KISS - Ken Kelly "KISS Brown" Original Oil Painting....

Description

KISS - Ken Kelly "KISS Brown" Original Oil Painting. Offered here is a piece that's as remarkable in its presentation as it is in its rarity: an original oil painting by renowned late fantasy artist Ken Kelly depicting iconic hard rock act KISS as they appeared on Kelly's original design for their 1976 smash LP, Destroyer.

Gene Simmons, becoming a fan of Kelly's work after seeing it in Warren horror magazines Creepy and Eerie, contacted the artist in 1975 to inquire if Kelly was interested in creating the artwork for KISS' upcoming album, titled Destroyer. Kelly showed interest, and he was sent a ticket and plane fare to attend a KISS concert. After seeing the show and being blown away, he painted a small piece showing the band escaping a town after "destroying" it, with smoke, flames and rubble in their wake. While the band was quite pleased with the piece, management at Casablanca felt it was too violent. Additionally, they wanted the costumes changed to those the band would wear on their upcoming tour, as Ken painted Paul, Gene, Ace, and Peter wearing the stage clothes in which he saw them play.

Ken went back to the easel and softened the image, adding more blues where there were browns (hence the title of this painting, "KISS Brown") and changing the band's costumes. The record company was pleased, and one of the most iconic album covers in rock history was born. Kelly would be commissioned to create the cover for KISS' 1977 LP Love Gun a year later.

Included with the art is a signed letter of authenticity from Ken Kelly stating this original painting is the only piece of its kind in existence. Aside from the original piece done in 1976, this is the only time Kelly has ever painted this image. Rendered in oil on stretched canvas, measuring 36" x 36", and signed "K.W. Kelly" at the lower left. In Excellent condition. LOA from Ken Kelly. COA from Heritage Auctions.

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