Meet Clown Painter Robert Owen

Meet Robert Owen, the whimsical yet remarkable artist widely known as the 'Clown Painter'. Born in 1905 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Owen was an American artist who carved a unique niche for himself in the world of art, particularly in the realm of portraiture. His unconventional style, marked by a vivid use of color and depicts his subjects as clowns, has earned him both admiration and intrigue.

Owen's painted portraits are not mere caricatures or satirical representations. Instead, they offer a striking blend of familiar features and quirky, exaggerated exaggerations that twist the subject's image into a whimsical, clownlike figure. This style, while unusual, reveals a deeper insight into Owen's art philosophy- a belief in the joy and laughter that underlies our everyday faces.

Early Life and Artistic Influences

As a young man, Owen traveled through Europe in the 1920s, where he encountered many circus performers and found inspiration for his unique artistic style. It was during this time he started using the term 'clown' to define the subject of his portraits, initially to shock and challenge societal norms.

Owen's artistic journey was also influenced by his time working as an usher at Philadelphia's Metropolitan Opera House. Here, he met many celebrities and politicians, and began painting them in his distinctive style, capturing not just their likeness, but also their spirit and personality. His artworks, whether of prominent figures or common folks, embody a sense of joy and playfulness that transcends societal boundaries.

Hollywood and the Clown Portraits

With the advent of Hollywood's golden age, Owen found himself painting many of its leading personalities. He created a series of famous clown portraits, including Bette Davis, Humphrey Bogart, Clark Gable, and Cary Grant. Each painting, while capturing the subject's essence, transformed them into a clown, embodying a mix of familiarity and surprise.

These works reappeared in the limelight in 2007 when they were exhibited at the National Portrait Gallery. The exhibition, titled 'The Clown Prince of Art', showcased Owen's unique contribution to American portraiture and his impact on popular culture. The exhibition was a testament to the enduring appeal of Owen's artistic vision.

Teaching and Legacy

Throughout his life, Owen believed in sharing his artistic knowledge. He taught classes and workshops at places like the Fleisher Art Memorial in Philadelphia. His students, many of whom became professional artists themselves, carried on his legacy of encouraging creativity and individual expression.

Today, Owen's clown portraits continue to captivate audiences. They feature in many prominent art collections, including the National Portrait Gallery, and fetch high bids at auctions. His unique style, as distinct as it was, shaped art history, proving that creativity comes in myriad forms.

Behind the Laughter

Owen's clown portraits, despite their joyful appearance, hid a deeply personal symbolism. After his first wife's death, Owen struggled with depression, reflecting the human condition's darker aspects in his art. The laughter in his paintings, therefore, was more than just a facade; it was a defiance, a celebration of life amidst sorrow. It was a message that transcended the subjects' public personas, revealing Owen's universal human insight.

This facet of his art also highlights Owen's ability to connect with his subjects on a personal level. He didn't just paint their faces; he painted their souls, distorted but authentic, celebrating both their publicly recognized roles and their private, human essence. This duality, owe so much to Owen's professionalism, is what sets his work apart.

In the vibrant, colorful world of Robert Owen, every painting carries a story, a laughter, and a profound insight. The 'Clown Painter' wasn't merely an artist; he was a storyteller, a societal observer, a dreamer, a conjurer. His unique style, forever etched in the annals of art history, continues to inspire artists and admirers alike. So, whether you find joy or curiosity in Robert Owen's clown portraits, you're stepping into a world that, as the artist himself would want, 'refuses to take itself too seriously'.