Painting Locations – 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

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.

About Me

October 23, 2020October 29, 2020 Admin

Pepsi Covered Bridge

October 21, 2020February 21, 2021 Admin

No Prints Available of this painting.

Links to other covered bridge paintings I have done can be found here:

Mecca Covered Bridge

Neet Covered Bridge

Bridgeton Covered Bridge

Beeson Covered Bridge

Euharlee Covered Bridge

Euharlee Covered Bridge-Spring

Concord Covered Bridge

Poole’s Mill Covered Bridge

Pepsi Covered Bridge

Prints Not Available

Lerner Theatre Sign

October 21, 2020February 21, 2021 Admin

The Lerner Theatre Sign

Elkhart, IN

The Lerner Theatre is the key focus of Elkhart, Indiana with their giant sign inviting everyone up and down Main Street to see what’s going on inside the Lerner Theatre, whether it is a performance, movie, or another type of gathering.

When you see the big Lerner sign, you cannot help, but to immediately read what is on the marquee below. It is always exciting when you see that sign with anticipation of the performance you are about to witness.

This painting was selected to exhibit at the Juried Regional at the Midwest Museum of American Art, located in Elkhart, IN.

Other Theatres I have painted are: The Palace in South Bend, IN; The Reese in Plymouth, IN; Fox in Detroit, Atlanta’s Fox, Fox #2 in Atlanta; The Chicago Theatre; The Los Angeles Theatre; Loew’s Theatre in Jersey City, NJ, Warner Theatre, Elkhart.

Fishing Lure-Paw-Paw Lippy Joe

October 20, 2020February 21, 2021 Admin

Here the links to the other lures I have painted: Paw Paw Lippy Joe, Carter’s Best Ever, Flat Fish Frog and Pikie Minnow.

Here are links to salmon flies I have painted: Blue Doctor, black and white hook, black hook and small fly.

Related to fishing, here are three other paintings you may be interested in.

Midway Bait & Tackle

Gone Fishing

Gone Fishing Puzzle

Fishing Lure-Flat Fish Frog

October 20, 2020February 22, 2021 Admin

Here the links to the other lures I have painted: Paw Paw Lippy Joe, Carter’s Best Ever, Flat Fish Frog and Pikie Minnow.

Here are links to salmon flies I have painted: Blue Doctor, black and white hook, black hook and small fly.

Related to fishing, here are three other paintings you may be interested in.

Midway Bait & Tackle

Gone Fishing

Gone Fishing Puzzle

Fishing Lure-Pikie Minnow

October 20, 2020February 22, 2021 Admin

Here the links to the other lures I have painted: Paw Paw Lippy Joe, Carter’s Best Ever, Flat Fish Frog and Pikie Minnow.

Here are links to salmon flies I have painted: Blue Doctor, black and white hook, black hook and small fly.

Related to fishing, here are three other paintings you may be interested in.

Midway Bait & Tackle

Gone Fishing

Gone Fishing Puzzle