Alberto Vargas is a famous Pin-Up artist. When he left Paramount Pictures 60 years ago he didn’t take hundreds of photos, negatives, and this sketchbook. It was found by a studio employee on the Paramount lot and had been saved for years until it was sold last year. The collector then sold it to a publisher and Graphic Collectibles bought it.

Alberto Vargas lived from 1896 to 1982. As one of the ultimate Pin-Up artists, he worked for many movie studios through the 1930s and 1940s. Because his work was so well done, he was given many opportunities, including creating the Vargas Girl for Esquire Magazine. Then, from the late 1950s until the 1980s he painted the Playboy Pin-up. As one of his last jobs he painted the The Cars cover for their album, Candy-O.

The sketchbook has 17 drawings from his Esquire Magazine days, advertising and movie studio work. Though many early stage drawings on tissue paper exist, until now, no one has seen an original sketchbook. The drawings are 10 by 13 ½ inches, drawn in pencil, watercolor, and color pencil.  Originals will be sold as a complete group or individually. The collection in this sketchbook represents an opportunity to see the evolution from early stages to final painting by a great artist.

Graphic Collectibles expresses their excitement to announce the sale of this original sketchbook. Graphic Collectibles works with many illustrators in the sale of original artwork to collectors spanning the world. Co-owner of Graphic Collectibles, Mitch Itkowitz, will personally handle the sale. He has been selling American illustration art for over 30 years, and his expertise will be utilized during this sale.

For more information about the Vargas sketchbook, or any other Graphic Collectibles sale, contact Mitch Itkowitz at (845) 246-0952 or email mitkowitz@hvc.rr.com.