Who are the mystery girls?
I got this painting at a car boot sale a while ago. It's by Lou (or Loui/Louis) Shabner who was an artist in the same vein as Tretchikoff and J. H. Lynch, but not as well known. I love it. I think she's gorgeous. It sat in our living room for a while but everyone who saw it hated it so much I ended up putting it away in the garage. I was surprised by the violence of people's reactions although while I like some of this mass market masterpiece stuff, I'd rather poke my own eyes out than look at Margaret Keane and all that big eye business. There seems to be a very thin line between what's good and what's totally hideous.
Going back to Lou. I tried to find out about him and couldn't get very far. He was born in England (Enfield, I think) and did some pin-up art (more here), but beyond that seems to have vanished into the garages of history. There isn't much to add except to note that Black Gold, the King Biscuit Time lp (which is very good) has one of his paintings on the cover. Anyone know any more about him?
Comments
I like her. She seems like a bit of a composite. The necklace says Hepburn, but the eyes say Fonda. And whose hair is that? Jackie O's?
I like November 1952 as well. She's got a sort of Margaret Lockwood / Gainsborough Studios thing going on...
Posted by: spud | August 2, 2006 10:19 AM
Hi Spud. I think you've got it with Jackie O although it wouldn't look out of place on Anne Bancroft. When you said Margaret Lockwood I thought of Margaret Rutherford. That would be a sight to see.
Posted by: Anne | August 2, 2006 11:35 AM
*shudders*
(If anyone is unbearably aroused by the thought of Margaret Rutherford in full foxhunting kit - and, let's face it, this is the internet - leave now and rent the DVD of Murder At The Gallop.)
Posted by: spud | August 2, 2006 01:43 PM
Spud
Yes the thought of Margaret Rutherford in full foxhunting kit is alarming (although how deep was that thought hidden Spud !) but it would be a positively dreamy sight compared to those hideous big eye pictures - frightening stuff.
Posted by: Simon J Swanson | August 2, 2006 05:58 PM
Simon - which is scarier? Those big eye pics or the thought that someone will one day find Anne's site by searching on 'pin-up' + 'Margaret Rutherford'?
Anne - You know about this stuff: when was the last gasp for these glamorous living-room ladies? Maybe the three blokes who collectively produced the atrocities of 'Sara Moon' (link here: http://www.sara-moon.com/ ?
Posted by: spud | August 3, 2006 11:10 AM
Well, I'm no expert seeing as a lot of it is so hideous but I think you're right about Sara Moon. Horrible, horrible stuff. Although, all those Athena ones in swimming costumes, they came after that, didn't they. For the most part I try not to look.
Posted by: Anne | August 3, 2006 11:47 PM
I found a Louis Shabner print in an Op shop here in New Zealand and it must be reasonable collectible as there are people bidding on the auction site I have it listed on. I'd never heard of him myself.
The painting is of a sark woman in scanty attire dancing with ribbons.
Posted by: Gabby | January 26, 2007 10:18 AM
who say, ".....I got this painting at a boot sale.....", exactly who 'is you'?
Posted by: geoff Attwood | March 19, 2007 03:34 PM
hi, if you still have this shabner print i would very much like to buy her from you.. cheers jodi
Posted by: jodi coulthard | March 23, 2007 07:18 AM
hi my email is cooltart@gmail.com
Posted by: jodi coulthard | March 23, 2007 07:21 AM
I love that painting and would like to buy it
Posted by: tina | May 4, 2007 03:32 PM
I have the exact same painting, still in it's original frame! I found it at Value Village a few years ago and love it! I've also gotten the same reaction from people who see it...either complete hatred or they're in love!
Posted by: Dave Sword | July 26, 2007 10:16 PM
I just found a 1970 calendar, with a print similar to the image posted. the calendar is excellent, full color, never hung. any interest in it out there? I would sell or trade. send me an email address and I can send an image, regards, Bob
Posted by: bob birdsey | September 25, 2007 02:37 AM
i have a loui shabner painting named gail and would like to sell can anyone kidly help,,,,,thank you ste
Posted by: ste | October 2, 2007 06:00 PM
I have the same picture.For no reason whatsoever I called he Dorcas.
Posted by: Ken Parton | October 19, 2007 02:24 PM
Hi, I've just been given the same pic as above by my Great Uncle. On the back is the sales label and states her name is Nicola. I've always loved her and my Mum has another pic by Louis but I'm not sure of her name. Possibly Gail. I thik she has more of a Sophia Loren look around the eyes.
Posted by: Louise | November 4, 2007 09:25 PM
i too have the same picture as above, and how i got to buy this, was one eveing,i was upset thinking about my mum,whom i lost 20 years before,ive never asked her to be with me ,but this evening i did,the next morning i went into a shop and my friend shouts your mum is in this shop,i was startled, and saw the picture,which is the spit of my mum wen she was young, i too have the same eyes,so i knew my mum was with me. thanks tracy
Posted by: tracy youell | January 29, 2008 02:30 PM
my email is angeltracy@hotmail.co.uk if anyone wants to add to my comments thankyou tracy.
Posted by: tracy youell | January 29, 2008 02:33 PM
This print, like most of Shabners, is a stunner. Her name is indeed Nicola. I have some others but sadly know as little as everyone else about the artist. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Posted by: malcolm anderson | April 23, 2008 12:48 AM