24″ X 36″ – Page 4 – Larry Johnston, Nostalgic Artist

Palace Theatre

October 7, 2020February 22, 2021 Admin

Copyright Larry Johnston — Palace Theatre, South Bend, IN

Copyright Larry Johnston

**The Palace Theatre,**

**South Bend, Indiana.**

As a young boy, I remember all the bright lights of the Palace Theatre in South Bend. All the best movies were there, including the Premier of the movie “Knute Rockne: All American”, starring Ronald Raegan as George Gipp (The Gipper), with Rudy Vallee, Bob Hope, Jane Wyman, Kate Smith and Pat O’Brian as Knute Rockne.. The theatre was built in 1922 and closed in the 1960’s. Several years later, it was saved from demolition and remodeled into a theatrical venue with the help of Mrs. Ella. M. Morris, from South Bend. It was renamed “The Morris Civic Auditorium” and later “The Morris Performing Arts Center” now focusing on Broadway Productions and name brand talent.

South Bend had five theatres in the 1960’s when I was growing up. I have also painted the State Theatre. The two of them and are popular when exhibiting in local shows. Since South Bend was the home of the Studebaker, I had to put one in the painting.

Other Theatre paintings are: 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 and the Lerner Sign in Elkhart, Indiana.

**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

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

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

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

**20” x 30” Black Edge**………. $314.34

**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”Wrapped Edge** ………. $335.65

18” x 24” Original Painting on stretched canvas – Not Available

Midway Bait & Tackle

September 22, 2020February 22, 2021 Admin

Copyright Larry Johnston

**Midway Bait and Tackle**

**Osceola, Indiana**

The painting of the Bait and Tackle shop portrays the small bait store on the corner of CR 16 and Ash Road at the St. Joseph/Elkhart County Line overlooking the St. Joseph River in Osceola, Indiana.

Due to a recent auto accident, the store, which had been there for decades was destroyed by fire. Just recently the remains of the store have been removed.

This painting portrays an earlier time, as I removed some of the metal buildings. The fisherman and his dog are off to an early start in the morning, for a few hours of fishing. They stopped at the bait shop to pick up some earth worms,as everyone refers to. He must be that “Early Bird”.

The painting was selected to be part of an exhibit at the Midwest Museum of American Art, located in Elkhart, Indiana from October through the middle of December, 2020.

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 two other paintings you may be interested in.

**Gone Fishing**

**Gone Fishing Puzzle**

**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

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

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

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

**20” x 30” Black Edge**………. $314.34

**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”Wrapped Edge** ………. $335.65

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

Corby’s Irish Pub

September 22, 2020February 22, 2021 Admin

Copyright Larry Johnston, Nostalgic Artist

Corby’s Irish Pub

South Bend, Indiana

The famous inspirational movie “Rudy” was the beginning of this popular South Bend Pub. There was once a popular student hangout located near the Notre Dame campus on Corby Blvd., at the corner of Eddy Street where South Bend Avenue was also a part of the intersection called 5 Points.

The movie “Rudy”, about a young boy with aspirations of growing up and playing football for Notre Dame and the journey that he took to reach his goal.

The movie company chose Corby’s Irish Pub, previously called, The Cap and Cork” to film the bar scenes for the movie. The name of the bar was then changed to Corby’s Irish Pub and has taken the place of the old Corby’s, which was torn down.

The Pub is at the corner of Niles Avenue and LaSalle Avenue, in downtown South Bend, becoming a destination for students, fans and with all the movie memorabilia, a great place for tourists to visit. It is complete with several TVs, to keep up with what is happening in the sports world, as well as other fun activities throughout the establishment, thanks to owner Joe Mittiga.

In the painting, I wanted to capture the feeling and realism of the pub and with the wet sidewalk, street and cars, it gives extra excitement created from the glowing neon signs and lights.

around the sides of the wood.

8″ x 12″ White Edge………. $109.17

8″ x 12″ Wrapped Edge………. $109.17

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″ Original Painting on Canvas……….$2,295.00

Fruit on the Table

January 12, 2015February 22, 2021 Admin

around the sides of the wood.

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

Loew’s Jersey Theatre

January 2, 2015February 22, 2021 Admin

Loew’s Jersey Theatre

Jersey City, NJ

While researching local landmarks in my home-town of South Bend, Indiana, I recreated the Old Palace theatre, to make it look like it did in its thriving era. I started a series of the old theatres that were built during the 1920’s, which included the Chicago Theatre. Later I discovered the Loew’s Jersey, which, at the time was in disrepair was closed in 1986.

The fascination to me was the animated clock outside the building, which had two statues above the clock, St. George and a Dragon. There were red light bulbs in the dragon’s mouth which, when lit, simulated fire. On the quarter hour, the clock would chime and the statues would perform and the knight would approach the dragon and tip forward with his lance simulating a lunge.

