Admin – Larry Johnston, Nostalgic Artist

Pete’s Simonton Lake Tavern

July 27, 2021July 27, 2021 Admin

Pete’s Simonton Lake Tavern

Artist Larry Johnston

One of the oldest family operated restaurant-bar combinations in Elkhart, Indiana was Pete’s Simonton Lake Tavern. Located on the east side of State Road 19 (Cassopolis St.) Pete’s was open 7 days per week, serving appetizers, Dinners, Baskets, Soups, Salads, Pizza and Sandwiches. Rib-eye and chopped Steaks, Hamburgers, Italian Spaghetti & Meatballs, Chicken, Chicken wings and several Seafood plates were among the favorites.

Pete’s was a local favorite for years, so I had to capture it in one of my paintings. It is now called “Re-Pete’s” under new ownership as of 2018.

I hope my painting will keep Pete’s image of one Elkhart’s historic places remembered for years to come.

Larry Johnston

The Chief Ice Cream

April 5, 2021April 21, 2021 Admin

The Chief Ice Cream

Goshen, Indiana

Nostalgia Artist Larry Johnston

When Spring arrives, thoughts of warm weather, being outdoors, the approaching Summer with trips to the beach, swimming at many of the local lakes and most of all, The “CHIEF ICE CREAM” in Goshen, now with a new location in Granger. For over 25 years, The Chief has become a social staple to Goshen, Indiana. With that in mind, my latest painting was a no brainer. With both seasonal locations opening, my painting is a reminder of the homemade ice cream they offer and the many flavors available throughout the season.

**Prints:**

**ALL PRINTS** are printed on **canvas and stretched on wooden stretcher bars** and prices vary according to size ordered. Most are 2:3 proportion

**Options:**

**wrapped print-** part of the image is wrapped

around the sides of the wood.

**Non-wrapped print-** The full image is on the face, with white or black edges

**(frames and hardware are not included)**

**8″ x 12″ Black Edge**………. $109.17

**8″ x 12″ White Edge**………. $109.17

**8″ x 12″ Wrapped Edge**………. $109.17

**12” x 18” Black Edge** ………. $168.07

**12” x 18” White Edge** ………. $168.07

**12” x 18” Wrapped Edge** ………. $168.07

24” x 36” ………. $1,295.00 Original Painting

Wicker’s End

November 11, 2020April 21, 2021 Admin

“Wicker’s End”

Pine Mountain, Georgia

I previously mentioned an old farm house in the area of Pine Mountain, Georgia that had been turned into a so called antique shop. Most of everything was old, but not very collectible. This chair was sitting on the back porch of that old house. I’m sure that old wicker chair overheard a lot of interesting stories in it’s time, but as the weather and age of the chair overwhelmed its usefulness, it has come to its end. Thus, the name “Wicker’s End”. Other paintings that were done, because of that old store, were “The Corner Shelf“, “The Lantern” and the “Milk Can“. This painting has always been one of my favorites.

Cassopolis Fire Department

November 2, 2020April 21, 2021 Admin

Cassopolis Fire Department

Cassopolis, Michigan

I have painted several fire related paintings, which make up my fireman set. In choosing a fire station, my first choice was my most familiar. I grew up in Cassopolis, Michigan until was 10 years old. Living in an upstairs apartment less than one block from the volunteer fire department, I became familiar to the sound of the siren that alerts everyone when they are needed. It was not much of a fancy fire station, but it was ours. As a young boy, I was always fascinated by the water tower that sat behind the station. This painting was one of my early paintings, so you can see the difference in my artistic talents from then.

As part of the Fireman’s set, it became a big seller all over the country. Other paintings included: The Fire Dog; Fire Truck; Miami fire station and the Fire Hose Reel.

Carter’s Hamburgers

November 1, 2020April 21, 2021 Admin

Carter’s Coney Island

Lincoln Park, Michigan

One of my favorite northern art festivals was located in Wyandotte, Michigan. I always tried to have something for the locals to identify with from their area. I couldn’t resist taking some pictures, when I saw Carter’s Coney Island at 2908 Fort Street, in Lincoln Park, Michigan, which was not too far away from the festival.

When you enter through the door of Carter’s, you step back in time 70 years and witness the two horseshoe shaped counters. Besides an early morning breakfast and hot coffee, you hear all the local conversation from the area happenings.

The food is just like the burger joint. They make old school burgers and fries, or you can have grilled slider, chili or hot dogs, however you like. How about Biscuits and gravy or Ham & Bean soup, made with big chunks of ham.

The painting takes you back seventy years on the outside, so you can imagine what you will find on the inside.

Lighthouse-St Augustine

October 29, 2020April 21, 2021 Admin

My lighthouse paintings was one of the most asked for set of framed prints during our years of traveling around the Country exhibiting my artwork. Here are links to all of them…

St Augustine Lighthouse

Jupiter Lighthouse

Cape Canaveral Lighthouse

Key Biscayne Lighthouse

White Shoals Lighthouse

Livingstone Memorial Light House

Grandad Templeton’s Homestead

October 29, 2020April 21, 2021 Admin

BBF – Burger Boy Food-O-Rama

October 28, 2020January 24, 2021 Admin

BBF

Burger Boy Food-O-Rama

Columbus, Ohio

BBF first opened in Columbus, Ohio in 1961 competing with the McDonald’s fast food chain. They eventually opened 48 BBF restaurants in Ohio West Virginia and Kentucky before it was sold in 1970 to Bordon, Inc. The revolving neon Rotospheres on top of their sign always fascinated me and I’m sure it helped attract business. I painted the BBF to accept the sign, as well as the nostalgic history of one of the 15 cent hamburger pioneers. I also included a few classic cars of the time to add to the nostalgia.

12” x 18” White Edge ………. $168.07

12” x 18” Wrapped Edge ………. $168.07

16” x 24” White Edge ………. $226.14 (Most popular)

16” x 24” Wrapped Edge ………. $226.14 (Most popular)

20” x 30” White Edge………. $314.34

20” x 30” Wrapped Edge………. $314.34

24” x 36”Black Edge ………. $335.65

24” x 36”White Edge ………. $335.65

24” x 36” ………. $1,295.00 Original Painting on stretched canvas

Fresh Fruit

October 27, 2020January 24, 2021 Admin

Fresh Fruit

Painting a still life is always fun, especially when you start from just an idea. I decided to do a setting that would go well with this Fresh Fruit cart w found. We were travelling in our motorhome, so I decided to make use of my son’s kitchen, with the brightly colored wallpaper. We spent a lot of money to make this happen, then had to eat it all before it all went bad. Here are a few close-up shots of the painting.

24” x 36” ………. $1,295.00 Original Painting on stretched canvas not available.

Wishing Well

October 23, 2020January 24, 2021 Admin