Born and raised in North Dakota, Kevin Larson sold his first painting at fourteen and then presented his first one-man art show only three years later. Already, when most teenagers were worrying about cars and girls (or boys), Kevin had art touring with the Governor's Art Exhibit and had already garnered a myriad of state, regional and national awards for his artistic excellence. Larson left North Dakota and all that snow in 1979 and moved to California. His first solo show in the Golden State was nearly sold out and his reputation as a star on the rise took off. His works and reproductions of pencil drawings and paintings are in private collections all over the world. Larson's art work has been featured on the covers of numerous magazines, music CD's, greeting cards, and gallery walls. He has received numerous awards including The Golden Plate Award for Excellence by The American Academy of Achievement. After four decades of dedication to his craft, Larson's paintings and artwork are internationally recognized. Larson's internet gallery receives thousands of visitors each week, and he has recently accepted representation in Italy. Larson's perfectionist attention to detail, realistic portraiture, and unique ability to convey emotion are signature characteristics of his work. Larson's latest works are a compelling union of contrasting styles that demonstrate his continued evolution and masterful touch. The above text was originally taken from Larson's website. It may have changed. Portions of it have been paraphrased. "Love and War" by Kevin Raye Larson Image Copyright © by Kevin Raye Larson "Love and War" was Larson's signature work to promote his unique one-man exhibit entitled "Body & Soul." The exhibit opened Oct 2, 2004, in Cathedral City, California, for a 3-week run, but ran for four months due to popular demand. "Dominion" by Kevin Raye Larson 1995 Plaster & Acrylic on Canvas 46" X 80" Image Copyright © by Kevin Raye Larson "I Miss You Too" by Kevin Raye Larson Image Copyright © by Kevin Raye Larson The artist's comments are quoted below "'I You Miss You Too' is a contemplative study which explores the ultimate loss of special people in our lives, whether they be friends, family, lovers, children. The manner in which these two persons have become distanced from one another remains a mystery. Perhaps an untimely death, a temporary separation, divorce, the break up of a budding relationship or a long-distance relocation which keeps them apart. Yet there they remain. Alone in their togetherness and grieving the loss. For some, the stones are the fortified walls intended to keep their love safe from harm. For others, it has become their prison. A deep and almost endless well of pain, suffering, loneliness, regret and sorrow. The loss of love is a familiar journey for most and one which often carries us to the very core of our soul to mourn that which we held closest to our heart. Ironic as it may seem, the painting depicts the very last thing these two individuals will jointly share. It is after all of the goodbyes have been said and done and the only remaining thing which ties them together is knowing 'I miss you too'. For in them exists our loss. "This work is dedicated to my son, Tyler Kevin Lee Larson. Daddy misses you too." "Was It You" by Kevin Raye Larson Acrylic on Canvas 2000 Image Copyright © by Kevin Raye Larson The artist's comments are quoted below "[This painting] is a visual interpretation of the momentary chance meetings, disregarded opportunities and minute nuances in life which ultimately can, and often times do, reap tremendous results which effectively alter or restructure the course of our lives. Often times, it is our own fear of the unknown or dislike of change which cause us to cast aside our internal instincts or curiosity to investigate what awaits us just around the next corner; whether it be a job promotion, moving to a new apartment, meeting a new acquaintance over a cup of coffee, or simply exploring or expanding our experiences by having the courage to risk our own emotional or physical security. These are the internal walls we build to keep pain and risk at a distance. And it is there where many safely sit, alone, beautiful and scared and forever looking back with the one burning question, 'Was it you?' "This work was, in part, created with the photographic contribution and courtesy of Steel Life Photography and Ed Freeman." "Breathing" by Kevin Raye Larson 2004 Acrylic on Canvas 30" X 40" Image Copyright © by Kevin Raye Larson "Shattered I" by Kevin Raye Larson 1997 Acrylic on Canvas 22" x 40" Image Copyright © by Kevin Raye Larson "Shattered III" by Kevin Raye Larson 2002 Acrylic on Canvas 22" x 40" Image Copyright © by Kevin Raye Larson "Wet in Berlin" by Kevin Raye Larson Image Copyright © by Kevin Raye Larson The artist's comments are quoted below "I first met Terri Nunn in 1983. Over the years, I have done various portraits of her. This latest work was a 3-day project that figuratively and literally poured out of me and onto the canvas. It is a work that I am very proud of and hope to do more in this style." Another exhibit of Larson's paintings is on this page
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