Buddy Copeland
" THE CIRCUS IS A JELOUS WENCH "

Indeed that is an Understatement . She is a Ravining Bag who sucks Your Vitality as a Vampire Sucks Your Blood who Kills the Brightest Stars in Her Own Crown & who will allow NO Private Life to those who Serve Her ; Wrecking homes , Ruining There Bodys & Destroying the Happyness of the Loved Ones .

She is all of these things & YET ;
I LOVE HER AS I LOVE NOTHING ELSE ON EARTH !
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statement by

" Henry Ringling North "

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Since I was a Young Lad , I was always Very Enchanted by the Circus - then one day
in May of 1973 Mike Aria came walking up the driveway of the Elberon Ranch .
Mikes older Brother John & I were best of friends since 4th grade & I remained fairly close with there family through out most of my Life , especially Mrs. Aria ; who I always Loved , Respected & Regarded in ways , a second Mother to ME , up untill her Death . Mikes Girlfriend Janice Gillespie was a Clown with RB,B&B Circus & Mike was then Bear Trainer " Jack Altoff's " Assistant also on the Blue Show .
Mike came to invite me to accompany him & attend his Birthday Party some Circus Friends of his were giving him : BUT ; we would first go visit with " Bennett Bean " ( Mikes old College Art Professor & Master Potter ) in N.W. New Jersey - then on to Madison Square Garden to see the Circus & then off to the Birthday Party Uptown at another of His Frends Pad . We did all that ; & I must say I was just Overwhelmed with Excitement of the Circus at NYC / MSG , the Dazzeling Show Girls in there Elaborate Sequine , Rinestone & Feathered " Don Foote Designed Costumes " & All its Excitement & the Many Vivid Artisticaly Olimpic Like Human Feats & SO Many Unusual Remarkable Acts . I was Especially Awed by The Artist Hopping Down the Track ON ONE HAND & the Animals : the Elephants , Bears & spacifically Charlie Baumans TIGER ACT - WOW !
the Clowning of Jimmy Briskows Stuffed Lion Cary on his sholders .
I WAS COMPLETELY CAPTIVATED BY EVERYTHING THIS EVENING !
As the " 1970s " was possiably the most Vividly Exciting & Dazzeling of Eras
For The Modern Day Circus
This is when I also met Bill Ballentine & I Originaly attempted to Inquire & Entertain thoughts of becoming a Circus Clown . I was Not accepted to there Clown College that next season
& with this " Performing Arts " excitement NOW in ME ;
I eventuially went on to Starting " MY OWN " Performing Comedy Troup within & for
" the Elberon Ranch Night Club Shows "
we produced in Asbury Park , New Jersey at " the Stone Pony " beginning June 21, 1975 .
These Productions Basicaly Continued every Season for the next couple years .
In June 1976 , I was one of four Artists in an Art Show at The Studio in Red Bank , N. J. with a Series of 9 " Surreal Floral Water Colors " 22 " X 28 " that SOLD OUT & I got 2 Commitions for ( insipred by Andy Warhols newist Flower Series , that I had been Picture Framing in Aspen , Co. in the Winter / Spring of 1975 ) .
With a pocket full of Money & a Disinchanting Experiance within the Asbury Park Music Scene
" WE Tangiably Stimulated & Originated "
( as Our Entertainment Atmosphier went under Ambush & I wanted Better - Seeking To Move On )
The Ocean had also become VERY Dirty from the OCEAN DUMPING that Appaled Me !
Local Long Brancher " Congressman Frank Palone " would Address this Issue
Making Important Major Ecological Progress - Over Time !
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SO ; I was off again to seek a New Lifestyle & hopefully with a Finer & More Dazeling Artistic Croud in a Healthier Climate & Atmousphier . I also missed & wanted to see my ole girlfriend " Fanny " in Florida - & head on to see Mike & Janice at R B, B & B CIRCUS WORLD ; a NEW One Ring European Style Show - with a Fresh New Broadway Theatre like Production ( a pre-" BARNUM " NYC Theatre Style ) , in a State of the Art , Air-Conditioned Arena & Powerful 11 Piece Brass Band . This place was also THEN being Promoted as the NEWIST CENTRAL FLORIDA YEAR ROUND THEME PARK & was to also become the New Home Base / Winterquarters for RB,B & B Circus Combined Shows just 10 min. West of DISNEY WORLD & SEA WORLD , etc. .
I was hoping to hook in to This CIRCUS as a Clown or Artist somehow & than to off to Sarasota to visit briefly with my family . When I was with Mike & Janice for 3-4 days I met most every one & they said A Clown just quit the Show - SO I applied for the Job there as a Circus Clown .
When I finaly arived at my Moms The CIRCUS had Called her & said I was Hired .
SO ; I arranged to be back there ready to work in One Month . I basicaly established a Clown Charactor that was Auguste in flavor yet Quite Human - Refining IT little by little when Antonio Hoyos arived to Influience & Help Define my clown as " A Charactor Clown " more Vividly , as he & I began to work togeather . I soon became Lead Clown & even Temporarly - Boss Clown , as some Red & Blue Show Clowns came & went with that as there Objective ! I also did some PR : Welcoming & Esquarting the President Elect Monea of Costa Rica & Family around for a couple days & Officiating 11 Yr. old Lena's Birthday Party . I clowned with the BBC TV as a Special Guest for a Childrens Show & did some Pizza Hut Commertials along with Promotional Poster Advertisements for the Show . I Built some Show Props , Designed & Exicuted the Theatre Stage Set when THE SHOW Changed its Acts in 1978 . I spent over 2 Exciting Years there untill having a Trapize Misshap during a full Dress Rehearsal during the " Strobe Light Sequence " resulting in My In-ability to Focus Clearly on my Target ( the FLOOR ) exiting the Trapeze Apparatice in our Developing Large Production version of " The Safe Cracker Gag " , Injuring my lower legs Seriously taking 6 Months to Recover Finaly with Physical Therapy during which time I had just been replaced by the New Clown College Graduates .
I was devastated - but - " That's Show-Bizz " !
I do retain my contact with some of my Circus Peers I had there ;
" Keeping My Wonderfull Memories & Circus Dreams Alive "
Unfortunately this Became Just Another Phase in My Life ; but a Very , Very Special One !
Since my mishap I began to Paint The Circus & will continue doing this .

