With a career spanning more than 30 years, Olivia de Berardinis is the undisputed high priestess of Pinup and Erotic Art.

Initially inspired by her playful, flirtatious mother, Olivia would spend hours drawing her in various guises; sleeping or dancing around the house. “She was a disgruntled glamour-puss, and would entertain me with terrible imitations of Mae West, Garbo, Dietrich, Hepburn and Zsa Zsa Gabor.”

In 1967 Olivia moved to New York to attend the School of Visual Arts. Surviving while pursuing her ‘fine art’ goals proved to be very difficult and she quickly realised that a consistent art job would be needed. Skilled at portraying women, she decided to pursue work as an illustrator for sex magazines, historically a male-dominated profession. At the time she considered it to be a temporary endeavour, however she quickly reigned supreme.

An original Olivia painting now graces the pages of each issue of Playboy magazine. Hugh Hefner, who she considers responsible for influencing the sexual attitudes of the last 50 years, is now her muse. “His empire was spurred on by images from his youth from the likes of Enoch Boles, George Petty and Alberto Vargas. I’m trying to recreate the spark that lit his fire and keep my sensibilities as a woman.”

“There are certain things I’m still reaching for. I am always trying to simplify the image, to make it look effortless, to make the woman powerful, sexy, and dignified. I have to struggle with all of these elements to make a really successful painting. It is a deceptively simple looking art; the more you know of the surrealism that is needed to make pinup work, the more you respect its craft. Every once in a while a work of art will come from the back of my brain, all worked out, and happen, without me having to beat it to death. I guess that feeling – that kind of power – is the opiate that I am always seeking.”