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Lawrence Glen Nielson Dear reader, before I dive into the 30+ year career of Larry Nielson, I need to let you know that Larry has 'been there - done that'. When you find an image in this portfolio of a traditional oil painting on canvas, or of a poster print, or any other typical art medium, you need to know that this is art of the past for Larry. Larry now chooses to paint on only one type of canvas - the canvas of Mother Nature herself; aged, rough, weathered wood. So when you first encounter an artwork piece from Larry's 'Spirit of the Wood' medium, don't be surprised if you discover that the art is part of nature itself. It takes courage and conviction for an artist to choose a means of expression not widely accepted by the conventional art community. This is why most artists choose to paint on canvas; they know how canvas will react to oil, acrylic, or whatever paint the artist chooses to use. Larry leaves this predictably behind as he refines his new challenge of painting on wood. The medium an artist chooses is as important as the vision he brings to it. Larry's talent and heart are in these breathtaking works of art on wood. So I challenge you, dear reader - behold the painted images that transform old wood planks into works of art. Art that reaches deep into the wood for vision, and deep into yourself for a response. My hope for you is that you experience the magic of the only artwork where the faces and images do not appear to have been painted at all, but rather, appear as if they come from a secret inner realm known only to the artist and the wood itself.
Now, enjoy a walk down memory lane... |
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Do You Know Larry? We (Wind and Wings Woodworks TM) have the special honor of presenting the latest in a long line of creative and unique projects by Artist Larry Nielson - his mystical, magical, deeply moving Artwork on Wood. Lawrence Glen Nielson was born in Ephraim, Utah, USA. He is the son of Ephraim Rancher Glen J. and Virginia Nielson. Larry's many projects have taken him around the world, but the man he is remains approachable, humble, your regular hometown boy. This may not seem remarkable until you comprehend the expanse of his work, and the collection of celebrities he has worked with, or sold artwork to, along the way. Larry's many talents have secured him positions as an Art Director/Consultant, Illustrator/Graphic Designer, Artist and Teacher. In addition to Larry's recent entry into Artwork on Nature's Canvas, Larry has completed fun, serious, and imaginative images as posters, porcelain plates and traditional canvas work. |
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Larry's famous Animal Illustration Posters were distributed world wide by the Art Brigade during the early to mid 1970's, and yet these images remain every bit as appealing today as they were during their print era. The BROADWAY, a high quality national Department Store, sold Larry's Posters in their Lamp and Picture Gallery. The Ad you see depicted is from June 1, 1975. |
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Larry's North Hollywood graphic arts company had poster outlets in Africa, France, England, Canada, Mexico and Tahiti, as well as across the USA. Among Larry's most successful posters was a Janis Joplin memorial poster, for which he was commissioned. |
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A young Larry with his posters
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Now for some HEAVY name-dropping. Well, aren't you just a little curious? Larry's paintings and graphics have been sold to Johnny Cash, Danny Kaye, Liza Minelli, James Brolin, Bob Eubanks, Jack Haley Jr., Carol Burnett, Red Norvo, Robert Hagel (President of Warner Brothers), Janice Joplin, Peggy Lennon, Andy Williams, members of The Osmond Family, Loretta Young, Loraine Day, David Cassidy and The Lennon Sisters, to mention a few. |
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Larry's art has been in galleries and museums in Arizona, Utah, New Mexico, Hawaii, Nevada, Wyoming, Washington, California and Samoa.
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Larry had an equally successful and fulfilling singing career. This career gave him the unequaled opportunity to perform as a back-up singer for Danny Kaye. In the four years Larry worked for Danny he never got over the awe of the immense talent of this wonderful man and amazing entertainer. In addition to Danny Kay, during his professional singing career Larry also sang on the Carol Burnett and Sonny and Cher shows. Larry was also a vocalist on several Henry Mancini albums. Larry toured Europe with The Osmond Brothers (he was the 'adopted' brother with a watchful eye on a very young Donny and Marie!). Imagine being one of the few non-blood related Osmonds invited to the annual Osmond Family Reunion! Larry's musical career further included a Soloist in "The Messiah", "The Elijah" and others at Utah State (USU, Logan, UT) and Brigham Young University (Provo, UT). Larry has also performed as a band singer and musical entertainer on Cruise Lines, in Night Clubs, and yes, even in his shower! And just when you start to think, oh, this text is a work of fiction, I say NO, and there is EVEN more! |
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Larry's remarkable energy and zest to live life to it's fullest is captured in the work of his second home, the Polynesian Islands. Larry's love for the South Pacific started when he served as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (the Mormons) in Western Samoa, Fiji and the Cook Islands. Larry speaks several Polynesian languages. Larry spent several years in Hawaii as the first Art Director and Production Manager for the Polynesian Cultural Center in Laie. Yes, THAT Cultural Center. Have you ever spent the day there? Wandering from 'island' to 'island', finally leading to the big evening Show/Finale? Well, if you have, you have experienced a part of the love Larry worked so hard to pass on to the world's travelers as part of their ultimate Hawaiian experience.
 What's this? A book, too? |
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Because of his love and respect of the Polynesian Culture, perhaps Larry's most prestigious honor was that of being commissioned by the Government of Tonga to paint the official portrait of Salote, the late Queen of Tonga. The Government of Tonga also owns much of Larry's work.
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Larry taught Art at Brigham Young University (BYU) in Hawaii and also in Western Samoa. Larry was honored as Outstanding Art Major, BYU, Provo, UT, and received an Oscar-esque statue from BYU for the "Best All Around Talent" award. |
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Larry has been perfecting the artwork on wood canvas method for the last several years. There is much on the horizon for this humble artist. In fact, the name Larry Nielson is quickly becoming the Icon for Artwork on Wood. Recent articles, press releases, exhibitions and sales have reinforced the overwhelming appreciation for this unique art form. Larry's rendition of Christ was a featured artwork piece in the Christian themed home in the 2004 Parade of Homes in Utah. Larry's artwork won accolades at the Western Design Conference in Cody, Wyoming when paired as the headboard and footboard of a hand carved bed frame by Hone's Cabinet & Designs. Larry's artwork was featured as one of the Insider's Choice Local Artists in a recent issue of Utah Valley magazine along side the art of James C. Christensen, Gary Price and others. Larry's Ad ran featured on the 2002 Olympics program insert in Salt Lake Magazine's special issue 'Winter of Excellence', the official magazine of the 2002 winter olympics in Salt Lake City, Utah. |
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Larry spends his time between Ephraim, Utah and his studio in North Hollywood, where he labors long hours in harmony with the wood. Larry has a reverence for the wood; an unforgiving canvas that nonetheless is the only canvas on which Larry now chooses to paint. |
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Again I ask, Do You Know Larry? He leaves the world a legacy of mysterious, subtle Artwork that will live on in the wood for many more decades and centuries yet to come. The messages of these 'hidden' ones will carry forward to many generations. From the contributions of this one man's life, I think we all know Larry.... his legacy is a gift that will leave the world a chance to pause, if for only a moment, into one's soul. |
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