Here are some Photos of MY Circus Days & some Artwork I did of the CIRCUS

During my Recovery I decided to pick up my Pens & & Pencils again as I had done my whole adult Life & begin a Black & White Circus Series . I also decided to Over Paint Old Masters Paintings ( Prints ) with Clown Faces

After leaving the Circus in 1979 I do continue to Paint IT as it was one of My Most Fondest Experiances .

I will also Accept doing Commitions & or Your Portrates , Visions etc. in Various Sizes & or Mediums .

If you have any interest in My Artwork please contact ;
clownpaintersculptor@yahoo.com

Now here are some of My Circus Paintings I have done .

SOME IMAGES SHOW UP " RATHER REDISH " & or FAINT THOUGH
( I'LL TRY TO WORK ON THAT )



Tuesday, February 03, 2009

" 1978 Memories "

Circus World Memories
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The Ace , Ursula & Alaska , Juggling & the Carrilos
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Posted by Picasa
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" The Amazing Cannon Act "

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These Paintings were made to be Displayed
in the corner of a wall , one on each wall .
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" The Left Pannel "
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Here the Cannon is fired by a Group of Clowns
with Smoke Billowing Out from the BIG Blast
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3 Ft. X 6 Ft. Acrylic on Canvas
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" The Right Pannel "
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Here the DUO Shot Out is about to land on Target & Bounce Back Up
( from the large spring on the mans belt )
Into the Hands of the Catcher !
WOW
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3 Ft. X 6 Ft. Acrylic on Canvas

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' An Exciting Artistic MIX of the Arts for Me "

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This was the Begining of this Series !
With this Poster I wanted to Document
This Doublely Meaningfull Event in MY Life !
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11 " X 17 " Print on Paper as a Poster
from a Colage / Water Color
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I saw the Dali Museum was having a 20 Year Anniversary
With a " Surreal Party " & Unveiling of
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" the Persistence of Memory "
( owned by NYC MOMA )
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to co-exist temporally with

" the Disintagration of the Persistance of Memory "
( owned by the Dali Museum )
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& I wanted to go - but for $50 ?

