What Is the Value of a Red Skelton Painting?

The value of a Red Skelton painting can vary depending on the subject and the demand. Typically, canvas transfers of limited edition paintings run from approximately $2,500 to $8,000 or more, with the average price hovering around $3,000. A canvas transfer painting of Skelton’s popular painting “Clown’s Clown,” hand signed and numbered, is available for approximately $5,000, as of 2014.

Red Skeleton’s artwork primarily features clowns and is based on the characters he created in his comedy routines, such as “Clem Kadiddlehopper” and “Freddie the Freeloader.” Because the performer often had a demanding schedule, he sanctioned the recreation of his artwork in limited-edition prints. If a recreation met with his standards, he showed his approval by hand signing the print, whether it was a canvas transfer or a lithography. Skelton’s own father, Joseph, was a circus clown. He died in 1913 shortly after Skelton was born.

A canvas transfer is facilitated by using old-world printing methods and new materials. The canvas’ surface, which has a repeating grain, is reproduced, duplicating the same consistency as the original piece of art. Using 3D technology, the printer is able to reproduce the light and shadings visible in original artwork. Utilizing this technique ensures the colors in a painting stay vibrant and do not fade.