Theatres – Larry Johnston, Nostalgic Artist

Warner Theatre

October 12, 2020February 22, 2021 Admin

Copyright Larry Johnston — Werner Theatre 1930s

Copyright Larry Johnston

**The Warner Theatre**

**Elkhart, Indiana, Early 1930s.**

The Lerner Theatre was built in Elkhart in 1924 by Harry E Lerner and was later sold to the Warner family, who changed the name to “The Warner”. The Warner theatre name existed from 1931 to 1933, then was sold. It was named “The ELCO” until 2011, when it was returned to its original name, “The Lerner” and renovated into the venue you now see.

I found a black and white photo of what the Werner looked like in its heyday and recreated it in Acrylic paint on stretched canvas to bring back the era of the early 1930s, complete with the trolley. The electric car, now on display at the Ruthmere museum is also in the painting.

This painting was finished in September of 2015 and chosen as part of the exhibit of the “Juried Regional” at the Midwest Museum of American Art, from September until mid-December 2015.

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 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

24” x 36” Original Painting on stretched canvas $1,295

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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

Rees Theatre

January 2, 2015February 22, 2021 Admin

Rees Theatre

Plymouth, IN

Plymouth, Indiana is the home of the famous Blueberry Festival, where thousands of people converge on the little town in northern Indiana. The Rees theatre has seen its share of ups and downs. After a long rest, the Rees Theatre is getting new breath, with the remodeling that has been taking place. It seems like the whole town is getting involved in its restoration.

While the theatre was in limbo, years ago, I painted this as a token to the town. While traveling from one show to another for years, I chose interesting places that the townsfolk could identify with when they viewed the paintings. The Rees Theatre was one of those iconic places.

Other Theatres I have painted are: The Palace in South Bend, 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.

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

Fort George Drive-in Theatre

December 31, 2014February 22, 2021 Admin

Ft. George Drive-in Theatre

Southgate, Michigan

During the outdoor drive in era, the Ft George Drive-in was built in 1950. It was located at 16300 Fort Street, in Southgate, Michigan. The theatre had one screen and could hold 1200 cars, which later, after remodeling, was able to service 1300.

During a storm in 1990, the screen was damaged by the high winds. It was eventually torn down in 1991.

While touring with my paintings, I had done several theatres, when I was told about the Ft George theatre at the Wyandotte Art Fair, just north of Southgate, where the drive-in theatre used to be. After some research, I found a black and white sketch of the theatre. I believe it was on a matchbook cover.

I painted the 24 x 36 painting before the show, the following year. I made prints of the painting and it became a popular item in the area. It’s amazing how many people remember that theatre along with some of the stories that followed.

Other outdoor Theatres I have painted are: 28^th St. Drive-in, St. Petersburg, FL: Tri-way Theatre, Plymouth, IN

around the sides of the wood.

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

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Fox Theatre Atlanta #2 The King and I

December 31, 2014February 22, 2021 Admin

The Fox Theatre

Atlanta, GA

“The King and I”

While exhibiting in Georgia, at one of the Arts Festivals, I had a print of a painting that I had previously sold. A customer liked it so much that they wanted a painting of it. Since I don’t paint identical paintings, except when someone wants several of them for gifts, such as a family home, in which I have painted as many as four. They went to all four siblings of a family.

We agreed to paint the FOX Theatre, but with a different view and a special car. The First Fox painting was “Singin’ in the Rain”. The second painting featured “The King and I”.

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

around the sides of the wood.

24” x 36” ………. Original Painting on stretched canvas not available.

28th Street Drive-In Theatre

December 30, 2014February 22, 2021 Admin

28th Street Drive-in Theatre

St. Petersburg, FL.

For those of us that remember the teenage years with outdoor drive-in theatres, we have heard many stories about what happened at those theaters. The painting depicted here, in St. Pete, Florida, shows how some of us saved a few bucks, by hiding in the trunk of the car, until after we were inside the theatre. I’m sure you never did that!

Those were just rumors, right? They eventually got smart and just charged by the carload, instead of per person. There are less than 500 outdoor theatres left in the country. Most have been converted to shopping centers and housing communities.

Other outdoor theatre paintings I have done are: Tri-way Outdoor Theatre, Plymouth, IN; Ft. George Drive-in Theatre, Southgate, MI

Other St Pete places I have painted are:

Biff Burger

28th Street Drive in Theatre

Ted Peters Smoked Fish

Pelican Diner

around the sides of the wood.

11″ x 14″Black Edge………. $141.82

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11″ x 14″ White Edge………. $141.82

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11″ x 14″ Wrapped Edge………. $141.82

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18″ x 24″Black Edge………. $237.96

Error! Special characters like [, ], <, > are not supported in the product name.

18″ x 24″ White Edge………. $237.96

Error! Special characters like [, ], <, > are not supported in the product name.

18″ x 24″ Wrapped Edge………. $237.96

Error! Special characters like [, ], <, > are not supported in the product name.

24″ X 30″ original painting on stretched canvas not available.

Fox Theatre Atlanta #1 Singin’ in the Rain

December 29, 2014February 22, 2021 Admin

The FOX Theatre

Atlanta, GA

“Singin’ in the Rain”

Located in the middle of Atlanta, Georgia the FOX Theatre, built and opened in 1929, with vaudeville and later cinema, now features Broadway Shows and Theatrical performances. Since the theatre has become an Icon to Atlanta, I felt it necessary to create a painting of the famous FOX.

The original painting was sold at the Yellow Daisy Festival at Stone Mountain Park, just east of Atlanta. The festival is one of the top-rated festivals in the country. Prints of the painting were popular through the years of exhibiting around the country, especially in Georgia. It was one of the first paintings where I highlighted the painting with rain and water reflections at night.

Other Theatres I have painted are: The Palace in South Bend, IN; The Reese in Plymouth, IN; Fox in Detroit, 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.

around the sides of the wood.

24″ X 36″ original painting on canvas not available.

Chicago Theatre

December 29, 2014April 21, 2021 Admin

The Chicago Theatre,

Downtown, Chicago, Illinois.

There was a time when I started painting neon signs in the paintings, so while I was in Chicago, I couldn’t help but to photograph the Chicago Theatre. Little did I know at the time, the hit movie “Chicago” would be released to the theatres within a year of when the painting was finished. The painting became the center of attention shortly thereafter. The movie came out in 2002 and has become one of my favorites, especially the music soundtrack.

The Chicago theatre, was built in 1921 for 4 million dollars, which included ornate architecture and beautiful murals above the stage and on the ceiling. The vertical “Chicago” sign outside measured six stories high.

The theatre closed in 1985 and was saved from demolition and reopened in 1986 with a gala performance by Frank Sinatra.

The Chicago, is one of several theatres I have painted from around the country. 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 Los Angeles Theatre; Loew’s Theatre in Jersey City, NJ, 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.