1975 Art Appraisal

Somber Clown Portrait (Vernon Hogg, 1975)

This is a framed, mixed-media, folk art-style painting featuring a portrait of a somber clown or character. The dimensions of the visible artwork appear to be approximately a square, probably around 16x16 or 20x20 inches, based on the frame's apparent size. The primary medium appears to be watercolor, crayon, or perhaps a thin acrylic or tempera paint on a fibrous paper or board, given the slightly textured appearance. The color palette is dominated by dark teal/blue for the background, muted skin tones for the figure, and vibrant accents of red for the nose, yellow for the collar/tie, and touches of green under the chin. The character's face is angular and expressive, with deep-set, melancholic eyes, strong cheekbones, and prominent, almost etched lines on the forehead and around the eyes, suggesting a sense of weariness or age. The red, bulbous nose is a classic clown trope, contrasting sharply with the pallid face. The figure wears an open-collared shirt with a yellow, possibly polka-dotted tie or cravat. The craftsmanship is expressive and somewhat naive, typical of folk art, with visible brushstrokes and perhaps crayon lines defining features. There’s a visible signature in the lower left quadrant of the painting, 'Vernon Hogg '75', indicating the artist and the year of creation, suggesting a 1970s origin. The painting is housed in a simple, possibly wooden frame with a light-colored, natural textile mat, likely linen or burlap, which adds to its rustic, unpretentious charm. The mat shows some slight discoloration or dust accumulation, and the glass covering the artwork reflects some glare, but the painting itself appears to be in good condition with no obvious tears, significant pigment loss, or water damage, maintaining its original vibrancy and character. The overall aesthetic points to an outsider or folk art influence, focusing on emotional depth rather than strict anatomical accuracy.