Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Send Out the Clowns!

#247 - Draw Something Creepy

Maybe I'm perverse, but I just never found them cute, or the least bit entertaining. In fact, they sort of creeped me out. An adult, decked out in Kabuki face paint with grotesquely exaggerated expressions, communicating only in mime, perhaps punctuated with blasts from an 'aruuugah-horn,' and this is supposed to represent happiness? Joy? It simply didn't work for me when I was a child, still doesn't. My stereotype is more Stephen King's Pennywise than Bozo or Clarabelle!
I thought I was alone in this opinion until I met my future husband, and he told me his clown story. When he was 7 or 8 the circus came to town. The neighborhood boys were told that if they helped with setting up the tents, they would be given free tickets to the show. For a whole day they hauled lines, hoisted bales and ran errands. But then, when all was finished, the tired, hopeful little boys outnumbered the proffered tickets and those not quick or big enough to push to the front of the line were sent home, crushed and empty handed. He was part of this group.

At showtime he bravely marched back and told the ticketbooth lady what had happened, politely requesting admission in the name of fairness. She refused. He slipped away to the side of the tent, found a gap near the ground and rolled himself into the Big Top. Unfortunately he tumbled right on to a giant floppy shoe. A clown -- one not the least jolly -- roughly grabbed him by the shoulders and marched him out the back entrance, threatening police intervention and peppering him with foul language all the while.

"I hate clowns!" my husband says. And he means it. We are reasonable people, somewhat sociable; we've both been described as having a good sense of humor. But we share one dark secret -- we discriminate against clowns.
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18 comments:

kazumiwannabe said...

He's very scary! I've always been quite afraid of them, personally. Great creepy drawing! Awesome drawing of your cat, (in the post below) too!

Ellen Burkett said...

Hmmm...I kind of like them but what do I know? I've know a few people who hate them too, so maybe you have a point.

Good painting though! Excellent job!

Gary said...

This is a really nice drawing. I know people who are creeped out by dolls.

shirley said...

Beautifully drawn - the hair is amazing! I know of a pediatric cancer patient who keeps a sign on her hospital door forbidding entry to clowns - who are always sent around to cheer up the kids.

Unknown said...

I'm with you on this one!! I've hated clowns since I was a child. Lying in bed, in the dark, I would "clearly" see the shadows move, and my dolls. One was a clown. I got rid of the dolls after that!

Then, of course, after reading Stephen King...well, I don't like clowns at all! Except this one, which is very well done!

Sharon P Pope said...

Wonderful rendering of the clown. I'm not a fan of clowns either. Don't know why. I just don't particularly like them, but I like your drawing. Love the colors and his expression. :)

Alex said...

>.< Despite the fantastic art work, I too hate clowns, and thanks to IT.. Stephen King's production that is.
Nevertheless, I really admire the colors and the shadings in this drawing... clown or not clown, it's a beautiful one!

Aurileide Alves said...

Yes, I agree with you. Clowns are really creepy subjects. Can´t understand why some people still think they are fun!

Lesley Purcell said...

Yep, I'm another clown hater! Very cool drawing though! I get so creeped out by clown imagery I don't think I could complete a picture of one!

donna said...

I don't hate them, but they are very scary. Great painting!

Alex said...

I just want to thank you for your kind comments on my last drawing ^^ it's very sweet

Victoria Robison said...

Thanks so much for visiting my blog and the kind comments. I have often visited your blog (I start to leave a comment and then think wow that just isnt what I wanted to express) and I really enjoy what I see. Thanks again!

Victoria Robison said...

Thanks so much for visiting my blog and the kind comments. Love the clown!

Sandra said...

You overcame your dislike of clowns and presented a terrific drawing. What talent. Personally, I'm stunned that there are so many hating clowns. My understanding has widened.

Isla said...

Love the way you capture texture especially in this and the rooster drawing

Anonymous said...

I have loathed clowns and the circus since I was 5 yrs old. Hated the way the animals were treated and found the clowns very creepy. I don't know what it is, just the grotesque features and something sinister hidden behind the mask. When I found out John Wayne Gacey, the serial killer, was a clown, that cinched it.
Jesse

Unknown said...

I have been enjoying looking at your blog, you are very talented. I just had to laugh at this post though, as long as I can remember my son doesn't like clowns, he was terrified of them at a very early age! Lovely rendition nevertheless :)

magpie said...

i SO agree.
creeeepy