Why I Paint Pin-Ups
I’ve painted a fair number of Pinup girls in my career.
Last year, I illustrated a Pinup girl beer label, Celebrating the 250th birthday of the Marine Corps. The beer was served at the finish line of the annual Marine Marathon run in Washington DC.
I also illustrated a book called “Entomology of the Pin-Up Girl;” a short story collection about the different roles women play in society, but all written with metaphors of insects. It was nominated for 2025’s Indies Introduce book of the year.
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If you’ve been following me on my socials recently, you might also have noticed that I’ve been working on my yearly Halloween themed Pinup girl painting.
All of this might have left some of you scratching your head and thinking,
“Jenny, What the heck is up with these Pinup girls?”
If you know me from my mental health or faith-based work, Pinup girls might seem like a subject that’s out of left field; or a departure from my usual themes. I don’t think that they are. Here’s why.
I believe that Pinup Girls represent a celebration of spirit, and the power in having the choice of how you want to express yourself.
It might surprise you that there are quotes from as early as 1869 of women expressing both criticism and praise for Pinups. I had always thought that Pinups were a World War II thing, but they actually originated as Victorian actresses and burlesque dancers. Some of these women would have photographs of themselves printed as calling cards or advertisements, and then these cards would be pinned up on mirrors in the green room. Early supporters of Pinups described them as a “positive post-Victorian rejection of bodily shame.”
I think there are lots of different ways that we can celebrate who we are, and express ourselves in a way that feels beautiful. The power of that expression doesn’t come from what that expression physically looks like, but from making the intentional, and authentic CHOICE.
I love Pinups because they feel playful, strong, and free.
You’ll notice that a lot of my Pinups are painted in unconventional shoes; like combat boots and converse. That’s because THAT feels powerful and beautiful to me.
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Power in expression doesn’t come from being flashy or loud. Modesty can be power. Having the freedom to CHOOSE the way we want to express ourselves is a beautiful gift. And I think gifts should be celebrated.
If you want to check out my Halloween Werewolf Pinup girl, I’m offering an exclusive and limited print run. The original watercolor painting is also available. The links to those are below.
However you express yourself, I hope you know that the spirit inside of you is a beautiful and special thing.
Happy October, friend! Until next time,
Jenny
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