Welcome to my on-line art gallery. I hope you enjoy your visit and continue to come back.
(Revised February 6, 2008)
COMING SOON: "AS THE DEER" an instrumental compilation of gospel songs.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Larry's respect and admiration for the natural world is quickly evident when one views his art. His devotion to detail is well known by those interested in his paintings and prints. This act of love towards the outdoors has been part of his life since youth. His own words sum up the reasons as to why he adores the outdoors.
Larry at His Home Studio
"My earliest outdoor adventure within the confines of my memory happened when I was around 5 years old. I was fortunate to have had been raised in an area where fields and woodlands were just out back...a country boy's paradise! One late afternoon, my father and I walked over the hill from my Armstrong County, Pennsylvania home, to where an ancient shagbark hickory stood in a field near the bottomland. We sat down and my dad told me to be still and quiet and watch that old tree. The antics of that family of fox squirrels thrilled that young boy and caused a life-long quest to learn about nature. Also, the hickory nuts became a pastime during those winter months, as we cracked the shells enjoying the tasty treats."
Larry, will speak fondly of his father who took the time to share his outdoor interests. Allen Smail's unselfish inclusions with the boy molded what Larry is today. He remembers with a smile the springtime hunts for those tasty morel mushrooms. Here is where a fascination with spring wildflowers blossomed. The "sometimes boring" search for native arrowheads helped instill an interest in early Pennsylvania history. His dad even worked with creating powderhorns! Larry was working a simple trapline by eight years old.
Larry says "I remember one muggy summer evening when my dad took me to the woodland pond behind the house. That evening, I watched my dad catch a bass on a surface plug and he taught me how to catch bluegills. What a memory!" These adventures, and many more, helped "set the tone" for a lure of the outdoors.
Larry's earliest memory of his mother was not going to bed until she read Bible stories to him. Also, he remembers her devotion to him while dealing with pneumonia at six. She has that quality of Larry's grandparents believing that family comes first. She is that way yet! Sister, Ruthie and him still come first! He has a deep respect and love for her. My sister, by the way, is one of my biggest fans. Her support in my art ventures has always been strong. I appreciate and love her very much!
In recent years, those early years of arrowhead hunting and listening to his dad talk about Indians and colonial life stirred a desire to paint eastern Native Americans. This interest, has, also, lead to reenactment participation as an "eastern longhunter". Larry has hunted deer inclusive with flintlocks for many years. His rifle, "Old Jacob" enjoy much time afield.
Larry as an Eastern Longhunter
Larry's art has appeared in many magazines, both inside and as cover art. You may have seen his art in Pennsylvania Sportsmen; Turkey Call; Muzzle Blasts; Turkey and Turkey Hunting; Bowbender; Mountain Journal; Indian Artifacts and others. His illustrations have appeared in several books on hunting. He has sold prints across the nation. In 2000, he painted "Home To Kit-Han-Ne" featuring Delaware Indians coming home to (present-day) Kittanning in 1755. This art became the Armstrong County Bicentennial Print.
Larry is, also, a respected guitarist. He plays in a free-lance manner with many, varied bluegrass, country and gospel bands.
Larry says he is very fortunate to have a wife (Laurie) that not only supports him in his endeavors, but, encourages him through those artistic bad times. She allows him to "vent" his creative impulses whether it be through his art; music; hunting or just a need to get to the woods! He very much loves her and appreciates her compassion even though she may not understand those needs.
To describe himself: Larry says he is a "simple man, needing little out of life to be content." He is not ashamed to confess his belief in the birth, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. His beliefs have helped through many a difficult time! He, also, says that he is a commonsense conservationist and environmentalist, He enjoys hiking; bird watching; studying flora and fauna; hunting; fishing; landscaping; Pennsylvania history and much, much more.
Larry has a strong list of memberships to organization to which he believes in. The list includes: Life membership in the NRA (National Rifle Association); Life membership in the National Wild Turkey Federation including the Pennsylvania State Chapter and Kit-Han-Ne Longbeards Local Chapter ; Life membership in the Pennsylvania Federation of Sportsman's Clubs; Life membership in the Roaring Run Watershed Association; Armstrong County Historical Society; Armstrong County Sportsman & Conservation League; Cherry Run Gun, Rod & Reel Club, Western Pennsylvania Conservancy and life member of the North Fork Chapter 29 of the Society of Pennsylvania Archaeology.
Larry, currently, plays guitar in a country gospel band called CountryVision.
Visit the site at: www.countryvision.net