The theatre was remodeled and reopened in 1996.

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; Warner Theatre, Elkhart and the Lerner Sign in Elkhart, Indiana.

around the sides of the wood.

24” x 36” Original Painting on Canvas Not Available

Los Angeles Theatre

January 2, 2015February 22, 2021 Admin

The Los Angeles Theatre

While looking for nostalgic places to paint, I was asked at a show if I had any theatres. South Bend, where I grew up, had several, so I took pictures of the buildings, which were still standing, I started researching the History of the theatres and was able to reconstruct them to the year of their beginning.

I started with the Palace Theatre in South Bend and eventually painted theatres in Atlanta, Los Angeles, Detroit and New Jersey. I also painted several Drive-in Theatres.

The Los Angeles Theatre, located at 615 S. Broadway in downtown Los Angeles opened in 1931. The inside was decorated with murals, mirrors and carved plaster and was made primarily for showing films. The theatre is equipped for live stage performances, as well as for showing movies.

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; Loew’s Theatre in Jersey City, NJ, Warner Theatre, Elkhart and the Lerner Sign in Elkhart, Indiana.

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″ White Edge………. $109.17

8″ x 12″ Wrapped Edge………. $109.17

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” Original Painting on canvas Not Available

Steak n Shake

January 1, 2015February 22, 2021 Admin

Nostalgia Painting Larry Johnston

“Steak and Shake”

St. Louis, MO.

While exhibiting in the area of St. Louis, I decided to see what they had in their area that was nostalgic. After some discussion with area locals, we found that the oldest Steak and Shake still in existence, was just off of Hwy 55, in St. Louis. Of course I had to check it out, along with some other possible places.

The Steak and Shake painting drew attention wherever I went. I put the cars into the painting to add to the time period of the building. Many people bought prints, some of the building and others for the classic cars.

I managed to do some of my painting at the shows, but customers kept me busy with questions. I liked the questions. The painting just drew the attention.

around the sides of the wood.

Fox Theatre Detroit

January 1, 2015February 22, 2021 Admin

The FOX Theatre

Detroit, MI

Theatres have always been a fascination to me, because of all the decorated lights on the marquee. I guess it reminds me of going to the carnival, with all the rides brightly lit up with various colors. It makes it even more interesting when it had been raining, causing the reflections in the street and sidewalks.

I have been in several festivals in the downtown area of Detroit, including the Greek Festival. I just had to have prints of the FOX in Detroit, so I took photos and painted it for the following year. As always, I try to recreate the scenes as if it were in its early existence, such as 1929.

I love the old brick streets, the way they looked after a rain. It became an instant attention-getter.

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

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″ White Edge………. $109.17

8″ x 12″ Wrapped Edge………. $109.17

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” Original Painting on canvas Not Available

50s Diner

January 1, 2015February 22, 2021 Admin

The 50s Diner.

Sarasota, Florida

While we were in Sarasota, Florida, we visited my cousin for few days. Since he is a car collector and exhibits his cars at the car shows in Florida, he was impressed with my Diner paintings. There was a local diner in Sarasota, called the 50s Diner and he asked if I would paint it with a couple of his cars in the painting. All four of the cars shown belonged to him at the time.

This painting added to the classic car inventory of the available prints.

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″ White Edge………. $109.17

8″ x 12″ Wrapped Edge………. $109.17

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” Original Painting on canvas Not Available.

Bonnie Doon, Lincolnway West

December 31, 2014February 22, 2021 Admin

Bonnie Doon,

Lincolnway West, Mishawaka, Indiana

While traveling around the country exhibiting at Art Shows and Festivals, several were close to home, so I painted some local places. Bonnie Doon was one of those places. The Ice Cream Chain covered South Bend and Mishawaka, with 5 Drive-in locations. Other locations I painted were Bonnie Doon -South Michigan St, South Bend…. Bonnie Doon – US 31 North, South Bend….. Bonnie Doon, 4^th St., Mishawaka 1940 …..Bonnie Doon, 4^th St. Mishawaka 1950s. Another location was Lincolnway West at Bendix Drive, South Bend, which I Have not yet painted.

This location was on Lincolnway, in Mishawaka. It is the only location still operating but has a different owner, but Bonnie Doon ice cream is still popular. The ice cream plant was originally within the 4^th Street building and later located in Elkhart and could be purchased at retail outlets in the area.

The panting highlights the neon with the 1956 T-Bird, showing the era of the business. On the opposite side of the building, there was a drive-up with car hops and the traditional ordering through a speaker from your car. I even included my wife Evelyn in the painting inside, complete with the Juke Box. She is not the one with the baseball cap!

around the sides of the wood.