Larry Grossman
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Larry Grossman is a renowned artist whose illustrious career, beginning in the mid-1960s in Los Angeles, spans the realms of custom car culture, animation, and digital artistry. From his early days working alongside icons like George Barris to his pioneering work in digital media, Grossman's journey is a fascinating chronicle of creativity and innovation.
Contents
- 1 Beginnings: Airbrushes and Icons
- 2 Educational Pursuits and Animation: From Berkeley to Disney
- 3 The Digital Revolution: A New Artistic Process
- 4 A Love for Classics: Personal Projects and Pursuits
- 5 Retrovisions: Celebrating Nostalgia Through Art
- 6 Commissioned Art: Personalizing Nostalgia
- 7 Larry Grossman's Cars
- 8 References
Beginnings: Airbrushes and Icons
Grossman's artistic journey began in the mid-1960s in Los Angeles, where, at just 15 years old, he started airbrushing and selling wild T-shirts at car shows and events. His early exposure to the vibrant car culture of L.A. allowed him to occasionally collaborate with George Barris, famously dubbed the "King of the Car Kustomizers." At 17, during a "Teenage Fair" in Hollywood, Larry found himself painting shirts in Barris's booth, right next to Ed "Big Daddy" Roth, another monumental figure in the car customizing and art world. This proximity to influential figures not only shaped his early career but also forged lasting friendships, notably with Barris, for whom Larry would later design car concepts and even create the cover artwork for Barris's last published book.[1]
Educational Pursuits and Animation: From Berkeley to Disney
In 1967, Larry relocated to Berkeley, where he pursued and completed his education at the California College of Arts and Crafts (CCAC), later returning to teach Animation. His talents caught the attention of Disney Studios, leading to his significant role as a designer for the 1982 groundbreaking film "TRON." This project was pivotal as it introduced Larry to the capabilities of computer technology in artistic creation, fundamentally shaping his future work.[1]
The Digital Revolution: A New Artistic Process
Post-TRON, Larry embarked on a freelance career, creating artworks for major studios like Disney, Warner Bros., and DreamWorks. During this time, he also illustrated album covers for the legendary musician Frank Zappa. His engagement with computer technology on "TRON" inspired him to develop a unique artistic process that involved digital airbrushing combined with his photography, leading to distinctive and visually captivating results.[1]
A Love for Classics: Personal Projects and Pursuits
An avid car enthusiast, Larry not only immortalizes classic styles through his art but also enjoys them personally. In 2024, he owned a '32 Ford hot rod and a '61 Nash Metro Convertible, handling all the mechanical work himself. His Nash Metro even garnered attention on the popular TV show "Jay Leno's Garage."[1]
Retrovisions: Celebrating Nostalgia Through Art
Through his business, Retrovisions, Larry Grossman continues to create and exhibit his artwork globally. His pieces, which often reflect the nostalgic styles of the 1930s to 1950s, are showcased in galleries and museums worldwide. Larry has self-published over seventy-five posters and has diversified his artistic presence into a variety of products, including metal signs, T-shirts, calendars, jigsaw puzzles, phone cases, model cars, fabric, and even bowling balls. This broad array of licensed art products allows fans of his work to own a piece of unique artistic expression that celebrates the golden era of American car culture.[1]
Commissioned Art: Personalizing Nostalgia
Imagine the thrill of seeing your own car, or even yourself, immortalized in a classic Larry Grossman scene! Larry welcomes commissions from enthusiasts who desire personalized artwork that not only showcases their vehicles but also can include beloved pets, their business names, or any personal element they wish to add. This bespoke service allows individuals to own a unique piece of art that reflects their personal style and passions, intricately blended with Larry's distinctive retro flair. For those interested in acquiring or commissioning Larry's work, visit his website at www.retrovisions.com or contact him directly at (818) 970-9128 to discuss your custom art project. Whether it's for a personal collection or a special gift, Larry's commissioned pieces offer a timeless celebration of individual stories and classic automotive beauty.
Larry Grossman's Cars
Larry Grossman's 1929 Ford Model A Four-Door Sedan
Larry Grossman's 1932 Ford 3-Window Coupe
Larry Grossman's 1961 Nash Metropolitan
References
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