I thought ; What can I do - to Participate !
SO -after setting Up a Meeting with the Museums PR Cordinater
Merideth Brand

I Now asked My Most Special Circus Clown Friend / Peer
who was reciently back from Europe after 20 Years
& she was also excited to reunite
in what would ALSO turn out to be

" the 25 Year Reunion of OUR Clowning Togeather "

So WE Were Invited to Contribute to the Evenings Events .
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This then led to a Few Series of Paintings with Dali's Mountains in the Background
Pertaining to that Evening & as a Homage to His Painting Tallents I always Admired since a Young Lad .
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BELLOW
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" WHAT HAPPENED ? "
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( A Surreal Self Portrate )
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8 " X 10 " My Original Print on Paper & Overpainted
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Inspired by Dali's 1931 " Persistence of Memory " Painting
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In the blink of an Eye - I was OUT of the Game !
( like High School )
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" Me & the BIG Cats "

A Real Knocker ! Hah !
" Foolishly I Crossed the Line All Throught My Life "
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A Sunset Version
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10.5 " X 16 " Water Color on Paper
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TWO DIFFERENT COLOR VERSIONS
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A Mid Day Version
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10.5 " X 16 " - Water Color on Paper

During my Trapeze Misshap Recovery I began drawing again .

( since I had difficulty being on my feet )

I had a Book of Faymous Circus Posters I enjoyed

& this was the Begining of

My Black & White Circus Series .

( Shown here in Color with the Intent to Publish a Childrens Book )

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1977 TANGERINE BOLL 1/2 Time Entertainment

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I Conceived , Designed & Executed the 16 Sq. Ft. Flip Card
Shown Below for R B , B & B Circus World
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ALL THE CENTRAL FLORIDA THEME PARKS
Appeared in this 1/2 Time Event
( Only our Circus World Clowns , Dancers & Showgirls Participated )
Side One ; Was this Giftwraped Present !
Carried out snuggly above every individuals head from the sideline .
After all the Theme Parks were in place ( as shown in this poster )
On Cue; the Many Large 4 ' X 8 ' pannels were Flipped Over
Reveling a Large 16 Sq. Ft. Clown Face !
( Syncronized with the beginning of a Fireworks Display )
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( The Stadium Roard with a Tremendious Applause )
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After clearing the Field / To help Stall Time Entertainingly
the R B , B & B Circus Clowns also did a Mock Football Game
just Prior to the 2nd Halfs Kickoff !
( with the Stadiums Anounser Calling the Plays )
Antonio was in an Oversized Football ( That Had a Mind Of Its Own )
Running all over the Field with Clowns Falling , Crashing , etc. IT !
It was funny & the 40,000 Game Fans Roared again with applause -
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Friday, December 19, 2008

" Dawn at the Circus "

9 " X 12 " Acrylic on Canvas Board
This is a mix of Charactors , Memories & Surreal Environment
of mine I put togeather & painted for a Friend with a Laugh !

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" Gloria Bale's Liberty Act "

30 " X 84 " Acrylic on Canvas
This is a bit to long to show well but I enjoy its long look !
I did some Paintings of the C.B.C.B. Circus for a few years .
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" Ajax ; Bring Us a Glass of Wine Please ! "

16 ' X 24 " Acrylic on Burlap
This Painting has the Flavor of the Circus for Me
it is Rough in Texture & Fine in Charm !
Its Enchantment stems from watching Ursula
play with 10 Tremendious Polar Bears Daily.
But prior to them
I spent many hours with Mike & Janice Arias Bears
as a close friend Rehearsing & Dancing with them First Hand .

