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I have been painting for more than 40 years, and have done everything from landscapes, to portraits to historic scenes. Around a decade ago, I discovered the works of the old time sideshow banner painters; Johnson, Neiman, Wyatt, Sigler and others. I was hooked. Since then I have progressively been concentrating my work in this area, and am now painting sideshow style banners and art almost full time.
I do not copy originals, but rather reinterpret classic themes. I use the elements, colors, and styles of the old timers, while making the pieces my own and recognizable style. My work ranges from small home and office sizes to full size 10 foot wide banners.
I have collected hundreds of images of original banners, and have studied the history, work and details of the old timers. I occasionally assist people in the identification and approximate dating of original banners. Many have been mis-attributed by collectors and even book publishers. This historic interest helps inform and enrich my painting.
My customers include numerous collectors, individual performers such as Mee Zee and Wendy Blades, The Devil with a Torch, Throwdini and more; established operations like World of Wonders, Hellzapoppin Circus Sideshow Revue and the Uranus Sideshow Museum.
I invite you to browse my work and visit occasionally to see what is new.
--Killbuck
I have been painting for more than 40 years, and have done everything from landscapes, to portraits to historic scenes. Around a decade ago, I discovered the works of the old time sideshow banner painters; Johnson, Neiman, Wyatt, Sigler and others. I was hooked. Since then I have progressively been concentrating my work in this area, and am now painting sideshow style banners and art almost full time.
I do not copy originals, but rather reinterpret classic themes. I use the elements, colors, and styles of the old timers, while making the pieces my own and recognizable style. My work ranges from small home and office sizes to full size 10 foot wide banners.
I have collected hundreds of images of original banners, and have studied the history, work and details of the old timers. I occasionally assist people in the identification and approximate dating of original banners. Many have been mis-attributed by collectors and even book publishers. This historic interest helps inform and enrich my painting.
My customers include numerous collectors, individual performers such as Mee Zee and Wendy Blades, The Devil with a Torch, Throwdini and more; established operations like World of Wonders, Hellzapoppin Circus Sideshow Revue and the Uranus Sideshow Museum.
I invite you to browse my work and visit occasionally to see what is new.
--Killbuck
How much does a banner cost? If you are interested in ordering a banner, the price will depend on two factors- the size and the level of complexity. The more complex the subject matter the more time the banner will take to complete.
The following is a general range of prices for popular sizes for banners of
average complexity.
2.5 ft wide by 4 ft high 300 to 350
4 ft wide by 5 foot high, 400 to 600
5 ft wide by 6 ft high, 6 ft by 6 ft 600 to 800
8 by 8 and 8 x 10 ft 1,000 "ish"
I can easily manage 8 x 10 ft “show standard” size and can accommodate larger
sizes (up to 12 ft high) with special arrangement contact the artist for more information.
How long does the banner take to finish? I finish most 5 x 6 foot banners in two to four days of actual painting time. I sew my own canvases, so that time must be factored in. Unless I have an ongoing project, I can complete a banner and have it sent out in an average of 10 days after the design is agreed to and the deposit had been paid.
You cannot get better quality work for the money! All my banners are hand painted on traditionally sewn and mounted canvas, or vinyl as preferred. Iron rings or grommets installed, ready to "fly".
***See bottom of page for options, terms and shipping information on hand painted banners.***
FEATURE
World of Wonders
May 8, 2019: My first banners painted for the World of Wonders show, fly for the first time. These are on canvas, each 8 x 8 feet.
The bannerline I painted for World of Wonders.
The bannerline I painted for World of Wonders.
The bannerline I painted for World of Wonders.
At left- A digital print on Vinyl- 4 ft wide by 5 ft high.
