Larry Johnston

Who is he?

   A native of South bend, Indiana, Larry was born the second son of Orlow and Ellen Jane Johnston. He grew up through elementary school in Cassopolis, Michigan. Middle and High School years were spent back in South Bend.

    Although Larry began drawing almost as a toddler, winning his first award at eight years of age, he became more dedicated in high school.  As President of the Art Guild, he was awarded a Gold Key from the Scholastic Art Association in regional competition, also qualifying him for National's.

    During his marriage and raising a family era, he toyed with several different art media and settled into acrylic paint. "I painted outdoors at Art Festivals a lot, I was painting with oils at the time, a farm scene and the little gnats would fly into the canvas and stick in the paint. It look like locusts were coming!" Larry state.

    It was in the late 1960's when he decided to start selling his artwork."The art shows available then were not nearly as sophisticated or as well attended as they are today." He says.

    Growing up in the 50's and 60's was full of diners, drive-in theaters and a gas station on every corner. Remembering them and paining them became Larry's subject matter. "I grew up in a small town, everyone knew everyone and I had a lot of freedom to explore the area. It was a great time to grow up. Mom and Pop business' were thriving and store fronts were all decorated to beg you to come on in."  Larry remembers. His early paintings include barns, covered bridges, gas pumps and train depots.  His most recent works are of diners, drive-in theaters and are late evening scenes, reflecting lights and neon, often on a rainy night or wet street.

    Larry's paintings have been collected worldwide by corporations, individuals and politicians (including one U.S. President's family) for more than 30 years. Larry and his wife, Evelyn travel full time promoting his art work. Their schedule includes many of the top 200 best art festivals in the country.

Site designed & managed by A&A Incorporated