R. McGinnis R. McGinness

No mistake, there are two R. McGinnis... I mean McGinness. Let me clear that up there are two artists on our list today. Robert McGinnis, the top notch Illustrator from the 60's who's worked graced book jackets, movie posters, story illustration with some great brushwork. The other artist on our list is the younger Ryan McGinness, living in the world of flat art Ryan's graphic screenings are seen on one of a kind merchandise, large scale installations, and prints in both book for and poster.

Robert McGinnis, elected into the Society of Illustrators Hall of Fame in 1993, is best known for his unsurpassed depictions of glamorous, elegant women. Mr. McGinnis's work, if anything, reflects the playboy lifestyle of the 60's.

In most recent news of Robert McGinnis: "Paul Jilbert, the filmmaker who is making the documentary "Robert McGinnis: Painting the Last Rose of Summer", will shortly be making available a print of Robert McGinnis's painting for the James Bond movie "Diamonds are Forever". Robert McGinnis has agreed to sign and number 50 25" x 19.5" prints on fine art paper." More info of the latest news can be gathered at Graeme Flanagan's tribute.



Robert McGinnis was born in 1926 and grew up in rural Ohio. As very athletic kid, it was his mothers pushing that found this American classic in drawing class. He studied at the Academy of Commercial Art in Cincinnati and his first paperback was published in 1958, "Built for Trouble". Since then he has illustrated over a 1000 book covers. In addition to his paperback work, Robert McGinnis' beautiful women have appeared on a number of movie posters, including those for "Breakfast at Tiffany's", "Barbarella" and the James Bond movies "Diamonds are Forever", "Live and Let Die" and "Thunderball".


Now Ryan McGinness, no direct relationship to Robert McGinnis that I know of, was born in 1972 and currently lives in New York City. His graphic styling has spawned a generation of graphic inspiration. Starting as a more traditional Commercial graphic artist, Ryan has elevated his work to that of modern art expression. His work is looked upon as a way to experiment with space, color, shape, and evokes a sense of humanity. Even though his work can be found on t-shirts,
skateboard decks, and even a soccer ball it transcends the typical mass-produced product and falls under the collectable art piece generated for the ultra hipster and art collector alike. Spend sometime exploring the elements used and stay tuned for up coming exhibits.


Okay, so you can't say the name McGinnis or McGinness without wanting a Guinness

. So it doesn't fall under the category of "spirit's" but it's close enough and is full of body, deep color, and great form. Go to your local pub tonight, order a Guinness and raise your glass and tell your bar tender this one's for McGinnis (or McGinness). Try not to get confused which is which.













...and always drink responsibly!

Summer refreshment...

It looks like rain this weekend. However I cannot stop thinking of sipping on a gin and enjoying the natural abandonment that takes place this time of year.






I've recently reminded myself of a very tasty and refreshing gin, Hendrick's. A small batch Gin distilled in, the homeland of our top listed drink of choice, Scotland. More precisely Ayrshire, Scotland. As the winner of "The Wall Street Journals" Gin category, it's one unique infusion. Sounding like an ingredients list for a SoHo salad, Hendrick's is made with hints of Coriander, Juniper, Citrus Peel, Rose Petals, and an infusion of Cucumber. It's more refreshing then any Gin on the market, and rich enough for the most sophisticated Martini drinker. Before you start mixing, take it neat (chilled) and fully experience this complex blend of summer offerings.

If it's raining in your little corner of the world and you're lacking some imagination, let me offer you an uninhibited Petra Nemcova. This Czech born model has graced the cover of SI swimsuit edition and comes up in many fashion magazines. Here she strutted on stage...



















































This last photo of Petra, feels like the perfect ad for Gin.


















Enjoy your summer no matter what it's like out today... or tomorrow... or the next.

Get outside...

Summer is near it's end, in this part of the globe. Make sure you get outside and take in all it's beauty.

Color or Colour as I prefer to spell

The artist is Robert O. Reid, the time period the 30's. A time when Illustrators where kings, they brought art into the home and represented a sensibility for both the home life and after hours. There's not much information about Robert O. Reid, during a turbulent time in history his name disappeared sometime after the war. Robert Reid was in good company, with several contracts for advertising ads in Collier's, Cosmopolitan and Good Housekeeping. Many Illustrations during this time where printed in black and red. Such simplicity brought out amazing depth and warmth to many Illustrators work. This illustration of a woman in a black slip is no exception. I will post more illustrations by this artist in the future. Now if she was holding a glass of scotch!

Warmth

The warmth of the Brazilain sun can be felt in this native, from her warm bronzen skin to her briliant smile. Meet Barbara Borges, who recently hit the radar when she posed for Playboy Brasil, however she has been pushing at fame for some time a couple CD's, gobs of news paper clippings and many spanish cinema movies. It looks like she has now come of age, and we are looking forward to seeing and hearing more from this elegant lady. We wish, we spoke spanish so we can find out more info of this warm body of Barbara Borges.. If you know more about Barbara please post. If you are Barbara, we would love to interview you.

Full Body

Ravenscroft is the leader in Handmade Lead-free Crystal for Fine Wines and Spirits. Taken directly from the company website “…Ravenscroft Crystal is the embodiment of old-world European craftsmanship and a modern understanding of how the composition and shape of a wine glass can significantly enhance the tasting experience.”

The Single Malt Scotch Tumbler, shown, is part of the Distiller Collection. These elegantly shaped glasses are designed to soften the highest impact of the flower aroma of your spirit of choice. The glasses of Ravenscroft represent the Full Body quality which "neat" represents. To fulfill this quality I recommend filling your Ravenscroft glass with a Glenrothes Single Malt Whiskey. Recently I enjoyed sharing a bottle of The Glenrothes Vintage 1992 with a friend, neat of course. My friend does practice the sprinkle, in which a small amount of fresh water is sprinkled atop the freshly poured spirit. I however choose to take small sips of room temperature water after an appropriated time from sipping the spirit. Either take, you will enjoy this Fruity bouquet with a zesty citrus palate, which hints to the sherry oak cask, as it lingers with a spicy medium finish. At this point wait till this final sensation leaves before taking on a sip of water, you will then fell the freshness of the Black plums and Licorice. The Glenrothes 'house style' is truely typical of the Speyside characteristics and we enjoy!

Dedication of "neat"

This blog will act as a medium, to show respect and appreciation of full body, warmth, and color of Spirits, Women, and Art...
























































please feel free to send your picture(s), that meet the theme and qualities of "neat"