Print to Vinyl Option- an economical alternative to hand painting
I can now offer to print my banner designs through digital painting. This means I create the banner using a graphics painting program, complete, then have the design printed on vinyl (with hemmed edges and grommeted corners) and shipped to you from the printer. Because this is a faster process for me, I charge a minimum 150.00 a day for design, formatting and add the cost of printing and shipping. Average examples: 75.00 for the printing of a 2.5 ft x 4 ft with domestic shipping- for an estimated 225.00. Printing for a 5 ft x 6 ft banner approx 125.00 plus 150.00 image set up for a total of 275.00, which is a considerable savings compared to hand painting- especially for performers on a tight budget Because it is vinyl, there'd be no stretch. Please contact me for additional information and exceptions.
Print to Vinyl Option- an economical alternative to hand painting
I can now offer to print my banner designs through digital painting. This means I create the banner using a graphics painting program, complete, then have the design printed on vinyl (with hemmed edges and grommeted corners) and shipped to you from the printer. Because this is a faster process for me, I charge a minimum 150.00 a day for design, formatting and add the cost of printing and shipping. Average examples: 75.00 for the printing of a 2.5 ft x 4 ft with domestic shipping- for an estimated 225.00. Printing for a 5 ft x 6 ft banner approx 125.00 plus 150.00 image set up for a total of 275.00, which is a considerable savings compared to hand painting- especially for performers on a tight budget Because it is vinyl, there'd be no stretch. Please contact me for additional information and exceptions.
An example of a recent full-digital produced banner. This example was printed on vinyl at 3 ft wide x 5 ft high.
8 x 10 foot Stage Background Design- digital. For Magician Isaiah Foster, 2020.
digitally produce sign for Circus Shuvano- Australia
Now Offering Prints!
I've been getting requests for prints of my banners, and am now making them them available. All current prints are 11 x 17 inches and signed. $20.00 ea. or 6 for the price of 5! Frog Boy, Clothed in Snakes ,Tattooed Mermaid, Professor Blammo, Human Blockhead and Head of Medusa.
Contact the artist
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Hand Painted Original Banners
Banners are available for sale unless noted as SOLD or as Commission.
Contact the artist for prices and to inquire about custom commissions.
Contact the artist for prices and to inquire about custom commissions.
COPYRIGHT NOTICE
The following images are copyright of the artist, and may not be reproduced for print or any commercial purpose without the expressed written permission of the artist.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
The following images are copyright of the artist, and may not be reproduced for print or any commercial purpose without the expressed written permission of the artist.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
A set of 16 painted banners for the Metal Band WASP for thier world tour, 2022-2023.
Commission
Commission
Commission
Commission
A pair of 11 ft x 8 ft banners for World of Wonders.
Commission
Commission
Commission for the Dark Parlour, York PA.
Commission for a customer in France.
Commission
Commission
Commission
Commission
Commission for a private museum.
A small one- 11 x 14 in on canvas
Commission
Commission
Commission
8 x 10 foot hand painted backdrop in 3 sections. Commission for Prof. DeWitt. 2020
Archway entrance-hand painted on canvas. Commission for Prof. DeWitt. 2020.
Vinyl prints available
Commission from a customer in France.
Commission for a Coney Island performer.
Commission
Commission
Commission
Commission for World of Wonders
Commission for World of Wonders, 2019
Commission for World of Wonders
Commission for World of Wonders
Commission for World of Wonders
Commission
Commission
Commission
Commission
Recent commission fro the Uranus Sideshow Museum, Missouri. More to come.
Commission
Completed April 30 2017- this was a commission, based on old litho print circus posters.
Commission- ordered as a gift for a retiring lawyer nicknamed "Gator". A wonderful idea.
Commission
Commission
I did this banner as a 5 year anniversary piece for our Burning man theme camp-"SIDESHOW".
Exhibits, gaffs and props
Banner line and frontage I painted for "Sideshow" a Burning Man Theme camp
My friends Scott and Simmer being the first faces to try out the Adam and Eve Peek Through banner. At "The Generator" art space.
Sold
A Garden Wagon Wheel, re-created into a circus wagon wheel. Pair. 3 foot diameter each.
A sampling of other Paintings and Painting Styles
Interested in a banner?
I'd be delighted to discuss a custom banner for you. Please look over the options, terms and other information below. I prefer the customer to be as specific as possible for the desired results. I may request photos to assist in design.
