Christmas is almost here.  We've been working very hard at Janesko Fine Art this month to get everyone's holiday orders packed and shipped.  Thank you to everyone who decided to give the gift of Janesko this year.

For those of you who are running a little behind on your shopping this year, "Study #135" would make the perfect gift.  This pencil sketch is over twice as big as most of the sketches that I sell.  This piece has a more complete, finished look to it as well as a slight hint of color in the eyes to set them off from the balck and white of the piece.

Today I added a study called "Flamenco."  I just recently completed this sketch and will be painting it shortly.  The model is Playboy favorite, Alley Baggett.  I have created several pieces depicting Alley's image in the past.  Wth this piece, I decided to give a nod to her Latin heritage and her notorious smoldering expressions.

Tenetively, I have a gallery show scheduled in the space adjacent to Spago in Caesars Forum, Las Vegas.  The date for the show will be Friday, January 19th.  Stay tuned for additional information.

Today is the last day to place Christmas orders to be shipped via USPS Priority Mail to ensure that you get your gift in time.

Speaking of Christmas, my 2001 Christmas Card, "Out of the Blue," is now available for purchase.  View all of my greeting cards and postcards by clicking here.

On another note, my new Christmas image, "Out Of The Blue," will be available for purchase as a greeting card this Saturday, December 15th.

The second image I am adding is an sketch of Alley Baggett, created on beautiful Orchid paper.  This image is also available for purchase.

Janesko 2002 calendars seem to be the item of choice this holiday season.  We have them available signed or unsigned, just click here!

I had a wonderful time in Ohio visiting with many of my regular collectors who have not had a chance to attend a show before.  I also gave many collectors a chance to view my art in person, as the internet is not the best way to see all of the color and detail of my art. Thanks for coming out!

Ohio was my last show of the year and I am looking forward to spending these next few months creating several new original paintings.  Many pieces will be part of my 2003 calendar, on display at upcoming shows, or as a new print.  As always, we will keep the site updated on the latest.

I just wanted to add a note to wish my mom a Happy Birthday today.  She was the first one to notice my attraction to the arts and continues to give me support and love that an artist needs.

I hope that everyone is having a happy and safe holiday weekend.

As promised, I am posting my new image of Playboy Playmate Suzi Simpson.  The original painting is available in the clothed version only, but I also wanted to let you see the nude version, before I added the outfit.  Either one may become a print.  My second original painting, "Ruffled Feathers," is an image I completed last week and is a model straight out of my imagination.

I am also adding a sketch I created earlier in the year called "Eye Catcher."

Stay tuned for another addition to the original paintings next week.

I thought I would take a break from all the painting and add some new studies to the website.  The first sketch is "Neriah & Echo."  These are both models that I have painted in the past.  You can view paintings of Echo and Neriah on my Original Paintings page.  The second study is of another model, Julie Strain. She has the most wonderful expressions and this loose study captures one of her great looks.  The final study is "One Last Look," which is very reminiscent of my fashion illustrations.  Most of my fashion drawings were done in ink and were very fluid.

Many of you are purchasing 2002 calendars as we draw close to the end of 2001. Remember, these are limited edition calendars and will not be reprinted.  Also, every one of my calendars has the last four months of the previous year on the first page.  This means you can hang them now and begin enjoying the 13 images.

Look for another update with my Suzi Simpson painting soon!

I just returned from the L.A. Glamourcon show.  The show was my last west coast appearance for the year.  There was a great response to my new Suzi Simpson painting.  I will have the image up on my original page next week.  Suzi will be added to my collection of "Real Models," which will soon have its own showcase page on my website so you can keep track of who I am painting.  I hope to print my entire series soon and make them available as prints.

This year was the first year that I have sold my studies and sketches.  From the positive response at this year's shows, I will continue to bring my collection of sketches to shows next year.  Several sketches can only be seen at the shows as they are not featured on the website.

Currently, I am preparing for my final show of the year in Columbus, Ohio.  This will be the first show that I have attended in the area.  I have many pinup collectors in the eastern U.S., so I hope you can make it out to see me.

For now, back to painting!

Today I added another study of Dita.  I am currently planning to create an original painting of this piece.

I recently learned that my calendar publisher has completely sold out of all the copies of the 2002 Janesko calendar.  This means that I will not be able to obtain any additional copies and will only be able to sell what I currently have in stock.  The 2001 calendar has been sold out for some time now.  Act quickly to ensure that you receive a 2002!  Believe it or not, I am currently making plans for the 2003 calendar!

Janesko mailing list members will receive a special bonus in the mail in a few weeks...just another perk for signing up and being a loyal collector.

The Janesko.com hit counter rolled past 800,000 yesterday.  Thanks to everyone who has visited the site over the past four years.  Please keep coming back as the site is continuously being updated with new information and products.

Don't forget the Vegas show this weekend!

Don' forget - the Las Vegas show has been rescheduled for this Friday and Saturday.  I hope that those of you on the west coast can attend.  Check out the Shows page for more details.

Also, I have just added "Study #133" to the Sketches and Studies section.

Our prayers go out to all who have been affected by today's horrible tragedy.

May God bless America.

Currently, I am preparing for the Las Vegas show on September 14 & 15th.  I hope you can all make it out to the gallery.  If you can't make it out this month, there is another gallery show being planned for Caesar's Forum in November.  Both shows will be showcasing original art.

Mailing list members will be able to enjoy a special bonus very soon.  Watch your mail!

Any pinup collector or fan should make sure Lawrence, Kansas is on their itenerary sometime during the last three months of this year.  At this time, many original Vargas paintings will be on display at the University of Kansas.  The following gives some background and information about the show:

In 1980 Esquire magazine gave a massive archive to the University of Kansas.  Nearly 40,000 photographs, illustrations, paintings, cartoons and original issues of the magazine from 1933 to 1977 comprise the Esquire Collection.  Over the years many of these works have appeared in a range of exhibitions at the Spencer Museum of Art.  But to the public, the most interesting items in the archives are the provocative World War II-era pinups painted by Alberto Vargas, and they have been shown only rarely.

Now 84 of the original watercolors of the Varga girls, as they are known, are exhibited in Alberto Vargas: The Esquire Pinups, September 29 to December 30, in the Kress Gallery of the Spencer Museum of Art.  The exhibited works ran in the magazine from October 1940 through January 1948 and include figures that were replicated on U.S. planes in World War II.  Spencer Senior Curator Steve Goddard will give the Tour du Jour on Vargas October 4, at 12:15.

An early peek at the pinups is available to those who attend the museum's 2nd Annual Benefit Gala, Friday, September 28.  In keeping with the time period of the artwork, the event will capture the '40s era, from cocktails at the Spencer Museum through dancing in the Kansas Union Ballroom to the Jazzhouse Big Band.  Tickets are $100 per person and obtained by contacting Sandra London at 785-864-0141 or sglondon@ku.edu.

I am very pleased to announce that I will be having a gallery show in Las Vegas on September 14th and 15th.  I will be displaying many of my new original paintings, studies and limited edition prints.  All of the details can be found on my Shows page.  I hope to see many of my collectors there.  If you cannot make that show, we are also working on another show in Vegas in November.

I have just returned from the show in Toronto.  I was happy to finally meet some of my Canadian collectors and to bring my art to Canada for the first time.  Toronto was a beautiful city and everyone that I met was very nice.  I hope to be able to return next year.

I had done several sketches for this show that I have just added to the site today.  Three numbered studies, "Study #114," "Study #115" and "Study #116" along with "Take a Chance" are debuting on the site today.

A lot has happened so far this year.  I have been out of town quite bit attending shows.  In between the shows, I was very busy publishing my new limited edition prints and posters.  The 2002 calendar also arrived at about the same time as the new prints and posters.  We worked very hard to get the hundreds of pre-orders shipped out as quickly as possible.

I now have some time to take a deep breath and begin focusing on painting again.  I hope to finalize plans for a gallery show in Las Vegas in mid-September.  After that, I won't be out on the road again until my final two shows of the year in November.  That should give me plenty of time to create several new original paintings.

Two more of the new Limited Edition Prints have arrived in the studio.  The very popular "Year of the Dragon" and "Tropical Tranquility" are now available.  With the arrival of these two prints, nine of the ten new prints are now available.  I expect the final print, "Galaxy," to come in very soon.

All of these new prints can viewed in person at my show this weekend in Toronto.

It was great to meet all my midwest collectors at the Chicago show this past wekend.  As expected, the 2002 calendars I brought to the show sold out quickly.  I am excited that the calendars are finally available.  Many of the original sketches also sold during this show, so I will be adding more to the site very soon.

The Toronto show is just around the corner, and I am preparing to travel to my first show outside of the country.  I am looking forward to meeting everyone and bringing a new aspect to the already popular Canada show.

I also want you all to know about an exciting show that was just added to my schedule. The exhibition will take place on September 14th and 15th at Addi gallery in Las Vegas.  This show will primarily feature originals and limited edition prints.  My pin-up work has always been very well recieved in Las Vegas, so I am excited to have the opportunity to return!  Please make the trip for the show, it is a remarkable showroom for original art.

There are several new original images to view.  The first, "Study #113" is a graphite study. This is a fairy image that is very loose in style.  There is also a brand new study currently up for auction on Ebay.  The bidding for "Study #111" ends Tuesday night, so place your bid now.

In addition to the new sketches, two new original paintings have been created.  Both paintings depict popular models.  The first is of Playmate Echo Johnson.  This is the second painting of Echo and was inspired by a photograph taken by Mark Daughn of Mystique Magazine.  This painting reflects a softer side of this Playboy model.

The second original painting is of a pinup artist's dream....Julie Strain.  I depicted her
on a fur rug wearing sheer black lingerie.  I have painted Julie a couple other times and it is always fun to work with her image.  For more of Julie Strain, go here to view some Julie graphite studies.

Speaking of the 2002 calendar, it has finally been shipped from the printer and will arrive in my studio in about 5 days.  Orders will be filled in the order that they were received.  Thank you to everyone who took time to pre-order your copy.  This was our biggest year for pre-orders yet!

The latest addition to the site can be found on the original sketches page.  "Study #112" is now available for purchase.  This image is graphite with beautiful colored pencil and metallic accents that catch the eye and show off the fact that it is an original.

I have also put another new study up for auction on eBay.  Because a majority of my merchandise is sold on this site, I thought it would be fun to give collectors a chance to obtain an original through the bidding process.  Good luck!

Two more studies, "Sundown" and "Untitled" were added to the site today.

The 2002 calendar should be arriving in the studio within the next two weeks.  So I thought it would be appropriate to give a calendar to the lucky winner of this month's giveaway.  Enter now for your chance to win!

I have added another new study to the site today.  "Study #110" is the latest addition to my Original Studies and Sketches page.

Also, I am pleased to announce that two more new Limited Edition Prints have arrived at the studio.  "Pussycat" and "After Hours" are now available for immediate delivery.  Those of you who pre-ordered these prints should be receiving them very soon.

Everyone on my mailing list should be receiving a flyer which features the latest additions to the Janesko merchandise line.  If you are on the mailing list and did not receive your flyer, you may need to update your address.  To update mailing list information, click here.

The original studies have been very well received by everyone who viewed them at the show and several were sold in California.  Since inventory seems to be shrinking, I am adding 2 new studies to the site this week.  "Study #109 " and "The Art of Seduction" have just been added.

Finally, three of my newest prints just arrived in the studio.  "Enticement," "Sitting Pretty" and "Endangered" are now available for immediate delivery.  We expect "Galaxy" to arrive in about two weeks.

Erotica LA is over and I'm on my way down to San Diego for Comic Con, which opens to the public on Thursday.  Thanks to everyone who dropped by my booth in LA.  Although I do several shows a year in Los Angeles, I met many new people at this show.  As always it was nice to visit with long time collectors, including some who I hadn't met in person yet.

If you're in the area, stop by and see me this weekend at Comic Con.  I will be at the Mayfield Brothers/Great Escape booth with many new originals, sketches and posters.  If you can't make it, I'll be back in California again for Glamourcon in the fall.

The new posters, "Pussycat" and "Sitting Pretty," just arrived at the studio today.  They look amazing!  All poster pre-orders will be shipped out tomorrow.

I will also be taking the posters to both upcoming California shows.  I will be in LA this weekend for Erotica and San Diego the following weekend for Comic Con.  All of the details are posted on my Shows Page.  If you're in the area, come out and see me and all of my new paintings and merchandise.

I am currently preparing for two shows in California.  Both take place in July, which makes for a very busy month.  There will also be a showing of my work in Las Vegas soon, so keep checking this page for more details.

Besides preparing for shows, I have been busy preparing all the new prints that were recently added to the merchandise line.  These prints will be available at the California shows this July.  In case you are not able to make it out to a show, follow the lead of many other collectors and pre-order your print from the website.  We have been receiving an overwhelming response regarding pre-orders on the 2002 calendar as well.  The calendars are expected to ship in August.  Pre-ordering guarantees you a copy, which is important since the 1998, 1999 and 2001 calendars are now sold out.

If you ever have any questions regarding shows or merchandise, remember that you can call us toll free at 877-332-8989.

I am very pleased to announce the addition of many new pieces of merchandise to the Janesko product line.  Based primarily upon the feedback received from you, the collector, in our recent online poll, several new posters and prints will be available within the next month.

There will be two new Posters, "Sitting Pretty" and "Pussycat," the two most popular images according to your votes.  An astounding eight new Limited Edition Prints are being printed now.  These prints will be available in several sizes, with some starting as low as $100.  For the first time, I am also printing some images in two different sizes to fit your wall space or budgetary constraints.

As previously announced, the 2002 calendar should also be out soon.  All of these items have been added to the site and are now available for pre-order.  See all of the new products by visiting the New Merchandise page.

As promised, more studies have been added to the site.  The five new studies are "Your Move," "Tender," "Study #108," "Dita Study #1," and "Julie Boa."  The Dita study is of model Dita von Teese and the Julie Boa study depicts Julie Strain.

It has been some time since I have added any pictures to the Scrapbook.  Check out the Kitty Cat page for a new picture of Pie Pie.

Today I am adding a new sketch to the website, #107.  I have pulled several other images that I will be adding next week, so check back!

The cover designs for the 2002 calendar have finally been unveiled.  You can see and reserve your own copy of the new calendar by visiting the Calendar page.  As a special bonus, all pre-orders received by July 31st will receive your choice of a free Postcard or Greeting Card.  Order yours now!

While you're there, be sure to pick up a 2001 or 2000 calendar.  Very few signed copies of the 2001 calendar remain - unsigned 2001 calendars are completely sold out.  These will soon join the 1998 and 1999 calendars as a sold out edition.

Two more sketches were also added to the site today.  Please take a minute to see the "Take it Like a Man" and Alley Baggett studies.

I have also added two new studies for sale this week.  "Julie Strain" and "Second Thoughts" are not only being added to the site, but you can view them in person at the show in Los Angeles this weekend.

The summer show season is about to kick off.  I will be in LA for Glamourcon on June 2nd and 3rd.  This summer will be one of my busiest show schedules.  In addition to my traditional shows in Chicago, LA and San Diego, I am planning to do shows in several new cities including Columbus and Toronto.

Check the Appearances page for all of my show details.

Today I am adding a study of a painting I created some time ago.  The image is called "Alluring Eyes."  The original has already found a home, but this is a chance to own the sketch that was created prior to the final painting.  I am also adding a new, and yet unpainted, study entitled "Study #106."

I am tentatively planning my first show outside of the United States.  I may be appearing at the Canadian National Comic Book Exposition in Toronto, Ontario Canada.  This show is scheduled for the last weekend in August.  Get all of the details on my Shows page.

In other news, the 2002 calendar is well on its way.  All of the images have been chosen and the final layout is taking place now.  If all goes well, the finished product should arrive at my studio in August.  I hope to have a mock up of the covers to display on the site in a few weeks.  If you don't have a 2001 calendar yet, act quickly as they are very close to being sold out.

Two additions were made today.  First, another new study, "Caress," has been added to the Sketches and Studies page.  Also, I am currently planning to attend the Mid-Ohio-Con in Columbus near the end of the year.  Get all of the details by visiting my Appearances page.

May 1st means that it is time for a new giveaway prize.  I am feeling exceptionally joyful this birthday month, so I am offering something you will not find on this site or anywhere else.  "Forbidding" is an image I created a while ago.  The postcard of this image is no longer available, but I ran across a copy recently.  A unique prize!  Enter for your chance to win.

The image "Pussycat" is available for purchase as a postcard.  We have them in stock and they look great!

Today, I am also adding two new original paintings and five new studies.  The first new original is called "Savor The Moment," a full color painting that was created only last month for a show in Chicago.  The second original added to the site is an image created for the March 2000 issue of Playboy.  This appeared in the "Wired" section of the magazine and we decided call her "Cyber Girl."

As many of you know, I am working on a series of paintings of popular models.  As I work out ideas for finished paintings, I produce a number of sketches in the process.  I will now be posting these for sale on the site.  There will only be one original painting of each model, but the pencil studies are a way for collectors to acquire an original in another form...a pencil sketch.  The first model sketch I am posting is of Playmate Suzi Simpson.  Other original studies added are "Lopez," "Forces of Nature," "Study #104" and "The Choice is Yours."

Enjoy the new images and look for more soon!

Check back with us soon, because I will be adding "Pussycat" to the postcard line next week.  Currently, this is the only form in which this image is available.  I will also be giving you a sneak peak at the 2002 calendar cover...and you never know what else you may see!

There are only 30 2001 calendars left.  I am saving a few for myself, so hurry and get your copy now!

This morning the site recorded visit number 700,000.  We're now receiving about 25,000 hits per month.  I can only hope that that number keeps growing as more and more people discover my art.  This site is here for you, please let me know what you would like to see.

You can see me in person today and tomorrow at the VAMP show in Chicago.  Click here to get the details.

Be sure to check out my latest Playboy illustration in the May 2001 issue.  You can find the illustration of Shawn Colvin in the Music section on page 32.  This year, I am making all of the Playboy illustrations and studies available for purchase online.  They can be found in Original Studies and Original Paintings.

Also, I wanted to ask for your help.  Please help us decide which images to print by taking a minute or two to vote for your favorites.  The last 10 images I printed were derived specifically from your input.  I also consider your requests when printing smaller items like greeting cards and postcards.

Finally, two new studies have been added to the site.  Please take a look at "Cat Tail" and "Shawn Colvin."

Attention Illinois, Wisconsin and Indiana collectors!  I will be appearing in Chicago on April 7th and 8th at the VAMP (Vintage and Modern Pinups) show.  VAMP is a brand new convention from the same people who bring you Glamourcon.  There will be less of an emphasis on the Playmates at these shows.  I know that it is short notice, but I hope that you can all come out and see me and my new pieces.

Speaking of seeing my new pieces, I am implementing a new feature on the site.  I have begun adding deatil photographs of original paintings to the site.  The resolution and size of the pictures on the website will never be able to truly capture the detail of an original painting, but these will help give collectors a better idea.  Look for a text link from the main original page to the detail page.  The following pieces now have this feature active: "All that Glitters," "Fade to Blue," "Galaxy," "Neriah Portrait," "Secret Garden," "Sitting Pretty" and "Year of the Dragon."

