Larry Anderson

Larry, a handsome young man with premature graying hair, hails from Randolph, NY.  He always liked art as a child but in his teenage years, sports became his main interest.  In high school he excelled in football and wrestling.  He planned to attend college on a sports scholarship, but a leg injury put an end to that option.

At a local Community College, Larry once again returned to his interest in art.  Unfortunately the curriculum was too basic for Larry's energy and interest, so he resigned, going to work in construction.

On a fateful trip to Florida, Larry met Beverly, who became his wife.  The couple remained in Florida.  At that time, Beverly worked at a decorating studio on Boca Grande.  When their artist had too much work, Larry offered to help.  Having watched the craftsman decorate walls and paint faux finishes on furniture, Larry was confident that he could do the same.

He painted weekends while working weekdays on construction.  Again, fate changed Larry's career direction when he developed skin cancer.  No more could he afford to work constantly outdoors; art would have to be his full-time occupation.

Painting flowers on a large furniture piece on Boca Grande launched his new career.  He soon became proficient at painting many faux designs, murals, and decorating furniture pieces.  In the summer months he and Beverly would travel north and west to complete painting assignments from Boca Grande customers.  After 10 years, Larry has mastered many techniques: faux, antiquing, crackling, and marbling.  He will tackle any job whether it's a tropical mural or a realistic painted rug on a porch floor.  A few years ago Larry and Beverly opened Artistic Illusions, a gallery, to exhibit Larry's paintings and furniture.

Larry is happy with the direction fate has led him and is excited by the creation of new designs.  He is constantly striving to learn new techniques and plans to try sculpture this summer, and learn mould making and casting.

The Andersons have two children, Chase, 9, and Jessica, 6.  Already Chase is showing signs of artistic talent.  Father and son showed paintings this spring at the Boca Bay Pass Club.