Artist James Earley Appraisal

James Earley Original Oil Painting 'Helter Skelter: The True Story of the Clown and the Psychopath'

This is an original oil painting by contemporary artist James Earley, measuring approximately 24 x 34 inches. The artwork is a complex, satirical piece of political pop art and social commentary. It features a central portrait that merges the likenesses of Donald Trump and a clown, depicted with a vertical scar running down the center of the face. The figure wears a dark blue suit with multicolored polka dots, a white dress shirt, and a blue tie with colorful dots. A small, decorative bowler hat with a rainbow band and a sunflower sits atop the figure's head. The figure is holding a US dollar bill in its mouth and has one finger pointed upward. The background consists of vibrant, concentric rainbow bands in pink, yellow, and green. The top of the canvas features the title 'HELTER SKELTER' in large capital letters, with the word 'SKELTER' oriented vertically. Below the portrait, text reads 'THE TRUE STORY OF THE CLOWN AND THE PSYCOPATH' (notably with a missing 'h' in psychopath) and 'first edition' in a stylized script. A white elephant silhouette is visible in the bottom right corner. The painting demonstrates high technical skill, particularly in the realistic rendering of skin textures and facial details contrasted against graphic, flat-color backgrounds. The condition appears excellent with vibrant colors and no visible surface damage, indicating a modern contemporary piece likely created within the last decade.