Send in the Clowns

This is drawing on linen is by famed actor and comedian Richard Red Skelton (July 18, 1913 – September 17, 1997). Skelton began performing at the age of 10 in a traveling medicine show and over an entertainment career of some 70 years, Skelton was featured on stage, screen, and radio. He is probably best known for his variety television show, The Red Skelton Show, which premiered in 1951. The following year Skelton introduced one of his most beloved and recognized characters, "Freddie the Freeloader," an easy-going and gentle hobo clown. In the 1940s, Skelton had begun sketching and painting clowns as a hobby, but it did not publicly exhibit his artwork until 1964, when his wife persuaded him to display his art at the Las Vegas Sands Hotel, where he was performing. The exhibit was a success and Skelton began selling his original works, as well as prints and lithographs. 

However, this is no mere print, but an original one-of-a-kind artwork by Skelton. It is also beautifully framed.

The sketch is signed by Skelton and dated 1982.

As an added bonus there is a signed personal note from Skelton on the back with a small drawing of another clown.

It is said that Skelton loved clowns because he felt that they brought needed joy and laughter into the world. This charming and cheerful original artwork certainly should bring joy to its next lucky owner.

All posted items are for sale, but things can sell quickly!

15396-52

Authentic Alvar

This lusciously-colored lithograph is by Spanish artist Sunol Alvar, considered one of the last living Modernists. Alvar is a master of many artistic mediums, including painting, lithography, and sculpture. 

Born in 1935 in a Catalan fishing village on the outskirts of Barcelona, Spain, he attended the Sant Jordi Art School in Barcelona at age 16.  Two years later, Alvar was awarded a summer scholarship that allowed him to travel and paint throughout Spain. He returned home to compete in the Young Painter’s Prize sponsored by the City of Barcelona.  His painting won the Grand Prize and was acquired by the Museum of Modern Art in Barcelona for its permanent collection.

Beginning in 1957, Alvar began to exhibit his works with great acclaim and success. After winning the Grand Prize in the annual painting competition at the French Institute of Barcelona, Alvar traveled to Paris in 1959 to study and paint. He briefly returned to Barcelona in 1960 to marry his childhood sweetheart, but couple then moved back to Paris. Alvar produced his first lithographs in 1963 and would focus on this medium through 1990. In 1970, he and his family moved back to Spain. At the age of 70, Alvar returned to painting.  He has been commissioned to design a number of public art installations, including a mural in a suburb of Barcelona and a sculpture of cellist Pablo Casals in Paris. Alvar has been exhibited throughout the world and his works are in the collections of over 40 museums.   

The lithograph is both signed and numbered.

All posted items are for sale at Next-to-New, but things can sell quickly!

4061-518

Purple Majesty

This majestic set of mid-century modern pottery is a very rare example of "Purple Raisin" dinnerware by Vernon Kilns. The California company created this ultra-modern shape known as "San Marino" in the early 1950s, with sleek futuristic curves. A deep eggplant background contrasts with a rich purple drip glaze. This pattern was introduced in 1950 and was also available in brown, yellow and green. It  was only produced for three years and afterwards was available only by special order, Vernon Kilns ceased operation in 1958. We have many unusual and scare dinner and serving pieces in this striking stoneware set. The luxurious color and retro design will enhance any table.

 All posted items are for sale at Next-to-New, but things can sell quickly!

Aloha from Hawaii

This limited edition serigraph is as large as it is lovely (the image alone is image size 33 inches by 40 inches). By Pegge Hopper, it is entitled "Lanikai Afternoon"and was issued in a limited edition of 300 in 1984. Unfortunately, these photographs do not do justice to Hopper's vibrant colors, assured lines, or compelling subject. 

Although Hopper was born in Oakland, California in 1936, she is best known for her distinctive studies of beautiful and strong Hawaiian women. Hopper graduated from the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, California. Before moving to Hawaii in 1963, Hopper designed murals and posters in the United States and Europe. While working as an art director in Hawaii, she came across vintage photographs of Hawaiian women at the state archives. Hopper was impressed by how confident and self-actualized the women were, "not trying to be beautiful, not trying to be skinny, not trying to look any way. Just there, in all their glory.” In 1970, Hopper began to create her own images of Hawaiian women and in 1983 opened her own gallery. She has done many one-women shows both in Hawaii and the continental United States and her art is featured in the permanent collections of the Hawaii State Foundation on Culture and the Arts, The Contemporary Arts Center in Hawaii, the Bishop Museum in Honolulu, the Honolulu International Airport, and the Pacific Club, as well as in many private collections

This print is numbered in pencil "104/300" and is signed by Hopper.

All posted items are for sale at Next-to-New, but things can sell quickly!

4061-525