Old Art Appraisal

The Old Man and the Sea Painting by Red Skelton

This is an original oil painting on canvas by Red Skelton, depicting his well-known character 'The Old Man and the Sea'. The painting features a caricature-style portrait of an elderly man with pale skin, rosy cheeks, a prominent nose, and white wispy hair around his ears, set against a bright blue sky. He wears dark-rimmed glasses and a multi-colored, harlequin-patterned tam o' shanter hat in shades of red, green, blue, and yellow. A thick, textured yellow scarf wraps around his neck, and he is seen with a dark blue or black coat. A lit cigar is held in his mouth, with a subtle smirk on his face. The background includes undulating green and brown hills, and three hot air balloons of varying sizes and colors (yellow-orange, purple with white diamonds, and solid red) float in the sky. The brushwork appears deliberate, showcasing Skelton's distinctive amateur but charming artistic style. The colors are vibrant and well-preserved. There are no obvious signs of significant damage like cracks or flaking paint, suggesting good preservation. The canvas texture is visible, indicating it's not a print. The painting is framed in a multi-layered frame consisting of an inner golden-toned fillet, a light-colored, possibly off-white or beige, wider matte section, and an outer golden-toned frame. A brass-colored plaque is mounted on the bottom center of the frame, likely detailing the title or artist. The visible signature 'Red Skelton' is present on the left side of the painting, enhancing its authenticity and value. The overall quality reflects a folk art or outsider art approach, characteristic of celebrity artwork from the mid-to-late 20th century.