Olivia and Bella - Finale

Here's the final posting of my Olivia/Bella tribute . . . 5 more gems, my favorite by far being the one titled "Postmark Bhutan", done with the splashes of gouche and water. One can only imagine how incredible that piece must look in person! I had the very good fortune of seeing an Olivia exhibit several years ago at the now defunct "Words and Pictures" museum in North Hampton Massachusetts (Owned by the "Ninja Turtle" guy, Kevin Eastman) and it was indeed a treat to see some of her best work hanging there on the walls!

Olivia and Bella - Part Three

And still a few more paintings of Bella Schol by Olivia DeBarardinis. I especially love the ones where she used that very "loose" watercolor/guache technique. Bella seemed to inspire a streak of fearlessness in Olivia when she painted her! Really amazing work!

Olivia and Bella - Part Two

A few more fantastic paintings of Bella Schol by Olivia DeBarardinis

Olivia and Bella - Part One

Pinup legend Olivia De Barardinis has used many models over the years but to me, none have inspired so many striking and interesting images in her art as Bella Schol. Bella is almost a total enigma! I can find nothing about her on the net and in fact know nothing of her other than what is written about her in Olivia's books! So here are a few edited quotes:

"Bella is a tattoo artist and cartoonist from Amsterdam. We met when she was passing through L.A. on her way to Mexico to study bullfighting. She was a terrific model and became my muse for at least a year."

"On the small of her back is emblazoned the French phrase "Nappartiens jamais...", translation: "Never belong"

"I'll always love to paint Bella. She is one of my all-time favorites. I've been painting her so long that i feel she has taken on a seperate life in my work."

Here are a few pieces Olivia has done featuring Bella. More coming soon!