I generally can do banners on a fast turn around, however I may have to schedule work, or have other projects in progress. Please provide a desired delivery date and I'll do my best to accommodate that.
Estimates, Terms, Payment and Shipping.
A sketch will be sent to the customer to approve the design, text and specifics.
An estimate will be provided based on the size and complexity of the banner.
Please note that banners that include a portrait- a specific likeness of an individual
may be more time consuming to produce and may influence the estimate.
Estimates are subject to change if the customer requests sigificant changes affecting
the size of complexity or after painting has commenced.
Terms: Upon approval of the sketch, a 50% deposit of the quote is
due before painting begins. The balance is due at shipping, which will include
insurance.
Option- if paid in full in advance, the artist will cover domestic delivery (US) shipping
and insurance. .
Payment: The preferred method for deposit and balance payment is Paypal.
If upon completion, the customer elects not to pay the balance for any reason,
as is customary the artist will retain the painting and retain the deposit.
Shipping: Items will be shipped domestically via USPS with signture for delivery unless
otherwise specified by the customer. Please note that international shipping may reqire
special arrangements.
I'd be delighted to discuss a custom banner for you. Please look over the options, terms and other information below. I prefer the customer to be as specific as possible for the desired results. I may request photos to assist in design.
I generally can do banners on a fast turn around, however I may have to schedule work, or have other projects in progress. Please provide a desired delivery date and I'll do my best to accommodate that.
Estimates, Terms, Payment and Shipping.
A sketch will be sent to the customer to approve the design, text and specifics.
An estimate will be provided based on the size and complexity of the banner.
Please note that banners that include a portrait- a specific likeness of an individual
may be more time consuming to produce and may influence the estimate.
Estimates are subject to change if the customer requests sigificant changes affecting
the size of complexity or after painting has commenced.
Terms: Upon approval of the sketch, a 50% deposit of the quote is
due before painting begins. The balance is due at shipping, which will include
insurance.
Option- if paid in full in advance, the artist will cover domestic delivery (US) shipping
and insurance. .
Payment: The preferred method for deposit and balance payment is Paypal.
If upon completion, the customer elects not to pay the balance for any reason,
as is customary the artist will retain the painting and retain the deposit.
Shipping: Items will be shipped domestically via USPS with signture for delivery unless
otherwise specified by the customer. Please note that international shipping may reqire
special arrangements.
Planning your banner
Most original old banners used horizontal orientation. Many of my customers like the vertical orientation as it fits well into home or office spaces.
I can make your banner with flat, squared corners, or, with stretched corners. Many old banners developed a stretch after years of hanging on pole sets at shows. The stretched corners add a bit of charm and authenticity.
Most old banners used rings on the corners held in place with webbing or leather tabs. Some later banners used grommets- more of a light duty application and very suited for indoor use.
Another option I offer is to give the banner a patina. This results in a banner with an authentic looking light aging.
Please let me know your preferences for the options I have provided..
Most original old banners used horizontal orientation. Many of my customers like the vertical orientation as it fits well into home or office spaces.
I can make your banner with flat, squared corners, or, with stretched corners. Many old banners developed a stretch after years of hanging on pole sets at shows. The stretched corners add a bit of charm and authenticity.
Most old banners used rings on the corners held in place with webbing or leather tabs. Some later banners used grommets- more of a light duty application and very suited for indoor use.
Another option I offer is to give the banner a patina. This results in a banner with an authentic looking light aging.
Please let me know your preferences for the options I have provided..
I like traditional styles and use border treatments used in old banners by artists like Johnson, Nieman, Wyatt and Sigler. Below are some examples of how these artists bordered thier work, as well as some common lettering styles.
To assist in conversations, I have provided a description of the nomenclature I use, so that we can effectively communicate your preferences.
Some process photo examples
sideshow banner, sideshow Banners, sideshow banner, sideshow banners, sideshow art, sideshow paintings, freakshow, freakshow banner, circus banner, circus banners, carnival banner, carnival banners, freak show, circus art
