a less common prop pet than the playful pooch, is a typical
touch.
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