Inspiration from Vintage Stock

[Poppy Fields]

Whether I'm in need of inspiration, figure reference for drawing or just plain something-yummy-to-feast-my-eyes-on, I am never disappointed with vintage stock images. Even though some of these images are 100 years old (or more!), there is something timeless about them. The women seem to be unfailingly beautiful - even the "plain" ones - graceful and poised. Maybe because the images are so "distant" and therefore somewhat foreign, it is possible to look at them more objectively? The different physical types represented is refreshing too; very true to the "pinup creed"! What is especially interesting is to see how little things have changed; the same titillating scenes are played out then as are popular now, often quite graphically.

While these images are decades before the 40's-50's pinup era, they are definitely a useful reference source. Artists, models and photographers alike can find inspiration for both for poses, as well as themes and scene ideas. There are newsgroups and websites dedicated to vintage stock; some free, some pay sites. These are a few of my favourites from DeviantArt, a quick and easy place to begin (you might need to sign up for an account if users have marked the images as "adult content"):

PostcardsStock [nude & clothed]
GentlemansClubStock [nude & clothed]
Menschenmaterial [mostly nude]
AngellesStock [nude & clothed]
LoriVintage55Stock Nude-Risque [clothed & nude]
Inspyrestash-stock Females [click through for pinups]
Inspyrestash-stock Risque [nudes]

[Click image for larger version - it's worth it.]

[Poppy Fields]

You're so right - that is lovely! There's something in her attitude...

[PunkGirl_Inc]

I'm at work, and i couldn't see a lot of your images.. BUT I wholeheartedly agree!
This is one of my favorites of all time: