Celebrating Eve

Eve Villa Neuhart, SX70 Polaroid, early 2000’s.

Eve Villa Neuhart is my stepdaughter. It is her birthday today and so wanted to celebrate her as an art spirit that inspired and helped me with many of my artworks as a model.

When I needed reference for specific illustrations, I would ask someone to pose for me. Generally, the search would be for a person who I felt reflected the spirit of the art to be produced , but who I also had easy access to. Hence, many times family, friends, or someone who lived close by fit the need.

Eve was usually up for acting the part and was transformed into many characters along the way. Thank you Eve… and Happy Birthday!

Eve posed for many illustrations over the years. It is fun seeing her grow up through some of these photos and artworks.

You can see Eve’s influence in this poster. I made her look a little older from the earlier reference. The pictures are always a starting point for the art and generally change as the image evolves.

As Tanisa in, “The Eyes of the Unicorn” children’s book.

Tanisa slumbers while a magical visitor arrives… “The Eyes of the Unicorn” children’s book, written by Teresa Bateman, published by Holiday House.

Love this photo. This was taken as an inspiration or the Chester College poster.

The final Chester College art has a different feel over the photo reference, it is less earthy, but this is where the illustration evolved to.

Another poster for Laguna College of Art and Design. Eve was pushed into a more fantastical image here but you can still feel her presence.

There are moments when several friends/models come together and create a synergy. This image for Roxana Illuminated Perfume.

Eve, au naturale! Eve is now an actress in theater, film and commercials. See some of her work here.