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From My " Circus Overpaint Series "

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Having Originated Painting Circus Clown Faces on
Master Works of Art - here are a couple Portrates.
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" The Dandy Fool "
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12 " X 16"
Over Paint on a Reproduction Print
of a Frans Hall Portrate !
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" Rembudrant "
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15 " X 30 "
Over Paint on Reproduction Print .
This is an Over Paint of a Rembrandt Self Portrate
( with my Clown Makeup )
Another of the Over Paint " Circus Series " I did
as I was missing the Circus so much & knew
I had to get back into the Visual Arts
with something meaningfull that had PIZAZZ !
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" BUDDY the CLOWN " ( ink )

22 " X 28 " Ink on Paper
This was the First Portrate I did for my Black & White Circus Series .
Also a fasinating look I am obsessed somewhat with ; Gishtalt !
( Two Images in One )
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Monday, December 15, 2008

" Buddy the Clown "

Self Portrate 8 " X 10 " Acrylic on Smooth Maysonite

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" Intermission "

24 " X 36 " Acrylic on Canvas
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" Hekate's Act " ( ink )

22' X 28 " Ink on Paper
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" Lepord on a Globe "

12 " X 16" Acrylic on Board


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" Doc : Head of the Back Door Security "

16 " X 20 " Acrylic on Maysonite
A Jovial Take on the Circus :
with many mixed memories
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" CLOWNTUT "

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This is a Pencil , Ink & Marker Drawing .
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8 " X 10 "
This Image went through Many alterations
Prior to the Acrylic Painting Below.
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24 " X 30 " Acrylic on Canvas

( Selfportrate )
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" Finalle "


This is the Center Half of a
2 Ft. X 4 Ft.
Vertical Acrylic on Canvas .
Jimmy James Ringmaster of C.B.C.B. Circus
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" 1977 R B , B & B Circus World Picket Line "

This is a 16 " X 20 " Acrylic on Board
( Glorified a Bit )
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" Hekate's Act "


This is 8 " X 10 " on Smooth Maysonite

( a combined mix of Elberon Ranch & RB, B&B Circus Memories )

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" OPENING "


( Close Up )
This is the Center Half of the
2 Ft. X 4 Ft.
Vertical Acrylic on Canvas
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Ana May

BARBARA & ANNA MAY



ANNA MAY



The Most Tallented Circus Elephant

Owned by the Woodcock Family .

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Gloria Bales Liberty Act ( close up )

This is the Center 24 " of the
30 " High X 84 " Wide
Horizontial Acrylic Painting on Canvas .
Col. Trevor Bale was Glorias Father -
The Bale's are a
World Renound Circus Family
for generations .

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Tuesday, December 09, 2008

" Buckles & Ana May "


20 ' X 28 ' Acrylic on Panel


Buckles is Paramount Through Out the World

His Life Long Dedication to Training & Working with & for Elephants
His Vast Experience , Knowledge & Records are most Informative
concerning the Circus & its Realm Overall for Generations
ESPECIALLY IN AMERICA
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" Barbara & Ana May "


A Black & White Acrykic Painting on a board 8 ' X 10 " .
( with Barbaras Elbow extending out from the Edge )

" Barbara & Ana May " did many Acts Togeather :

these Two Danced & Frolicked Togeather to not only a Beautiful but
a Spicy Hot Pace Exciting Every Audiance Beyond Discription !
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Monday, December 08, 2008

" The Ace "


18 " X 24 " Acrylic on Canvas
This is of Antonio who was like an 8 mm Movie in the Flesh .

I did this Portrate with an Old World Flavor
but yet a Modern Portrate .
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Tuesday, February 21, 2006

This Blog will display works of Fine Art

concieved , designed and executed

by

Visual Artist & Once Circus Clown

Bud Copeland

that relate to



" the Traditional Circus "

- and -

a mix of Surreal & Dreamlike

Circus Images
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