The creator of this bevy of outrageous women is Scott Rohlfs, a self-taught pop surrealist artist, left his IT job in central California last year and moved to Tigard to pursue his passion-art. I discovered him early this year and suggested he show in Portland.
Rohlfs uses a combination of paint brush and air brush to achieve his realistic style. He has perfected the eyes by researching their physiology, with results that are amazingly realistic. Aside from the glassy eyes, what makes his paintings get "wow" reviews are the vivid pop art colors and the seductively of his models. Rohlfs ideas come from television and magazines glamour ads. Taking the model's basic pose, he then adds his characteristic large eyes, and generous creamy lips. The final result is literally stopping people in their tracks, and at this time, he is the only artist around who has perfected this style.
Many of his Beauties are tattooed. The subject that is a favorite with Rohlfs, as he has several on his own body. One of Rolfhs favorite tattoo forms are the koi fish, hearts, and skulls. To make the tattoo, Rohlfs uses the air brush, and believes that he has to work larger in order to achieve the proper details. His pieces start at 24 x 36, and can also be seen in 30 x 40.
Grace's owner, Thad Grace was wowed by his work and asked that he show in his salon on NW 9th and Irving. "He is just perfect for our image," says Grace.
At Vault Martini, located at 226 NW 12th Avenue, Rohlfs sold more pieces than ever before. "We just love his work!" remarked Kenny Stachovich, Vault's manager, "and obviously so do our customers."
Scott Rohlfs' star is on the rise, so those who have admired his work and thought that they might purchase an original better do so quickly. The word is out in the Pearl about Rohlfs and soon more than the Pearl will see his work.
In September, artist Scott Rohlfs will have an unusual solo show at Backspace, 115 NW 5th Avenue. Backspace caters to Lowbrow artists, such as Rohlfs. Upon seeing small images of his work owner Eric Robison immediately wanted a solo presentation. Rohlfs is modifying his style for the Backspace show, and making his Beauties a bit more edgy, so you won't want to miss this event. The show runs from First Thursday, September 4 to September 30, with an artist reception September 4 starting at 7:00 p.m.
And that's not all. A new Portland lifestyle magazine, House Ink, is scheduled to launch in October, with Scott Rohlfs as the featured artist. Creative Consultant and Director Sheri House had a call for art, but couldn't find just the look she was wanting for the premiere issue. After an extensive Internet search, she located Rohlfs. "We are very happy to have found Scott," she wrote recently. He may be on the cover, too.
