Florida – Page 2 – Larry Johnston, Nostalgic Artist

Krispy Kreme, Gainesville, FL

December 29, 2014February 22, 2021 Admin

Krispy Kreme

Gainesville, Florida

I was looking for something local to paint while exhibiting in a show in Gainesville, Florida. I found this old- style Krispy Kreme. In researching the company, which was started in North Carolina, it sparked an idea for the painting. Since the common denominators were, NC and doughnuts, I decided to put the police car that was used in Mayberry with Andy Griffith and Don Knotts, in the painting, as it was filmed in Mt. Airy, North Carolina. That’s probably Barney in the car, as he would most likely be the one that went out for doughnuts.

The painting became not only a popular local attraction, but was popular around the country.

around the sides of the wood.

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

Ted Peter’s Smoked Fish

December 29, 2014February 22, 2021 Admin

Ted Peter’s Smoked Fish

South Pasadena, Florida

When you hear the name Ted Peter’s Smoked Fish, you may hear St. Petersburg, FL, but it is just west of there at 1350 Pasadena Avenue South, South Pasadena, Florida.

The business opened in 1951 and the family owned business has been at that location for 5 generations. They have their own smoke house next door where you can smell the fresh smoked aroma of Salmon, Mahi-Mahi, Mackerel and Mullet. If you ever stop by, make sure you try their smoked fish spread and maybe take a pint home, as well as fish by the pound. We ate there several times when we were in the area and enjoyed every bite.

We were told by the owner after we showed him the painting, that wherever we would go in the country, we would have people recognize it. He was right, people recognized it from Detroit to Chicago and south to Florida.

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.

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

Biff Burger

December 29, 2014February 22, 2021 Admin

Biff Burger

St. Petersburg, Florida

This painting was of the popular Biff Burger in St. Petersburg, Florida, located on 49th Street. It still has the original design and is the only one left from the original hundreds of franchised restaurants that disappeared mostly in the 1970s.

Instead of Burgers, Fries and Shakes, they offered many other possibilities, for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. While exhibiting at shows is the area, it was suggested that Biff Burger would make a great local addition to my paintings. It was one of my early paintings of nostalgic cars and diners.

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………. $148.82

11″ x 14″ White Edge………. $148.82

11″ x 14″ Wrapped Edge………. $148.82

16″ x 20″ Black Edge ………. $204.72

16″ x 20″ White Edge………. $204.72

16″ x 20″ Wrapped Edge………. $204.72

16″ x 20″ ………. $375.00 original painting on stretched canvas not available.

Angels Diner

December 26, 2014February 22, 2021 Admin

Angels Diner,

Palatka, Florida.

Established in 1932, Angels Diner is the oldest diner in the State of Florida. Palatka is located 44 miles east of Gainesville and is open 24 hours. They even serve breakfast at any time. Besides up to one-pound hamburgers, they are also known for their freshly made Onion Rings. (Not Frozen). You can also order Hot Dogs, Fried Chicken and Catfish. The diner also has outside covered seating.

Gainesville has several big Street Art Shows per year, which I exhibited at both. Angels was a big hit after I painted and unveiled it for the shows. The locals recognized it as their own favorite historic place to eat.

around the sides of the wood.

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

Angelo’s Hot Dog World

December 26, 2014February 22, 2021 Admin

Angelo’s Hot Dog World,

Ft. Pierce, Florida

During my travels to the southern states to exhibit in Art Festivals, during the Winter months, we regularly stayed at a campground, in Ft. Pierce, Florida. As you know, I am always on the lookout for nostalgic places to paint.

In the early years of going to Florida, which would be in the mid to late 1980s, we discovered Angelo’s Hot Dog World on Hwy 1, in Ft. Pierce.

I think he eventually moved close by to 304 Gardenia Ave, Ft. Pierce, just off Hwy 1. I no longer have the painting, as it was sold to a young couple, at a show in central Georgia, called Cotton Pickin’ Days.