Vampirella by Alberto Ruiz

Another piece that goes back to my very early days of art collecting when Mr Ruiz was selling his art on ebay from time to time.

This illustration was actually done for a high-quality print that Alberto would sell on ebay or at conventions (see image below, I probably have a copy of it buried somewhere). It was also used for an article in a Twomorrows publication.

I say illustration in the sense that any alterations were done digitally.

Ruiz’ overly stylized approach was a bit of fresh air in the pinupy world at the time and remains valid to this day I find. This approach to drawing women reminds me of Dave Johnson’s thick legs/ankles phase (inspired by), Dave Cooper’s or Ben Caldwell’s women and to a lesser extent, Crumb. Except I find Alberto’s much sexier.

The haughty sophisticated look works well here, and I like that she’s not perfect despite those insane curves (the pot belly that comes with that extra fine waist? Her breasts being of different size like most natural women).

Stylistically, she’s all curves and all lines look like they are dripping from the top of her head to her (high) heels. And that red pencil really pops.

If you look closely, you will notice reddish pencil values all over her body to flesh her up.

The piece is much bigger than our usual and it’s got a sister piece you will find in this very gallery that I bought at the same time. (Or was part of the same auction? Whatever).It only took me 17 years to post this better one ;)

The only bad thing about it is that it’s drawn on vellum which is fragile, displays uneasily and wrinkles like crazy.

Published in Alberto Ruiz ' seventh sketchbook "Wyahanga"