Joan's Clown
Product Description:
“Joan’s Clown” is an original, unique, one-of-a-kind prismatic oil pencil drawing on linen signed and dated 1978 by the internationally recognized artist, actor, philanthropist and humanitarian, Red Skelton. The work of art measures approximately 14.5” x 12” and is magnificently framed to an approximate measurement of 24” x 21” using fine museum materials. This unique work of art was created on or about the time the artist was performing at the Ohio State Fair, and the subject matter of this original was inspired by a young lady with whom Red had become friends. Frequently Red would take a “polaroid” photo of an individual and later place that individual in clown make up which was the inspiration Mr. Skelton used for this extraordinary portrait. “Joan’s Clown” is very unique as few drawings can be specifically related to the individuals whose portrait was used by the artist to create the actual work of art.
Below is a personal note from the owner and the subject matter of the portrait Mr. Skelton created for her.
I met Red Skelton in the summer of 1978, I was 13 and just moved from Georgia to Ohio. My older sisters and some neighborhood kids had heard that Mac Davis was in town and staying at the Roadway Inn on Busch Blvd. A bunch of us kids rode our bikes up to the hotel in hopes of meeting him. Mac Davis came into the lobby, and we met him. He was completely plastered! extremely drunk., I have a photo he took of himself when he grabbed my camera and took a selfie! Then he just left.
We were so disappointed! immediately Red, who had watched this unfold, came over to us and began to talk with us! I knew he was someone famous because I recognized his face but, didn't know who he was? He began to talk and tell jokes and entertained us right there!! we all couldn't stop laughing!! he was amazing!! one joke after another but, yet he was talking to us! I had never met such a person in my life!
He was magical! He invited us all back at 4 to go to the Ohio State Fair with him and see his show! when we told our parents they didn't believe us. At 4 pm myself, my sister, brother, and I went with him to the Fair!! We sat in the front row next to then Governor Rhodes. It was an evening I will never forget! A few years later when going to meet him at the Hyatt for dinner before his show, they would not let me up to see him because my name was Joan Crawford, They thought I was joking so I had to wait in the Lobby for him. When he came down and asked what happened I explained, He said, from now on just tell them you're my granddaughter and from that point on I was introduced to people when they asked.
He was so kind to everyone he met! I watched with amazement how he interacted with people, and he was no different from who he was on stage! It was magical to watch him! Over the years every time he would come to Columbus to perform at the Ohio State Fair or at the Ohio theater, I would go to see him, and he always made time for me but, it wasn't just me, it was that way with everyone he met! He made you feel like you were the only person in the room when he talked to you. It was humbling to be around him because of his kindness and gentle nature. I was privileged and honored to know him.
When Red gifted me with the work of art I now am selling, it was one of the best days of my life. Red was incredibly generous and thoughtful. He became my lifelong friend.
Seller:
Joan M Rainier
Asking Price: Please call or email for pricing information
Condition: Excellent
Certificate of Authenticity: Yes
Email: joanmrainier@gmail.com
Phone: (614) 561-7498
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