Larry Kessler
Artist
(561) 737-2218
Biography
I am an eclectic, abstract and expressionistic painter and work primarily in oil on canvas. Presently, I am represented by the Sweet Art Gallery in Naples, FL and have had exhibitions in many areas. My work has been favorably reviewed in ARTnews magazine and other major art publications. Early art studies and workshops were at the Cooper Union and the Art Students League in New York City. I studied with Robert Gwathmey and Stephen Greene who contributed to the style and versatility that I’ve developed.
Modern art is constantly in a state of change. I personally witnessed the transition from the late 1950s, by observing the numerous exhibits at galleries between the East 10th Street areas to 57th Street in New York City. I treasure an early publication of a booklet entitled “What is Modern Painting?” by Alfred H. Barr, Jr. published in the 1940s by MOMA, of which I am a member. Although most of the reproductions are in black and white, I sense the power of Picasso, Van Gogh, Mondrian, Braque, and Matisse, to name a few. They have been a profound influence on my career as an artist. I have experimented in different media, rendering thousands of pen and ink, pencil drawings and thumbnail sketches before visualizing and designing finished works.
After years of painting, I have concentrated on style and direction that began in my early studies which evolved into my present approach to abstract paintings. I've worked diligently on this new series of vibrant colors, composition, line and movement and have rendered collages, assemblages, pastel and oil on canvas, pen and ink, pencil and oil chalks.