Frank Skelton (American, 20th Century) Oil on Canvas Portrait of a Gentleman. Signed lower right and dated '71. 

Depicts a man with a striking expression wearing a red polo shirt, against a neutral semi-finished backdrop. Likely a self-portrait. 

Condition: Brown spots throughout. 

Overall Size: 31 x 37 in. 

Sight Size: 29 3/4 x 35 3/4 in. 

Frame Thickness: 1 1/2 in. 

Hugh Frank Skelton was born in Birmingham, Alabama on November 23rd, 1940. As a youth he was drawn to the arts and entertainment, and frequently acted with the Little Theater Company in Montgomery as well as designing sets and costumes. He attended the Art School of the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, graduating in 1962 with a focus in graphic design. He moved to Atlanta to work in the Advertising Department of Rich’s Department Store, and was responsible for updating several of their holiday traditions during their period of biggest expansion, including the Pink Pig Flyers. In 1963 he began freelancing for Regenstein’s Fashion Store, rapidly becoming their Art Director and Assistant to the President until 1978 when the store was closed after being sold to Jack Melton. He began to dedicate himself more and more to his personal art, painting and drawing local models and experimenting with abstract forms as well as traditional styles. In the early 80s he met Chuck Gogolin, who became his partner and encouraged him to pursue his art full-time. He achieved international fame with his graphic “The Da Vinci Bear” and worked as a designer for Ramm Styles to supplement their income, but began to succumb to the effects of HIV, passing away at the age of 49 on March 31st, 1990 after an extended illness. Most of his original pieces are in private collections, and Gogolin continues to promote and celebrate the work of his former partner to this day.

Brown spots throughout.