I am currently using my pre-show schedule to create new original paintings that you will be able to view at the upcoming shows.  Due to the response to my original studies at the Planet Comicon show, I will also be bringing a portfolio of some of the studies to upcoming conventions.  As usual, it is always refreshing to view the real thing!

The recent Planet Comicon show marked the public debut for my pencil studies and sketches.  The response was overwhelmingly positive.  I have added three new studies to the site.  Please take a minute to view "Flirt Study," "Cocktail Hour Study" and "Study #102."

I have many other studies at my studio that have not yet been put on the site.  If there is a particular piece that you like, please send me an e-mail to check for availability.  These studies allow you to collect a unique Janesko original at a lower cost than an original painting.

Also, catalogs are currently available for purchase and they come with a certificate to take $5 off your first order.  Right now I am beginning the initial stages of laying out a brand new catalog, which will contain new products such as the 2002 calendar and new prints.

More new Originals just added!  "Sitting Pretty" is a brand new painting.  Additionally, two pencil sketches have been added.  "Cybergirl" is the sketch I did for Playboy for a piece that ultimately appeared in the March 2000 issue.  "Graphite Study #100" is a sketch that has not been painted (at least not yet).

I was at the printers today for the final proofing of the catalog reprints.  They will be delivered to my studio on Monday and will be sent out to those who are waiting for them immediately.

The recent Playboy publicity has created an extreme demand for Janesko catalogs.  As a result, our catalog supply has been completely depleted.  We were expecting to have already received a new supply of catalogs by now.

Unfortunately, the printing of new catalogs has been delayed somewhat because my former printer has declined to print new catalogs because of concerns that its other customers might find my work offensive.

However, I am very happy to announce that I have already found a new printer and the new catalogs should be available very soon.  Those of you who have ordered catalogs will be receiving your catalogs hot off the press.  I apologize for the delay.

Have you ever wanted to acquire a Janesko original at a smaller price?  Or perhaps you were looking for something that might fit on a smaller wall space.

After numerous requests, I have finally decided to make some of my studies available to Janesko collectors.  I will be adding them to the site slowly.  If you own an original painting, feel free to e-mail Janesko Fine Art to inquire about a study that may have been created of your original painting.  Although my original paintings usually turn out very close to the sketch, the sketch may have some differences.  I will also be adding pencil sketches that I have created that may not have developed into an original painting.

This year, I thought it might be time to add another type of collectible to my line.  I am happy to add an item that has been requested so often.  I think it is more important that you enjoy them, instead of being stashed away in my studio.

Click here to view the new studies for sale.

In other news, I will be adding four new limited edition prints in a few weeks. Stay tuned!

Attention midwesterners! I have just added a new show to my show schedule.

I will be attending Planet Comicon in Kansas City at the end of March.  I am excited to attend a show in my home town.  Check out the Shows page for all of the details.

Needless to say, the website and order line has been very busy this month.  Due to the overwhelming demand, we are stating to run low on catalogs.  More catalogs will be printed, so please be patient.  In the meantime, ordering on the site is still the quickest and easiest way to receive your merchandise.

Plans are coming together for this year's shows, check out the listings here. With fewer shows being planned this year, each one will be important.  You will always be able to see something new at my shows, before it is presented on the site.  With less show events and more time to paint, be sure to check out my original web page.  We hope the new layout will make viewing the paintings more informative.

In 1997, I launched my first website on AOL.  Several years and a domain name later, I continue to be amazed at how exciting and tremendous this tool has been in regards to my art business.  Collectors all over the world can view my art at any time, from anyplace. Janesko.com has literally become a "gallery" without walls.

With the Internet expanding my business so rapidly, it certainly makes sense that we continue to provide you with a site that is not only fresh, but easy to use.  I have designed my new site in a style that I personally would like to use.  Special thanks goes out to Rob, who sacrificed time and sleep to complete the new site by the New Year.  No doubt, he will be doing quite a bit of updating, 2001 will be pretty eventful!

I hope Janesko Fine Art continues to be one of your favorite sites, enjoy!