Larry Moore’s Opera book release
June 22, 2010
There are a lot of art books out there that are how-to’s – How to mix color, how to paint a face, dealing with composition and drawing, etc. But in the many, many paintings I’ve looked at over the years, my first thought is hardly ever, “How did the artist paint that?” Instead, I’m wondering, “Where did that come from?”
The new book Poster and Process is a response to that question. It features the poster series of more than 35 paintings I’ve created for the Orlando Opera, and showcases not just the work but the line of thought that led up to each piece, including sketches and studies. The work is narrative and conceptual, with each painting telling the story of a specific opera in a succinct yet compelling way. Each spread features a synopsis of a particular opera, all of the background work that led to the final painting, and the “Creative Insight” section where I explain how the idea evolved.
This body of work was an opportunity to do more narrative paintings in a collected way. I love editorial art for its ability to tell stories, and this relationship with the Orlando Opera offered a chance to create an ongoing series of them – each connected to an art form that is all about story and drama, along with the stage and music.
The featured paintings have been a commercial success as well. Richard Kessler, the prominent businessman who is the benefactor and proud owner of all the paintings, is a fan as well, and shows the art in the gallery of his hotel. They’ve actually become a trademark icon of the hotel’s brand. “Larry is a very talented artist,” Richard says. “We are pleased that our Grand Bohemian Hotel displays the Opera Collection so many people can enjoy.”
Poster versions of the paintings are also popular, says Robert Swedberg, the opera’s general director. When they are displayed around town, “They don’t stand a chance of staying up. People like them so much they tend to ‘disappear.’” Still, even if we’re not sure where these artworks are ending up, at least now you can see where they started.
11×14,72 pages, soft bound. Designed by Jeff Matz of Lure Design
$50 or $60 signed plus shipping.
Buy the book here: <http://www.posterandprocess.com>
