Have you ever imagined the Mona Lisa combined with Monet’s White Water Lilies, becoming the Monet Lisa? How about Paul Revere contemplating the bust of Abraham Lincoln rather than a teapot?
Maybe these ideas are new to you, but artist Larry Kassell has been pondering combinations such as these for quite some time. Now carrying his own private design, Kassell combines humorous illustrations (cartooning) with the “traditional” manner of painting, calling his oil paintings, Inacchronisms™ (inaccurate anachronisms).
Larry Kassell loved painting from a very young age. Upon graduation from North Salem High School, he decided to join the Air Force, as working in his father’s printing business did not interest him. Kassell became an illustrator while in the Air Force, while stationed in Osan, Korea.
After working a number of different art jobs, including a position at the State of Oregon Education Division, and the (Salem) Statesman-Journal, Kassell launched a private career of oil painting in December 2007. With the consent of his wife, Julia, along with their six children, he now paints, paints, and paints, producing on average one oil painting per week in his home town of Stayton, Oregon.
Kassell enjoys his new-found painting career and his collection Inacchronisms™. “Humor often drives home a point,” he says. “I’ve combined the two into Humor-Us art that will give viewers a chuckle, yet the subject is recognizable.”
His work is influenced by the accomplishments of Norman Rockwell and James C. Christensen, who also combine realism and humor, to tell a story.
“I am truly grateful for Corban University for this opportunity to show my new collection,” Kassel states.
Whether you’re in need of a laugh after a tough day of classes, or wanting to simply take a minute to reflect on the unique point of view of Kassell’s art, you are sure to find contentment by taking a minute to stroll through the gallery during the month of October. By viewing Larry Kassell’s excellent work, you are sure to walk away with smiles and laughs, as well as inspiration from his unique take and artistic creativity in the world of art.